6.1 - Communication and communication technology
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Introduction to Communication
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Today, we will start discussing communication. Can anyone tell me what communication means?
I think it's just talking to each other.
That's true! It's not just talking; communication involves sharing and understanding information through various mediums. It’s a vital part of human interaction. Remember, the word 'communication' comes from 'communis', which means common. So, it’s about creating a common understanding.
Why is it important?
Great question! Communication is important as it enables us to connect, collaborate, and build relationships in various settings—be it in our homes, schools, or communities.
I heard there are different types of communication?
Yes! Communication can be classified into one-way and two-way. Can you think of examples for each?
One-way is like a TV broadcast, right?
Exactly! And two-way communication could be a conversation. Good job, everyone! Remember, effective communication is about making sure everyone understands the message clearly.
Types of Communication
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Let’s delve deeper into communication types. Can anyone suggest what one-way communication means?
I think it’s when only one person talks and nobody replies.
Exactly! Examples include lectures and radio shows. How about two-way communication?
That’s when people talk back and forth, like in a dialogue?
Spot on! It involves interaction. What do you think is better for understanding?
Two-way? Because there’s feedback!
You got it! And why is feedback important?
To make sure the message was understood!
Correct! Feedback helps clarify any misunderstandings. Fantastic work!
The Communication Process
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Now, let's talk about the communication process. Have you all heard of the SMCRE model?
No, what is that?
SMCRE stands for Source, Message, Channel, Receiver, and Effect. Let’s break that down—who can tell me what a source is?
Isn’t it the person sending the message?
Correct! The source initiates communication. What about the next part, the message?
That's what they want to communicate!
Exactly! Then we have the channel, which is the medium used. Can you name some channels?
Like talking, texting or even email?
Yes! Excellent examples. And the last two— the receiver and effect—are just as important. The receiver gets the message, and the effect is the feedback. Why do you think feedback is necessary?
So we know if the message worked?
Exactly! Great job summarizing all that. Understanding the communication process is fundamental to effective interaction.
Types of Media
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Next, let's shift to media. What do you think media refers to?
Maybe like websites and TV?
Right! Media encompasses various technologies that facilitate communication. We have traditional media and modern media. Can you give me examples of both?
Traditional media might be newspapers or community meetings?
That’s spot on! And modern media would include the internet and television, which reach larger audiences.
What about their functions? Do they differ?
Very good question! Functions like information dissemination, entertainment, and education remain similar across both traditional and modern media, but technologies enhance reach and interactivity.
So, media really shapes communication, doesn’t it?
Absolutely! Media acts as a bridge, allowing messages to flow efficiently in society.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The section covers the definition and importance of communication in everyday life, its types—including one-way and two-way communication—along with the process of communication and a classification of media and communication technologies. It emphasizes the evolving nature of communication methods in the modern technological landscape.
Detailed
Communication and Communication Technology
Communication is defined as a vital process for human interaction, involving the sharing and understanding of thoughts, ideas, and emotions through various methods. It stems from the Latin word 'communis', emphasizing the importance of shared understanding in effective communication.
In this section, we address the following key points:
Types of Communication
- One-Way Communication: In this form, the sender transmits information without expecting feedback, examples include lectures, radio broadcasts, and watching television.
- Two-Way Communication: Involves interaction and feedback between parties, as seen in conversations and discussions.
Levels of Communication
- Intra-personal: Communication within oneself, such as self-reflection.
- Inter-personal: Sharing information between individuals, ideally in face-to-face scenarios.
- Group Communication: Involves more than two persons, facilitating collaboration and collective decision-making.
- Mass Communication: Uses media to reach large audiences, such as newspapers and television broadcasts.
- Intra-organizational: Communication within a structured setting, like a company.
- Inter-organizational: Communication between different organizations for collaboration.
Modes of Communication
- Verbal Communication: Involves spoken or written words.
- Non-Verbal Communication: Includes body language, gestures, and facial expressions.
The Communication Process
The process of communication can be illustrated through the SMCRE model which emphasizes the roles of the Source, Message, Channel, Receiver, and Effect (Feedback).
This structured approach is crucial for understanding the dynamics of effective communication in various societal contexts. Understanding media—both traditional and modern—is also vital as it plays a role in disseminating messages across audiences.
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Definition of Communication
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Chapter Content
Communication is the process of thinking, observing, understanding, analysing, sharing, and transmitting or transferring feelings to others through a variety of mediums in diverse settings.
Detailed Explanation
Communication involves several stages that begin with thinking and observing, which lead to understanding and analyzing feelings or ideas. Once these thoughts are clarified, they are transmitted or shared with others through different means (like speaking, writing, etc.). The essence of communication is not just about sending information, but also ensuring that the intended message is understood correctly by the receiver.
Examples & Analogies
Think about a time when you had to explain a concept to a friend. You first understood the concept yourself (thinking), then observed your friend's puzzled expression (observing), and finally shared your understanding (transmitting) to help them grasp the idea. This is a basic example of communication in action.
