ICT

DEFINITION OF ICT

Stands for "Information and Communication Technologies." ICT refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. It is similar to Information Technology (IT), but focuses primarily on communication technologies. This includes the Internet, wireless networks, cell phones, and other communication mediums.

In the past few decades, information and communication technologies have provided society with a vast array of new communication capabilities. For example, people can communicate in real-time with others in different countries using technologies such as instant messaging, voice over IP (VoIP), and video-conferencing. Social networking websites like Facebook allow users from all over the world to remain in contact and communicate on a regular basis.

Modern information and communication technologies have created a "global village," in which people can communicate with others across the world as if they were living next door. For this reason, ICT is often studied in the context of how modern communication technologies affect society.

Examples of Different Forms of Technology-Mediated Communication

TECHNOLOGY AND SMALL GROUPS

Recent advances in new communication technologies are not only changing how small groups interact, but are also redefining our notion of a small group. Although some organizations have used technology such as telephones and videoconferencing for some time, those communication tools are costly. New technologies, particularly the Internet, allow for asynchronous and synchronous communication among small group members at relatively low cost. These technologies are altering small group membership, functions, and processes.

Research on Technology and Small Group Communication

Most research on the use of technology in small group work compares groups that use communication technologies (such as discussion boards and videoconferencing) to those that meet face-to-face. With the rapid changes in communication technology, many problems associated with groups that do not meet face-to-face have been reduced or eliminated. Still, groups that never meet face-to-face can encounter difficult challenges. And yet, not meeting face-to-face also has its advantages.

New communication technologies can create new environments that produce more open, fluid, and dynamic small group environments. For example, recent research suggests that online discussions facilitate collaborative learning in the university classroom. One study found that students who are actively engaged in online discussion earned higher grades in large lecture class and felt that they learned more than students who did not participate. New communication technologies also have the potential to provide an avenue of participation for historically disadvantaged and disenfranchised group members.

Yet, new communication technologies can be costly, both in terms of time and money. Users who are unfamiliar with the technology and communication etiquette can become frustrated and discouraged. Computer software and hardware are expensive and need regular upgrades to keep up with the ever-changing world of new technology.

GROUP OUTCOMES

Several studies have found that groups interacting either synchronously (e.g., chat rooms, audio or video-conferencing) or asynchronously (discussion boards, listservs) produced higher quality decisions, unique solutions, and more creative ideas than face-to-face groups. Listservs, discussion boards, and chat rooms in particular tend to facilitate participation by all group members, thus improving their yield of ideas. For example, with asynchronous communication (listservs and discussion boards), group members have time to reflect on what others have posted, and contemplate responses. Also, some software allows for anonymity in computer- mediated interactions. Research in organizational decision making has found that this anonymity can produce better contributions to group problem solving and decision making.

However, other research has found that face-to-face groups out-perform groups that meet via mediated tools. Although mediated groups may develop a greater number of unique ideas, the final product is not always better. Group members do not always use the technology available, so the overall amount of interaction may be reduced. It can be easier for group members to avoid participating and contributing their fair share to task completion when group members do not meet face-to-face. Group members can simply delete emails, avoid the discussion board, or fail to attend a chat room meeting. The relative anonymity of mediated interactions can reduce group member loyalty and motivation.

Still, a lot of research has found no differences between face-to-face and mediated group decision making. Brainstorming, achieving consensus, and producing a quality report can be equally accomplished in both contexts.

GROUP PROCESSES

Several studies in the organizational context have demonstrated that groups using new communication technologies solve problems and reach decisions in significantly less time than face-to-face groups. In addition, group member participation tends to be greater and more equally distributed among members in mediated communication versus face-to-face interaction. Also, it is much easier for one or two group members to dominate the group in face-to-face discussion, whereas when communicating using technology such as listservs and discussion boards, lengthy posts can simply be deleted or ignored.

In contrast, studies conducted in the laboratory (often using zero-history groups) found that mediated group decision making is more time consuming and less satisfying than face-to- face meetings. Group members become frustrated with response-time delays when using asynchronous forms of communication. Mediated communication is seen as less personal and more open to misunderstandings. The history that organization members have is absent from laboratory groups. Thus, laboratory groups lack the context that an organization provides and common understandings associated with organizational practices and routines.

