You will communicate through a variety of online tools during your studies at YukonU: chat rooms, discussion forums, email, texting, and video conferencing, to name a few. Although convenient, online communication has its challenges. Work through the below exercises to learn about some of them.
In this exercise, you will learn about some of the differences between communicating online and face to face. You will also receive some tips to help avoid misunderstandings. Click on the plus signs (+) below to get started. Complete the three exercises when you are ready.
When communication occurs at the same time, such as in person, a phone call, video conference, or chat room, it is called synchronous. When there is a time lag in the communication, such as with email or a discussion forum, it is called asynchronous.
Synchronous communication is faster paced and allows people to quickly share information while asynchronous communications gives participants more time to think about their replies.
Body language and non-verbal cues are important parts of communication that are missing in several forms of electronic communication. Without seeing and hearing the other person you are communicating with, it can be difficult to know the tone of the the message. Is the person tense or relaxed? Is what they are saying serious or a joke? It is often hard to tell, which increases the chances of a misunderstanding. It is therefore best to keep communications formal when you cannot see the other people.
Be sure to read communications and attachments entirely before replying. Avoid replying if you are tired or angry since emotions from one part of your life can spill over into other parts of your life. Remember to treat others how you would like to be treated and do not say anything online that you would not say to someone's face. Use complete sentences, proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation in your replies.