Origin of the Term 'Communication'
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Chapter Content
As the name suggests, the word communication stems from the Latin word communis meaning common.
Detailed Explanation
The root of the word communication indicates an essence of sharing or making something common between people. This makes it clear that effective communication is about finding a mutual understanding, where both the sender and receiver are engaged in the process to ensure clarity.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine two friends discussing a song. For them to enjoy it together, they need to agree on its meaning and feelings it evokes (common ground). If one friend hears the song differently, it can lead to confusion. This illustrates how important it is to share a ‘common’ understanding in communication.
The Process of Communication
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Chapter Content
Effective communication is a conscious effort in creating a shared understanding about the intended meaning of the message among people involved in the communication.
Detailed Explanation
This definition emphasizes that communication requires intentional effort to ensure that both the sender and receiver share the same interpretation of the message. It's not enough just to speak; both parties need to engage and clarify any misunderstandings to arrive at shared knowledge or insights.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a teacher explaining a math problem. The teacher presents the problem (message), and if the students do not understand, they will ask questions or seek clarification. The dialogue helps lead to a shared understanding of the solution, demonstrating the efforts involved in effective communication.
Classification of Communication
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Chapter Content
Communication can be classified based on the type of interaction, levels of communication, and means or modes of communication.
Detailed Explanation
This classification indicates that communication can occur in different forms and settings. For instance, one-way communication may involve a speaker delivering a lecture without engaging with the audience, while two-way communication allows for dialogue. Different levels (such as intra-personal, inter-personal) and modes (verbal, non-verbal) further illustrate the complexity of communication.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a classroom as a microcosm of society. When a teacher talks without inviting questions, it's one-way communication. But when students interact with the teacher and each other, exchanging ideas and thoughts, that's two-way communication, fostering a richer learning environment.
Intra-personal Communication
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Chapter Content
This refers to communicating with oneself. It is a form of mental process involving observing, analysing, and drawing conclusions about one’s own experiences.
Detailed Explanation
Intra-personal communication occurs within our minds. It can involve self-reflection, daydreaming, or planning. This type of communication can shape our decisions and emotions. By analyzing our own thoughts and feelings, we can better understand ourselves and how we relate to others.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a student preparing for an exam. They might think about the topics they need to study (self-assessment), reflect on past exam experiences (analysis), and create a study plan (planning). This internal dialogue is crucial for effective learning.
Inter-personal Communication
Chapter 6 of 7
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Chapter Content
It refers to sharing of thoughts and ideas with one or more people in a face-to-face communication situation.
Detailed Explanation
Inter-personal communication involves direct exchanges between individuals, which can be formal or informal. This is where all forms of non-verbal cues (like body language) come into play and enrich the communication process, leading to a better understanding.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a conversation between friends discussing their plans for the weekend. They express thoughts verbally but also use gestures and facial expressions that convey emotions, enhancing the message beyond words.
Group and Mass Communication
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Chapter Content
Group communication involves direct interaction among multiple people, while mass communication reaches a large audience and typically utilizes media such as television and newspapers.
Detailed Explanation
Group communication is usually characterized by a smaller number of participants who can interact directly, fostering participation and decision-making. In contrast, mass communication targets a broader audience and is often one-directional, like broadcasting a news report where feedback from the audience is less immediate.
Examples & Analogies
When a football coach briefs the team before a match (group communication), it's interactive and aimed at achieving a common goal. However, a sports news segment on TV that discusses the game outcomes is an example of mass communication, which lacks direct interaction with the audience.
Key Concepts
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Communication: The essential process of exchanging information.
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One-way Communication: A communication model lacking immediate feedback.
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Two-way Communication: An interactive communication approach.
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SMCRE Model: A structured model for understanding communication processes.
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Mass Communication: The dissemination of information to large audiences through various media platforms.
Examples & Applications
Watching a TV show is an example of one-way communication, where the viewer receives information without response.
A classroom discussion is an example of two-way communication, allowing students and the teacher to share ideas and feedback.
Using email to communicate within a company represents intra-organizational communication, facilitating smooth information exchange between departments.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
When you share a thought, make it clear and bright; feedback’s the key to keep it right!
Stories
Imagine a teacher sending a message to students without listening—they might feel lost. But when they discuss, feedback helps them connect and understand!
Memory Tools
Remember SMCRE as 'Source Must Communicate Rightly and Effectively' to recall its importance.
Acronyms
For types of communication, remember 'OT' for One-way and 'TW' for Two-way.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Communication
The process of sharing and understanding messages or information between individuals.
- Oneway Communication
A type of communication where the sender transmits information without expecting feedback from the receiver.
- Twoway Communication
A type of communication that involves interaction and feedback between the communicating parties.
- SMCRE Model
A framework that describes the communication process, referring to Source, Message, Channel, Receiver, and Effect.
- Mass Communication
Communication intended to reach a large audience through media platforms like television, radio, and print.
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