Information Technology and Conscious Communication

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Information Technology and Conscious Communication
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Communications Continuum

• When thinking about the utilization of technology
  for communication purposes an ethnographic study
  by Goodall and Goodall, (2006) revealed that the
  use of technology is based on preferences for
  communication mode and personality.
• The conscious communication continuum illustrates
  how one moves to from mindless to mindful
  technology communications.

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CommunicationContinuum
Mindless Technological Domination
Mindful Technological Power
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Types of Information Technologies

• Computer-assisted communication technologies
• Facsimiles
• Modems
• Videoconferencing
• E-mail
• Voice mail
• Computer networks

• Computer-assisted decision-aiding technologies
• Online management information systems
• Information retrieval databases, expert systems
  or programs

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Computer-Assisted Communication Technologies

• Email and Voice Mail Making conscious choices
  about how an when to use voice mail and e-mail
  will ensure that your message is well received
  and acted upon.
• Voice Mail Tips
• Be clear and concise
• Give relevant information such as date, time,
  etc.
• Limit the message to two-three sentences
• Include date and time for a response
• Do not ramble or mix information
• E-mail Tips
• Use short, concise statements
• Think of email as a virtual conversation rather
  than a long essay
• Dont mark a message urgent unless sit really is!
• Invite a follow-up in the from iof a person to
  person meeting, letter or phone cal to facilitate
  a more detailed exchange
• Convey emotion using an emoticon if the message
  seems ambiguous.
• Have easily recognizable signatures and email
  addresses

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Computer Networks

• Computer networks - are two or more computers
  connected either locally (within a building or
  company) or widely across different geographical
  locations (by cable, phone lines or satellite.
  These forms of technology allow us to access
  files, email and access the World Wide Web (WWW)
  and documents stored in other locations.
• Telecommuting - or commuting to work on the
  information superhighway while offering freedom
  and autonomy (working from home) it has created a
  number of challenges particularly as it relates
  to interpersonal communications. For example, how
  do you build relationships, resolve conflicts,
  solve problems and engage in collective
  decision-making.

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Virtual Communities

• These communities bring together like-minded
  people or members of a group or team to work
  through problems, share common interests and
  ideas and resolve conflicts.
• Netiquette taken for the word social
  etiquette is a term used to describe appropriate
  behavior when participating in online
  discussions. Like workplace etiquette, netiquette
  provides a guide for apppropriate conduct online.
• Several books and articles are available to
  provide guidance for online manners and
  netiquette as follows
• Because Netiquette Matters, Judith Kallos
• Netiquette, Virginia Shea

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Videoconferencing

• Virtual teams use videoconferencing to hold
  meetings or present ideas. With this technology
  two or more participants at different sites
  conduct a meeting using computer networks or
  audio and video equipment.
• Videoconferencing is an economical way provide
  training or to bring people together across
  different time zones.

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Web-based Research

• Before using the internet for online research
  contact the school library for assistance in
  identifying relevant search engines.
• The university has a internet-based research
  program that allows users to search journals,
  magazines, newspapers, references, etc. for
  school purposes
• Use the school homepage of the library to begin
  navigating on the internet.
• Other helpful sites include
• Communications Institute for Online Research
  www.cios.org/
• National Communication Association
  www.natcom.org/
• Academy of Management www.aom.pace.edu/
• American Communication Association
  www.uark.edu/aca

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How Much Technology is Needed

• The amount of technology used is based upon
  several factors
• Check your business or profession to find out
  which software is most frequently used in your
  field.
• Standards set by the industry Each industry
  differs slightly on the specific types of
  hardware and software that are used. Word Perfect
  provides legal forms, graphic artist prefer
  Macintosh and Microsoft Word is used in business.
  Stick with the technology that is standard in
  your industry.
• The amount of time you are willing to invest in
  learning Continuous learning and learning
  organizations are terms to live and imply
  on-going learning.