Technology Available for Student Small Groups

Email

A number of online service companies offer free email accounts. Yahoo, Hotmail, Juno, Linux Freemail.com, and Mail.com are just a few. Although these services are free, users do have to pay a price: they must view advertisements on nearly every page. However, using a free email service can help small group members organize their email by having a particular address dedicated to the group or the class, such as jane_group1@freeemail.com.

Listservs

Listservs allow you to send email to multiple people by entering a single address. Most listservs also provide an archiving service as well as various options for structuring the listserv (e.g., moderated or unmoderated). Several free listservs are available for your use, such as Coollist, eGroups, and Topica. As with free email accounts, these free listservs are also advertiser supported. Listservs have an advantage over discussion boards and chat rooms in that email is delivered directly to members' electronic mailboxes. However, one disadvantage is that listserv email may get lost in all the other email group members receive (that’s one reason why an email address dedicated to a class or work group is useful).

Discussion Boards

Discussion boards are asynchronous web-based tools that allow you to post messages and read what others have posted. Lycos Clubs, Yahoo Clubs, Excite, and MSN Webcommunities have discussion board and chat room functions. With discussion boards, users have time to think about what to say, to compose, reflect, and edit their postings, and the posted messages may be read at any time by other group members. One advantage of discussion boards is that "threads" or discussion topics are easier to follow than when emails are sent to group members. In addition, because discussion boards are asynchronous, group members do not need to meet at a specific time. However, one drawback is that group members may neglect to visit the discussion board regularly.

Chat Rooms

Technically, chat rooms are termed Internet Relay Chat (IRC). Chat rooms are Internet-based systems for synchronous conversation in real time. Participants engage in text-based interaction that resembles the immediacy of in-person face-to-face encounters. Yahoo, eGroups, Excite, and @MyPlace.com all provide chat rooms. Most chat services offer other functions as well, such as free email, webpages, and discussion boards. Note that older computers can have trouble processing the software necessary to participate in chat rooms. Online chatting requires that participants respond immediately; they do not have much time to think about what to say or how to say it. However, chat rooms allow group members to engage in real-time discussion without needing to be in the same physical location.

The technology revolution happened so fast that many people have never stopped to ponder just how much of their communications depend on technology. People have “friends” they’ve never met on social networking sites, and a whole generation is already tired of cell phone calls and has given them up in favor of texting. Examine the forms of technology-mediated communication that are essential to your small business.

Email

You must answer your email or hire someone to do it for you. Email has become a standard form of business communication, especially for short messages that require action. This kind of technology-based communication allows you to take care of a lot of customers, as well as partners and other stakeholders without lengthy conversations. In fact, modern software allows you to send the same email to all interested parties so that you can keep your message, name and products in the forefront of their minds.

Texting

Texting has become the most personal form of business communication. Whereas you might give your email address to many people, your personal text number is reserved for a few close associates. Your communications by text tend to be more urgent than email. If your business is moving too slowly, you should examine whether you are taking full advantage of texting.

Instant Messaging

Instant messaging through websites or instant-messaging applications can contribute to the success of your negotiations. Instant messaging tends to be for longer discussions than texting. You can engage someone in another city, state or country in a conversation that can lead to a lucrative business deal. The advantage of this electronic conversation is that you can take time to think before you respond. In face-to-face conversations, it can be difficult to pause long enough to gather your thoughts.

Social Networking

Social network sites such as Facebook and MySpace can be essential to getting your message out. You will have to adjust your communication style to a more informal approach. You gather “friends” on these sites. These are places to do relationship marketing. Instead of sales pitches, place messages on these sites that sound like you have a good deal for your friends.

Tweeting

The website Twitter allows you to broadcast very short messages called “tweets” to people who have elected to follow your posts. This is not the place for a long treatise. Instead, briefly refer to a new product, message or development your company is excited about. This may not result in immediate sales, but it will result in awareness of your company in the marketplace.

Blogs

The word “blog” is short for “web log.” These sites are often written by amateurs, but getting a blogger to review a product or service can be a good way to spread the word about your small business. Contact bloggers by email, usually listed on their blogs, and ask them to take a look at your product or service. You can spread the word informally and quickly through this technology-based communication. Many companies, from sole proprietorships to large corporations, have established their own blogs as a primary communication channel to the public.

Video Conferencing

You can save travel money by using video-conferencing. If you and another person both have cameras and the right software, you can see each other and talk to each other on your computers. This gives you the face-to-face meeting you need without having to be in the same location. When you want to convey your message with physical gestures and facial expressions, this form of technology can be an effective communication tool.