1. Communications and Collaboration

2. Exploring communication methods
People with whom you are corresponding and the topic of the correspondence determine the method of electronic communication.

3. E-Mail Should be used when:
the correspondence might need a paper trail
the correspondence covers multiple points
the correspondence needs to be accessed frequently

4. Instant messaging / Texting
Best used when correspondence needs to be accessed in real time.
Can send and receive messages from:
Computer
Cell phone
Other mobile device

5. Teleconferencing
Permit the live exchange and sharing of information between two or more people
Can be audio or video
Allow groups of people to communicate with each other online

6. Advantages of electronic communication
Not restricted to a specific place and time
Can use text and graphics
Instantaneous
Communication can be
one to one
one to many
many to many

7. Advantages continued Cost is minimal or free
Access is available from various devices
Forwarding and routing of messages can be done in an instant

8. Group Communication options
File sharing
Blogs
Wikis
Discussion boards
All of these options enable groups of people to contribute and receive information quickly with the ability to comment and see everyone’s comments.

9. Electronic communication problems
Electronic communication is not without problems
Discussion of the most common issues follow:

10. Lost internet connection
To take advantage of the communication options you must be connected to the internet.
There will be times when you lose your internet connection and Windows includes a troubleshooter for lost connection
If the troubleshooter does not fix problem you may need to contact your internet service provider

11. E-mail software problems
Service provider’s connection could be down
Often waiting a few minutes to send or receive messages solves the problem

12. Common Problems with downloading and viewing email
The size of the attachment might be the problem
The virus software may detect issues with attachment
Issue could be with the type of message—advertising or unrecognizable documents