Online Communication

The term "online communication" refers to reading, writing, and communication via networked computers. It encompasses synchronous computer-mediated communication and asynchronous computer-mediated communication and the reading and writing of online documents via the World Wide Web. Some of you must be wondering what is synchronous and asynchronous communication right? 

1. Synchronous - A situation where people communicate in real time via chat or discussion software, with all participants at their computers at the same time.
2. Asynchronous -  A situation people communicate in a delayed fashion by computer, using programs such as e-mail.

Just For View :)

Synchronous tools : 

- If using the “same time, different place” model of communication, some common barriers to implementation of synchronous tools are cost and bandwidth—not only cost and bandwidth on your end, as the individual teacher or the institution, but also to the students.

Tool	Useful for	Drawbacks
Audio conferencing	Discussions and dialogue	Cost, especially when international participation is involved
Web conferencing	Sharing presentations and information	Cost, bandwidth; may also require audio conferencing to be useful
Video conferencing	In-depth discussions with higher-touch interactions	Cost, limited availability of video conferencing systems
Chat	Information sharing of low-complexity issues	Usually requires typing, "lower touch" experience
Instant messaging	Ad hoc quick communications	All users must use compatible system, usually best for 1:1 interactions
White boarding	Co-development of ideas	Cost, bandwidth; may also require audio conferencing to be useful
Application sharing	Co-development of documents	Cost, bandwidth; may also require audio conferencing to be useful

Asynchronous tools : 

- When it comes to virtual communication in support of our classes, asynchronous communication is by far the more popular model if for no other reason than the barriers to implementation tend to be much lower and many of these tools are free and require minimal hardware and software.

Tool	Useful for	Drawbacks
Discussion boards	Dialogue that takes place over a period of time	May take longer to arrive at decisions or conclusions
Web logs (Blogs)	Sharing ideas and comments	May take longer to arrive at decisions or conclusions
Messaging (e-mail)	One-to-one or one-to-many communications	May be misused as a "collaboration tool" and become overwhelming
Streaming audio	Communicating or teaching	Static and typically does not provide option to answer questions or expand on ideas
Streaming video	Communicating or teaching	Static and typically does not provide option to answer questions or expand on ideas
Narrated slideshows	Communicating or teaching	Static and typically does not provide option to answer questions or expand on ideas
"Learning objects" (Web-based training)	Teaching and training	Typically does not provide option to answer questions or expand on ideas in detail
Document libraries	Managing resources	Version control can be an issue unless check-in / check-out functionality is enabled
Databases	Managing information and knowledge	Requires clear definition and skillful administration
Web books	Teaching and training	Not dynamic and may lose interest of users
Surveys and polls	Capturing information and trends	Requires clear definition and ongoing coordination
Shared Calendars	Coordinating activities	System compatibility
Web site links	Providing resources and references	May become outdated and "broken"