Monday, April 26, 2010

Chapter 15 Communication Technologies

Communication Technologies : recording , transferring, working with information

  • Written Communication: primary advantage - leaves a paper trail
  • Telephonic Communication - facsimile machine, cell phone, telephone
  • Computer- Mediated Communication - Internet(developed by US defence Department), email (speed of transmission and convenience), Wi-Fi(increase ability to connect internet, GPS, 3G, Bluetooth...)
  • Electronic Conferencing: teleconferencing (face-to-face meetings) - 1.Audioconferencing (telephone) 2. Computer conferencing(send and receive email in sequential exchanges) 3. Videoconferencing (transmit visual images, can communicate verbally and nonverbally)
  • Interconnected Communication Technology: "Interconnectivity" the connecting of various devices
- How do computer technologies affect thinking?
  • They encourage multitasking - engage in multiple tasks simultaneously or in rapid sequence in overlapping and interactive ways.
  • They encourage response to visual stimuli - will lack of analytic and reflective thinking
  • They encourage reliance on external guides for thinking - undermining the development of imagination, independent thought, and sustained mental focus
- How do online communities affect social relations?
  • Cyberspace - people have more freedom to express themselves on the Internet, it has potential to promote narrow-mindedness (never learn about other perspectives).
- How online identities foster deception?
  • basic aspects of personal identity may be unclear or even deliberately misrepresented
  • easier to stay within created selves than expose our real selves
  • can mislead others in dangerous way (children molesters etc)
- Do newer Technologies increase productivity?
  • Many industries have only reaped "small" gains from large investments in technology
  • ATM make it easier for people
  • Personal Efficiency
- Guidelines
  • Consciously mange information flow :choose to control information rather than controlled by it
  • Work to ensure democratic access: "Digital divide" - a gap between the people and communities with access to communication technologies and those without.
  • Participate in deciding how to regulate communication technologies: 1. Privacy is a key issue. Many online advertisers collect "cookies", bits of data that websites collect and store in users' personal drawers. 2. "Spyware" - allows a third party to track individuals' online activity, gain personal information, and send pop-up ads tailored to users' profiles.

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