Element 3 - Digital Communication
SMART Learning Objectives
![Digital Communication](/uploads/7/0/1/9/70199053/published/3.jpg?1494714091)
After reviewing the content in this workshop, you should be able to perform the following:
1. Define Digital Communication
2. Describe three types of devices used to digitally communicate
3. List two problems with digital communication in educational settings
1. Define Digital Communication
2. Describe three types of devices used to digitally communicate
3. List two problems with digital communication in educational settings
![Two People Communicating Digitally](/uploads/7/0/1/9/70199053/published/3-communication.png?1494716104)
Digital Communication
Overview
Digital Communication is defined as the electronic exchange of information using various devices, methods, and formats within an electronic social structure. (Ribble, 2015). Since the public introduction of the Internet in the early 1990s, communication devices have expanded from desktop computers physically connected to a phone line to wireless devices including laptop computers, cell phones, and tablets using wireless local area networking, or Wi-Fi. Communication methods have evolved from email to text messaging, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), and the use of social media applications including Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter. While mobile digital technology provides an advantage of constant communication between students and parents, problems persist. These problems include the use of mobile devices in the classroom that cause distraction, facilitate cheating, cyberbullying, and the sharing of inappropriate content. It is important for educational institutions to regulate the use of these technologies in educational settings, while embracing the evolving use digital communication methods and technologies (Ribble 2015).
Overview
Digital Communication is defined as the electronic exchange of information using various devices, methods, and formats within an electronic social structure. (Ribble, 2015). Since the public introduction of the Internet in the early 1990s, communication devices have expanded from desktop computers physically connected to a phone line to wireless devices including laptop computers, cell phones, and tablets using wireless local area networking, or Wi-Fi. Communication methods have evolved from email to text messaging, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), and the use of social media applications including Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter. While mobile digital technology provides an advantage of constant communication between students and parents, problems persist. These problems include the use of mobile devices in the classroom that cause distraction, facilitate cheating, cyberbullying, and the sharing of inappropriate content. It is important for educational institutions to regulate the use of these technologies in educational settings, while embracing the evolving use digital communication methods and technologies (Ribble 2015).
![Air Force Digital Communication](/uploads/7/0/1/9/70199053/published/3-af-communication.jpg?1494714441)
Connections to Digital Communication
As a federal employee at NASIC, digital communication plays a significant role in day-to-day productivity. While this role can be beneficial in terms of efficiency, there are disadvantages. The common use of desktop computers makes it easy to replace face-to-face communication using email or instant messaging applications. These methods can result in misunderstandings between employees or loss of productivity. Effective writing skill also plays a role in effective digital communication. Employees who do not possess adequate writing or grammar skills are often judged in a negative context. Another limiting factor at NASIC is it’s secure, top secret environment that limits digital communication to desktop computer use. Cellular devices, laptops, and tablets are prohibited due to their ability to transmit wirelessly or take photographic images. This presents a challenge when working with organizations outside of the secure environment in the form of limited access.
As a federal employee at NASIC, digital communication plays a significant role in day-to-day productivity. While this role can be beneficial in terms of efficiency, there are disadvantages. The common use of desktop computers makes it easy to replace face-to-face communication using email or instant messaging applications. These methods can result in misunderstandings between employees or loss of productivity. Effective writing skill also plays a role in effective digital communication. Employees who do not possess adequate writing or grammar skills are often judged in a negative context. Another limiting factor at NASIC is it’s secure, top secret environment that limits digital communication to desktop computer use. Cellular devices, laptops, and tablets are prohibited due to their ability to transmit wirelessly or take photographic images. This presents a challenge when working with organizations outside of the secure environment in the form of limited access.
NPR Audio Broadcasts
1. Smartphone Software Makes It Cheaper to Spy from a Distance
Mar 6, 2017 – Length: 4:35
Summary: NPR's Robert Siegel interviews Joseph Cox, a reporter for the tech website, "Motherboard," about how to track someone with $170 smartphone spyware that anyone can buy (Siegel, 2017).
1. Smartphone Software Makes It Cheaper to Spy from a Distance
Mar 6, 2017 – Length: 4:35
Summary: NPR's Robert Siegel interviews Joseph Cox, a reporter for the tech website, "Motherboard," about how to track someone with $170 smartphone spyware that anyone can buy (Siegel, 2017).
Link to original broadcast and transcript: http://www.npr.org/2017/03/06/518858280/smartphone-software-makes-it-cheaper-to-spy-from-a-distance
2. When You Want to Express Empathy, Skip the Emoji
Feb 27, 2016 – Length: 2:13
Summary: Facebook contains "reactions" beyond the like button. NPR's Lourdes Garcia-Navarro says emojis are great for everyday communication, but fail to truly expressing empathy (Garcia-Navarro, 2016).
Link to original broadcast and transcript: http://www.npr.org/2016/02/27/468297172/when-you-want-to-express-empathy-skip-the-emoji
References
Garcia-Navarro, L. (Host). (2016, February 27). Weekend Edition Saturday [Radio Series] National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2016/02/27/468297172/when-you-want-to-express-empathy-skip-the-emoji
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools. Eugene, Or: International Society for Technology in Education.
Siegel, R. (Host). (2017, March 6). All Things Considered [Radio Series] National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2017/03/06/518858280/smartphone-software-makes-it-cheaper-to-spy-from-a distance
Garcia-Navarro, L. (Host). (2016, February 27). Weekend Edition Saturday [Radio Series] National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2016/02/27/468297172/when-you-want-to-express-empathy-skip-the-emoji
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools. Eugene, Or: International Society for Technology in Education.
Siegel, R. (Host). (2017, March 6). All Things Considered [Radio Series] National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2017/03/06/518858280/smartphone-software-makes-it-cheaper-to-spy-from-a distance