Element Three: Digital Communication
Learning Objectives:
After this tutorial, you should be able to:
- Define digital communication.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital communication.
- Explain how you can apply the communication
element in an educational setting.
- Define digital communication.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital communication.
- Explain how you can apply the communication
element in an educational setting.
What is Digital Communication?
Digital communication is defined as Electronic exchange of information (Ribble, 2015). The rise of mobile and social communication has created a platform on which people can interact instantly. The use of email has also proved convenient, especially for businesses who prefer emails over phone calls because email provides a record of the message (Ribble, 2015).
Concerns with Digital Communication
Although digital communication provides people with instant access to each other, it does come with consequences that many do not think about. Students need to understand that any email, text, or social media post they send out never really "go away" even when deleted. The information is usually stored on a server somewhere or else where in cyberspace. Students also need to understand that the items they send in an email or text can be interpreted differently than what they intended and can cause misunderstandings.
There is a debate among educators about whether to allow cell phones or other devices in the classroom. Administrators and teachers see cellphones as a distraction and catalyst for behavioral problems (Ribble, 2015). There is an increasingly number of cases where students are sending inappropriate photos of themselves and others to their classmates, and participating in cyber-bullying to the point that those being bullied are taking their own lives.
There is a debate among educators about whether to allow cell phones or other devices in the classroom. Administrators and teachers see cellphones as a distraction and catalyst for behavioral problems (Ribble, 2015). There is an increasingly number of cases where students are sending inappropriate photos of themselves and others to their classmates, and participating in cyber-bullying to the point that those being bullied are taking their own lives.
Using Digital Communication Appropriately
Banning these technologies in schools is not the answer. There are appropriate uses for digital communication devices in the classroom, Google Hangouts being one of them. Google Hangouts and other video and messaging systems can be used for students to communicate with teachers (Ribble, 2015). Ribble also mentions that many districts are encouraging students to bring their own device (BYOD) to supplement the technology in the schools and allow students to use technology they are comfortable with (2015).
NPR Radio Broadcasts
NPR BROADCAST #1
January 28, 2013
Can Online Anonymity Be a Good Thing?
6:48
This NPR broadcast discusses the problems low-income families face when there is no internet access at home, must use a mobile device to access the internet, or rely on free wi-fi offered by various businesses.
NPR BROADCAST #2
December 27, 2011
Tutors Teach Seniors New High-Tech Tricks
3:59
Tutors Teach Seniors New High-Tech Tricks
3:59
This NPR broadcast discusses how high school seniors in Oregon are helping teach senior citizens how to navigate the world of social media, smart phones, and even digital cameras so they can stay in better contact with family.
NPR BROADCAST #3
April 20, 2010
Teen Texting Soars; Will Social Skills Suffer?
4:02
Teen Texting Soars; Will Social Skills Suffer?
4:02
This NPR broadcast discusses how cellphones have become vital in the lives of teenagers and texting the preferred mode of communication. However, schools and parents are seeing a decline in teens' social skills.
References
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools: Nine elements all students should know. Eugene, OR: International
Society for Technology in Education.
Society for Technology in Education.