ICT Methods

ICT Methods for Communication

“Information and communication technologies are defined as for the purposes, as a “diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, and to create, disseminate, store, and manage information.” These technologies include computers, the Internet, broad casting technologies (radio and television), and telephones”. (Mohanty 2011)
The use of ICTs in today’s society has rapidly increased through the use of social media sites such as Facebook, twitter, instant messaging and email. Technology has helped to make communication more convenient especially in long distance cases. The software needed for these kinds of communication is readily available and usually free.
Telephones are the most popular method of communication, having been around for more than 100 years in various forms. The land line telephone is still important for business and home; however mobile phones are fast becoming the favoured technology. They range from cheap and cheerful, call and text only devices to smartphones that can do more such as email, web browsing or play music. Recently smart phones allow you to install extra Apps for virtually any interests from cinema listings to DIY spirit levels. For the more exotic locations where there is neither land nor mobile coverage you can use a satellite phone. These connect directly to an orbiting satellite. “The utilization of ICT can be described as nothing short of astounding. In 2007, worldwide mobile telephone subscriptions reached 3.3 billion, a number equivalent to half the global population” (Sydney Morning Herald, 2008).
Email allows you to send formatted text and images to someone else with an email address. Each email user has a unique address which messages can be sent to. Email is now one of the most common methods of communication. Smartphones can download your emails so you can read them anywhere; they also allow you to send emails. You can also attach files to an email e.g. spread sheet or a word document. Without email, many businesses would not be able to operate. “Email has transformed the way that people communicate in the business world. …..Email conversations can be between two or more people, and these types of discussions often replace the need for formal meetings since decisions can be made in this forum.” (Sheahan 2013)
Instant messaging is mostly a text based service where one person types a message and the other person instantaneously receives it in their IM window. Groups can also be set up so that a number of people can chat to each other whilst online. It is similar to email in that it needs to be connected to a server in order to work. This kind of service can also be used by business people to help keep in touch whilst on the move. Another common use of IM is online gaming. Instant messaging is a useful tool for business use, and in many ways it is better than email. With an IM program, supervisors and managers can see which workers are signed in and at their desks, which ones are in meetings and which ones are out of the office. Employees can often get much-needed answers more quickly using an IM system than by phone or email. (Conrad 2013)
In conclusion, communication is one of the most important parts of human life. Communicating with each other and passing information and understanding each other are of vital importance if you are to survive in society. Methods of communication, verbal and non-verbal have come a long way since the time we communicated for simple needs like hunger and illness.
Bibliography:
• AFP. (2008). “Mobile Phone Users Top 3.3 Billion”. Sydney Morning Herald. [Online], available: http://www.smh.com.au/news. [Accessed 14th November 2013]
• Conrad, B. (2013). “How Do Businesses Use Communication Technology to Improve Their Performance?” [Online], available: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/businesses-use-communication-technology-improve-performance-136.html. [Accessed 14th November 2013].
• Mohanty, R. (2011).”Introduction to ICT”. [Online], available: http://ict-adv-disadv.blogspot.ie/. [Accessed 14th November 2013]
• Sheahan, K. (2013), “Business Communication Methods” [Online], available: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/business-communication-methods-115.html. [Accessed 18th November 2013].

Bibliography: • AFP. (2008). “Mobile Phone Users Top 3.3 Billion”. Sydney Morning Herald. [Online], available: http://www.smh.com.au/news. [Accessed 14th November 2013] • Conrad, B. (2013). “How Do Businesses Use Communication Technology to Improve Their Performance?” [Online], available: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/businesses-use-communication-technology-improve-performance-136.html. [Accessed 14th November 2013]. • Mohanty, R. (2011).”Introduction to ICT”. [Online], available: http://ict-adv-disadv.blogspot.ie/. [Accessed 14th November 2013] • Sheahan, K. (2013), “Business Communication Methods” [Online], available: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/business-communication-methods-115.html. [Accessed 18th November 2013].