Considering Modes of Technological Communication

A blog assignment is the culmination of our study of technology generated discussions.  This mode of communication allows the writer to direction the discussion through focused posts.  It makes use of threaded discussion as the style of response.

Email Discussions, once the latest new technology, has now been ingrained into everyday use.  It is a quick and easy way to maintain contact, and share thoughts and ideas.   Smart phones extend the usability that was previously limited to a computer and keyboard.  Primary concerns are centered on it not being a security, privacy, spam, viruses, and a bogus sender.

Threaded Discussions are a popular style of communication for on-line classes.  While it is a good way to ensure students share ideas and finished pieces of work, it does stilt real dialogue because responses are often days apart.  Once an assignment and comment criteria is met, few students return to the posts to continue the discussion.  Also, since discussions are written and public, they appear to be more sterile than those that take place within a classroom.  However, they also allow time for the responder to be more thoughtful.  Threaded discussions used in this capacity tend to be set up for a limited audience.  Therefore, fears of “stranger danger” can be eliminated.  Facebook also uses threaded discussions as a means of responding to a post.  One of the better features of FB is the ability to eliminate one’s own comment or a comment appearing on one’s own wall.

Live Chat Discussions are more genuine than threaded discussions because responses are made in real time.  Because there is a slight delay in between pop-up responses, short replies create a better flow of dialogue.  This means a dialogue of any depth is challenging at best.  Since discussions are read while typing, anyone that is off task or unprepared is given more voice than they would be in an ordinary classroom.  Chatrooms can be set up for a limited audience, so again, contributions outside the community can be eliminated.