IC3 Lesson 15: Digital Communication

What is "conference calling"?

A CONFERENCE CALL is one that involves three or more people. Many business phones include a conference call feature.

What is "video conferencing"?

A video conference is a conference call that includes video. It has many applications in business settings, since it: 1) makes employees from different locations feel like more of a team 2) makes everyone feel included, even those employees in satellite offices 3) is ideal for demonstrating procedures 4) brings a face-to-face quality to communication, since you can see facial expressions and read body language.

What is "asynchronous" (pronounced ay-SINK-ron-us) communication?

ASYNCHRONOUS communication involves a time delay between the sending and receiving of information.

What is an "online meeting" or "web conference" or "video conference"?

An ONLINE MEETING or WEB CONFERENCE or VIDEO CONFERENCE is a meeting in which multiple participants can speak to and see each other and can share visuals such as presentation files, documents, whiteboards and video.

What do businesses use streaming for?

Businesses (and individuals) can create video or audio recordings of presentations, marketing pieces, and product demonstrations and make these recordings available as streaming media.

What is the "co-authoring" feature in SharePoint?

Co-authoring is the simultaneous editing of a document by multiple authors. In SharePoint, you can co-author a document in Word, Excel, PowerPoint or OneNote or in their online apps.

What are examples of asynchronous communication tools?

Email and SMS text messages are asynchronous tools.

What is "etiquette"?

Etiquette (pronounced EH-tih-kett) is defined as the customary code of polite behavior in society or among people of a particular profession or group.

How do you video conference in "FaceTime"?

FaceTime is a video chat application developed by Apple. To make a call, sign in to FaceTime, then enter the recipient's email address or phone number, or click on a Contact. Then click the "Video" button. When you make or receive a FaceTime call, it will ring on all your Mac devices by default, but you can turn off this feature.

What is "Google Hangouts"? How do you access it?

Google Hangouts is a communication platform that supports SMS, IM, group chat, VoIP calling, and video conferencing. It allows conversations between two or more people. It can be accessed through Gmail, at https://hangouts.google.com, through the Hangouts app or mobile apps for Android and iOS.

What is "Google Hangouts on Air"?

Google Hangouts on Air is a video-recording/livestreaming/broadcasting tool that is free to anyone with a Google account. You can publicly broadcast Hangouts and stream them live on GooglePlus and YouTube. The Hangout is automatically recorded and saved to your YouTube channel.

How do group conversations in Skype work?

In a group conversation in Skype, anything you type and send is received by everyone in the group. The conversation may start as a group, or you can add additional people to a conversation in progress. When a new person is added, the previous portion of the conversation is no longer displayed in the conversation window.

What is "live streaming"?

LIVE STREAMING is the process of broadcasting real-time live audio/video footage as a video feed to an audience that accesses the stream over the internet. One file is sent out over the internet and multiple people can connect to it and stream it to their devices. It is similar to tuning in to a TV or radio broadcast, except you connect to the internet to receive it.

What are the three technologies for making a phone call?

Landline phones, mobile phones or VoIP phones.

What do businesses use live streaming for?

Low-cost service services like Livestream and no-cost services such as Google Hangouts on Air make it easy for businesses to stream live content such as meetings, forums, and presentations.

What is "netiquette"?

Netiquette refers to good manners relating to the internet and electronic communication.

What is "Office 365"? What do business versions of Office 365 include?

Office 365 is a bundled package of cloud solutions, providing the tools for productivity, collaboration, centralization and communication. Business versions of Office 365 include Outlook Web App (OWA), SharePoint, Office Online, OneDrive for Business, Skype for Business, and Office Suite.

What is "Office Online"?

Office Online is a free online office suite from Microsoft which includes lightweight, web browser-based versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.

What does "One Drive for Business" do?

OneDrive for Business is cloud storage specifically for business files tied to your SharePoint Online account. You can access the OneDrive for Business folder through SharePoint Online and through a local folder on your computer. Files in One Drive and on the local folder can by synced. OneDrive for Business is separate from a personal OneDrive cloud storage account.

What are examples of synchronous communication tools?

Phone calls, Internet phone calls, conference calling, and online meetings are examples of synchronous communication tools.

What is "synchronous" (pronounced SINK-ron-us) communication?

SYNCHRONOUS communication is real time communication in which information is sent and received instantly.

What is "SharePoint"?

SharePoint is a browser-based collaboration and document management platform from Microsoft. It provides a central location where employees can find and share documents and collaborate with their coworkers.

What features does Skype for Business include?

Skype for Business is integrated with Microsoft Outlook, so you can schedule meetings from your inbox. It allows users to request and take control of a screen sharing session, allowing different people to contribute. You can also record the audio, video, IM, application sharing, PowerPoint presentations, and other portions of an online meeting which can be made available for other people to view later.

What are some features of asynchronous distance learning programs?

