Tech Overview Discussion

Tech Overview Discussion

Discussion Questions come from readings in Chapter 9.

1.       What is the difference between asynchronous and synchronous communication?

Discuss some Internet tools that fall under each category.

Asynchronous communication can be defined as “time-shifted” communication. In other words, this form of communication does not happen in real time or take place instantaneously. In terms of technology, there are several Internet tools that are considered asynchronous tools. Perhaps one of the most popular of these tools is electronic mail or email. Similar to postal mail, email is a “primary communication tool on networks and on the internet” because it allows users to send information to selected individuals to be accessed at the discretion of the recipient. Electronic mailing lists or list serves are a related asynchronous tool that allows email to be automatically delivered to individual subscribers. A final tool mentioned in this category is a computer discussion (also known as a bulletin board, club, conference, or forum). In a computer discussion, users view and participate in either a public or private online conversation.  

Synchronous communication refers to “same-time” communication. This form of communication does occur essentially instantaneously and takes place in real time. There are two main Internet tools or technology mentioned in relation to synchronously communication. The first of these tools is known as chat or chat rooms, where online space is established to allow two or more Internet users to communicate in real time. Perhaps one of the more popular and well known versions of this technology is referred to as IM or instant messaging. IM is a “one to one chat” conducted when users are simultaneously online. Video conferencing is another synchronous communication tool that makes it possible for live voice and video images to be transmitted in real time over the Internet. Some of the more popular tools for video conferencing are Skype and Global Schoolhouse. Both chat and video conferencing tools allow for the sharing of information to be either public or private. 

2.       What are streaming audio and streaming video? What impact do they have in the field of education?

Streaming audio is when technology sends audio in a continuous stream or flow online. This allows users to listen, essentially instantaneously, to audio as it is being downloaded rather than having to wait until the files have completed the transfer process. Some of the software programs that make streaming audio possible are : RealOne Player, Windows Media Player, Winamp, Apple’s iTunes, and Quicktime. Streaming video is when technology allows for video to be sent in a continuous steam or flow online. With this capability, users can view video clips almost immediately while the information is being downloaded. Perhaps one of the most popular tools for streaming video is YouTube. Individuals with internet access can go to the YouTube site and stream a variety of videos, as well as upload their own videos for others to view.  As far as the field of education is concerned, I believe that technology that allows for streaming audio and video has greatly impacted the educational environment in the fact that it has made information essentially immediately accessible to both instructors and students as long as they have the proper tools and an Internet connection. When studying information or current events, individuals no longer have to wait to access the information. For instance, if a class is studying a current event that is being discussed by the news media, streaming audio or video news coverage could be accessed as events are unfolding. The ability to stream audio and video has made accessing information easier and more instantaneous.

3.       What is a portal? How can it be used in education?

A portal is defined as “a doorway to the Internet and its many resources”. In other words, a portal provides users with access and services that help to facilitate their use of the Internet. For instance, many popular portals like Google, Yahoo!, and Excite, not only provide users with access to the Internet, but they offer search engines, news, email services, discussion boards, electronic shopping, and chat rooms, as well. I believe that portals can be used in education because they provide a number of resources that can assist teachers and students in the learning process. One example that I can give is the way in which I have been able to use Google for many of my online college courses. Google is a popular portal with a search engine that allows me to find a variety of websites for my research needs. In addition, I have been able to construct various class projects within a Google tool known as Google Drive. Using Google Drive to create these projects allows my instructor, classmates, and group members to easily access the information and edit or add to the projects if necessary. I have used Gmail, or Google’s email service to communicate with both instructors and fellow classmates. Also, I have used Blogger, Google’s blog creation tool, to develop many of the blogs that I have created for various courses. All of Google’s tools have allowed me to be able to effectively and efficiently work and collaborate with class members throughout my coursework and I feel that the use of the Google portal within a classroom setting could be a great asset to help facilitate learning.

4.       Discuss any experience you’ve had with the Internet technology listed above.

When it comes to asynchronous communication technology, I use email almost on a daily basis to communicate with coworkers, family members, friends, or classmates. I have several Gmail accounts and have had a Yahoo Mail account for many years. Now that I am taking online courses, I use discussion boards within those online courses regularly to correspond with classmates, share information and submit assignments. My experience with using synchronous communication technology is a bit more limited. I do not usually use chat rooms or instant messaging programs, but within the Google Drive program, there is a form of this technology which allows authorized users to view and documents simultaneously, as well as chat with one another or post notes that can be instantly seen by those viewing the document. This is the closest to synchronous communication tools that I have used before. In regards to streaming audio and video, I have used different programs to stream both audio and video through my computer to view programs or listen to radio broadcasts. I have also used YouTube to both view videos, as well as create and upload videos related to library resources at my previous job. Finally, as I explained in the previous question, I have used Google’s portal and many of its tools like Drive, Gmail, and Blogger throughout my educational journey.