Technology & Communication Methods

Introduction to Technology's Impact on Communication

• Rapid technological advancements have significantly shaped communication methods.
• Effective communication now relies on diverse media, each influencing communication in unique ways across different contexts.
• Communication has evolved from handwritten and typewritten messages to digital formats like computer-encoded texts and audio/video recordings.

Learning Content Overview

• Lesson I focuses on Multimodal Text in Communication.
• Key topics include Communication Aids and Strategies.
• Also includes Creating Multimodal Texts and Creating Multimodal Texts using Tools of Technology.

Learning Outcomes

• Differentiate between communication aids and strategies.
• Evaluate multimodal texts using established models and criteria.
• Create digital multimodal texts with technological tools.
• Identify how communication modes express communicative intent.
• Recognize the importance of various communication forms (face-to-face, audio, virtual, text-based) for diverse audiences.
• Appropriately use communication modes based on context.
• Convey ideas effectively through different presentation formats for diverse audiences.

Communication Aids and Strategies

• Communication aids are also known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, which support or replace spoken communication.
• AAC includes gestures, signs, symbols, word boards, communication boards and books.
• There are two main types of AAC systems: unaided and aided.
• Unaided communication relies on body language, gestures, vocalization, and signing.
• Aided communication uses equipment from low to high tech, integrating pictures, symbols, words, and hardware.
• "Device" typically refers to high-tech communication aid solutions, while low-tech options include simple books with pictures.
• Verbal communication strategies include written (email, text, chat) and oral methods, such as phone calls, video chats, and face-to-face conversations.
• Nonverbal strategies involve visual cues like body language, physical distance, and tone of voice and are often unintentional.
• Visual communication strategies utilize signs, webpages, and illustrations, often to provide workplace attention and documentation.

Media-Based Communication Tools

• Common media-based communication tools are Computer-based, Audio-visual, and Low-tech.
• Computer-based media helps speakers to present abstract ideas through presentations with text, graphics, video, and animation.
• Audio-visual media appeals to hearing and sight with films, recordings, slides, and photographs.
• Low-tech media involves readily available materials such as chalkboards, flip charts, and handouts.
• Multimodal materials is combing communication aids and strategies within a text for meaning-making.

Creating Multimodal Texts

• Creating is defined as the development and/or production of spoken, written, or multimodal texts in prints or digital forms' and is a literacy expectation.
• Multimodal texts strategically combines two or more communication modes to convey meaning.
• Multimodal is not synonymous with digital, but closely aligned with digital communication.
• Creating multimodal texts involves producing spoken, written, or digital/printed texts.
• This leverages technology to incorporate images, animations, gestures, and music.

Multimodal Text Forms

• A multimodal text can be books, comics and posters.
• Digital multimodal texts are slide presentations, blogs, vlogs, web pages, short films, videos, and media campaigns.
• Live multimodal performances include interpretive dance, monologues, or role plays.
• Transmedia conveys messages through combined multimedia platforms such as live stage performances, social media uploads, radio broadcasts, and print.
• Transmedia's capacity enables the telling of simple stories to larger audiences, to create impact within online citizenries.

Communication Modes

• A communication mode is a channel for expressing communicative intent, conveying thoughts and feelings via face-to-face, video, or audio.
• Communication can also be text-based.
• Face-to-face interaction is a casual conversation valuable for building relationships.
• Video communication uses webcams to bridge distance. Apps include Viber, WhatsApp, FaceTime and Facebook Messenger are valuable here.
• Video conferencing is useful in formal settings.
• Time zone differences can be a disadvantage in video communication.
• Audio communication transmits sound, relying solely on the speaker's voice.
• Usually, audio happens via telephone or answering machine.
• Voice messages can be sent on Skype when the other party is unavailable.
• The absence of visual cues is a disadvantage of audio communication.
• Audio communication is complicated by different accents
• Text-based communication utilizes email, text, instant messaging, and social networking sites.
• Texting has reach to a wider audience and can disseminate information quickly.
• Virtual modes enable real-time interaction, mimicking physical settings.

Creating Multimodal Texts Using Tools of Technology

• Print-based multimodal texts encompass comics, picture storybooks, graphic novels, posters, newspapers, and brochures.
• Digital multimodal texts cover slide presentations, animation, book trailers, digital storytelling, live action filmmaking, music videos, and various web texts and social media.

Modes and Meaning System

• Semiotic systems to assess a multimodal material: written-linguistic, visual, audio, gestural, and spatial meaning.
• Written/Linguistic mode uses spoken and written language, vocabulary, generic structure, and grammar.
• The audio mode includes music, sound effects, and elements of volume, pitch, and rhythm.
• The visual mode includes still and moving images with colors, layouts, vectors, viewpoint, screen formats and visual symbols.
• The gestural mode includes body movement, hands and eyes, facial expressions, demeanor, speed, stillness, and angles.
• Different cultures may interpret hand gestures differently.
  • The peace sign is popular with kids today.
  • The two-finger salute shows the back of the fingers and means "the middle finger in Britain".
  • The V-sign is suggestive of oral sex if the tongue is used.
  • The heart gesture means "I love you".
• The spatial mode encompasses environmental and architectural spaces, proximity, direction, and organization of objects.