Some features of asynchronous distance learning programs are: a. Virtual libraries - collections of documents, presentations, graphics, audio and video files necessary to complete your assignments or do research. b. Email - to interact with other students and the teacher. Materials, updates, assignments and assessments are sent by email. c. Discussion Boards - to post and respond to questions and share ideas, documents and links with other students. d. Social networking - many Learning Management Systems (LMS) also include this feature.

What are some features of synchronous distance learning programs?

Some features of synchronous distance learning programs are: a. Online, real-time classes with both students and instructors present. b. Chat - allows students and instructors to interact with each other. c. VoIP conference calls - allows students to participate in live lectures/discussions with the class. d. Video conferencing - allows students to see demonstrations. e. Live streaming - to view important broadcasts relevant to the class.

What is the "Office Suite"?

The Office Suite is a subscription-based SaaS (software as a service) version of the Office applications suite. You can install it on up to 5 computers and 5 mobile devices.

What does the Outlook Web App (OWA) include?

The Outlook Web App (OWA) contains email, calendar and task management applications. It integrates with Microsoft Outlook, but you can also use it without Outlook.

What are some of the features of the Skype Instant Messaging Desktop?

The Skype Instant Messaging Desktop includes: a. Your account information b. A Menu Bar for providing access to commands, including those for settings. c. A Status Bar that displays your screen name and current status d. A Toolbar which provides access to other features. e. A Contact List and the current status of each person. f. A Recent List of conversations you have had. g. A Contact Summary which provides information about the currently selected contact and options for turning an IM conversation into a video or audio call or creating a group conversation. h. The Conversation window which displays the current IM conversation. i. The Conversation Box which is where you type your IMs.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP?

The advantages are: VoIP calls are free and calls can be made to, and received from, landline and mobile phones. Residential customers can purchase VoIP phone service through their ISP or a third party provider. The disadvantages are: VoIP calls are sensitive to delay in transmission of the packets; they are dependent on a reliable and fast internet connection; and they do not work without electrical power.

How does SharePoint manage content?

The data stored on SharePoint is kept in lists and libraries and you can configure them to restrict access, require check in/check out procedures, maintain different versions, and set alerts when changes are made.

Can anyone host/start a WebEx meeting?

The first time you attend a meeting, the software automatically installs itself on your computer. You must have a subscription to host WebEx meetings, but anyone with a computer or smart phone can attend a meeting.

How do you video conference in "Google Hangouts"?

The first time you make a video call in Google Hangouts, you need to give the app permission to use your camera and microphone. If you are using certain browsers or don't have a Gmail account, you will need to install a plug-in. To start, click "Video call", and type in the email of the person you want to call. Click on the address and then enter more addresses up to a total of 10 users. Then click "Invite". You can add additional people during the call or share your screen.

When is a phone call the best way to communicate?

Use the phone when you: a. are communicating with someone you don't know. b. need to discuss a complicated idea. c. need to discuss a sensitive or private topic. d. require an immediate response. e. need to get a message to someone quickly and be sure that they have received it.

What is "VoIP" (pronounced VOY-p)?

VoIP is VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL, which allows you to make calls using a broadband internet connection. It converts voice signals into packets of digital data.

What service does "WebEx" provide?

WebEx is an example of a hosted service that you can use to conduct online meetings or webinars with anyone who has an internet connection.

What options do you have when you create your Skype profile?

You can set some fields in your Skype profile to: "Public" - everyone on Skype can see this information. "Contacts Only" - this information is visible only to your contacts. "Private" - this information is not visible to anyone (except you).

How does "VoIP conferencing" work?

You can use a computer to place and receive VoIP calls, including conference calls. You can also transfer files and share screens during a call. You can turn your video on or off, mute or unmute your microphone, add participants, share all or part of a window, and more.

What are some suggestions given in the book for good netiquette?

a. Do not reply to an entire group of people if can you send a response to just one person. Eliminate unnecessary texts or emails. b. Treat others online as you would like to be treated and don't include anything that could be misinterpreted. c. Don't use all uppercase letters, since this is considered "shouting". d. Don't use electronic communication as a way or bullying or harassing anyone. e. In business or school communications, don't use acronyms, abbreviations or emoticons. f. Try to respond to messages in a timely manner. g. Always follow the rules established by your school or organization regarding electronic communications.

When should you not use text?

a. Do not text while driving. It is against the law in many places. b. Do not text in a social setting when you are with other people. It is rude. c. Do not text late at night unless it is absolutely necessary. d. Do not text in an airplane while it is taking off or landing.

What are three status options in Skype?

a. ONLINE - By default, you are marked as "online" when you sign in. b. AWAY - You are signed in, but not at your computer. Your account can be configured to change the setting to "Away" after a specified time of inactivity. c. DO NOT DISTURB - You are online, but do not want to be disturbed. Sound notifications are off.

What are the other three status options in Skype?

d. INVISIBLE - You appear to be offline, but can still use Skype as usual. e. OFFLINE - This is the default when you are not signed in. f. CALL FORWARDING - Optional, but you must purchase Skype credit to use it.