Communication Tool

Using ICT as a communicative tool   
In the class, we have discussed the communicative tools which will make the learning very interesting. I think in the 21^st century, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is very important as many people recognized ICTs catalysts for change in working conditions, handling and exchanging information, teaching methods, learning approaches, scientific research and in accessing information communication technologies. In this digital era, the use of ICT in a classroom is important for students to provide opportunities to learn and apply 21st-century skills. Moreover, ICT improves teaching and learning and its importance for teachers in performing their role of creators of pedagogical environments.

 ICT helps the teacher to present his or her teachings style attractively. Being a future teacher, it is very important to have ICT knowledge because we may come across different learners with different learning styles. In order to cater to those students, the teacher needs to have ICT related knowledge. Teaching using power point presentation and showing video doesn’t mean using ICT in teaching and learning. It must add value to the lesson, must enhance students learning, to solve the problem and should create educational opportunities for the students.

There are many communicative tools but we categorize it into two, (1) synchronous and (2) Asynchronous. Synchronous communication can be defined as real-time communication between two people. 

It can be used for instructional activities that require higher degrees of interaction or for solving urgent problems or issues.

Examples of synchronous communicative tools are chat, electronic whiteboard or video conferencing. 

Advantages

·         Real-time collaboration.

·         Immediate response and feedback.

·         Many low-cost and free solutions.

·         Most useful for 1 to 1 communication.

·         Video/web conferencing allow for body language and tone of voice.

·         Increased motivation and engagement with course concepts.

·         Increased social presence

Disadvantages

• Interactions can be focused on task-related issues (Park and Bonk, 2007).
• Lack of reflection between collaborators.
• Instant messaging does not allow for the tone of voice or body language.
• If technology fails the collaboration session not possible.
• The large time commitment for collaborators.
• Difficult for one to many communication.
• Lacks documentation.

Asynchronous: It is a communication in which data can be transmitted intermittently rather than in a steady stream. Example include e-mail, VLE, and electronic bulletin boards.
Messaging system in which the exchange of information between people is not ‘live’ but somehow delayed. It is appropriate for activities that require more time in thinking before responding.

Advantages

·         Available anytime and anyplace.

·         Can incorporate a variety of media (LMS, Google Wave, Elluminate).

·         Documentation of collaboration process (cloud technology).

·         Can be used for one to one communication and one to many communication.

·         More time for reflection.

·         Contribution to discussion can be more evenly distributed.

·         More opportunity for students to share multiple perspectives.

·         Avoidance of undesirable classroom behaviour.

Disadvantages

·         No immediate feedback.

·         Difficult to keep track of collaboration (email overload).

·         Technology can be costly.

·         The information must be organized and searchable or it is lost.

·         Written ideas may be misinterpreted.

·         Often lacks a true 'social presence.'

·         The learner may feel less engaged due to lag in response time to forum posts or questions.

·         Irregular or inconsistent contribution by individuals can affect the richness of discussion and learning.

       

Edmodo notes 
Edmodo is an educational network that aims at providing teacher with tools to help them connect and communicate with their student and parents. Through the Edmodo app or website, teachers can share content, texts, videos, homework and assignment to their students online. 

Procedure to join the class on Edmodo

       a)      Get code from teacher

b)     Go to www.edmodo.com

c)      Login with our username and password.

d)     Click on “join a class” or “join a group” button towards the bottom of the list.

e)      Then type the code and clicked on “join.”

      Link
- Link for Edmodo