L2 Communication Aids

• What is the primary goal of online communication?


  To increase visibility of a good or service or enhance the image of an organization
• What are digital natives?


  Individuals who were born and raised in a world of gadgets, computers, and the internet
• What are the roles of online communication tools?


  • Capture, store, present, and communicate information
  • Handle mediated interactions between users
  • Facilitate conversation and connection among users
• What is instant messaging?


  An application that allows real-time communication over a network
• How does electronic mail (e-mail) function?


  It is a store-and-forward system for exchanging messages through mail servers
• What is text chat?


  Online chat technologies that allow users to communicate in chat rooms
• What is a forum?


  A web-based discussion site where users can share advice and comments
• What is a blog?


  A web page containing personal experiences and opinions
• What distinguishes microblogs from blogs?


  Microblogs allow posting of short messages, often limited in character count
• What are social network services used for?


  • Connecting people around shared interests
  • Providing dating services
  • Enabling business networking and social event meetups
• What does VoIP stand for?


  Voice over Internet Protocol
• How does VoIP work?


  It turns voice messages into data packets sent over the Internet
• What is videoconferencing?


  A feature-rich group video chat that allows multiple users to interact visually
• What are the characteristics of different online communication tools?

  • Email: Formal messages, permanent records
  • Instant Messaging: Quick responses, short messages
  • Social Networking: Personal updates, sharing photos
  • Blogs: Personal opinions and updates
  • Microblogs: Very short updates for followers
  • Forums: Discussing shared interests
  • VoIP: Voice calls with friends or business associates
  • Videoconferencing: Group interactions, mainly for workplaces
• When is email most appropriately used?


  When a quick response is not essential and for formal messages
• Which online communication tool would you use for a quick chat with a friend?

  Instant messaging
• How does social networking differ between personal and business use?


  Personal use is for sharing life updates, while business use is for advertising and job-seeking
• What is the primary use of forums?


  To discuss topics of shared interest and communicate within a community