MODULE 2 (DISCIPLINE AND IDEAS IN APPLIED SCIENCE)

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
Learning Objectives:

 Explain what is electronic communication.

 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of the electronic communication.
 Identify the different types of electronic communication in the modern world.

An electronic communication is defined as “any transfer of signs, signals, writing,

images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire,
radio, electromagnetic, photoelectronic or photooptical system that affects interstate or
foreign commerce.”
Six Types of Electronic Communication
Electronic communication takes many forms, each with its own applications, benefits
and drawbacks. Though some electronic media may seem more familiar than others, each can
instantly connect people whether they’re a few miles away or a few thousand miles away.
Email
Perhaps one of the most well known and most ubiquitous forms of electronic communication,
email provides a channel for exchanging messages in much the same method as traditional
mail. One user generates a message, addresses it to a recipient, sends it and, if one is
warranted, waits for a reply. The asynchronous nature of email makes it ideal for users who do
not want to become involved in, or do not have time for, a lengthy conversation.
Instant Messages
Much like email, instant messages allow you to generate a message, send it and wait for a
reply. Unlike email, though, instant messages connect users through a central server that
instantly delivers the electronic communication. Because both the sender and the recipient
must typically be logged in to start an instant message communication, the immediate message
delivery facilitates a near real-time conversation. When the instant message server connects
multiple users to each other, it acts as a chat room where many users can instantly exchange
messages with one another, meet new people and even set up private instant messaging
conversations.
Websites
Websites can take many forms and serve as a wide variety of electronic communication
channels. In their most basic form, websites simply disseminate information to visitors who
access and read information on the site. Other websites, like forums, facilitate communication
by allowing you to post a public message and then check later to see if the message received
any replies. Social media websites take a similar approach, allowing you to share aspects of
your life and then read follow up comments from friends.
Text Messages
Mobile phone users can use electronic communication on the go with a service known as Short
Messaging Service. SMS messages, which are more commonly known as text messages, allow
you to send an electronic communication of up to 160 characters to another SMS-enabled
device. Though mobile phone owners typically use text messages to communicate directly with
another individual via phone, SMS can allow users to interact with almost any SMS-capable
machine.
Audio
Electronic audio communication dates back to the 1876 invention of the telephone, a device
that converts sounds into electrical impulses and sends them over copper wires to a remote
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unit that converts them back into sound. Today, though, audio traverses an array of electronic
channels that includes radio, television, mobile phones and even Internet-connected electronic
devices.
Video
Many viewers are familiar with video as an electronic communication channel like TV or
movies, but modern broadband Internet allows video to serve as a somewhat more interactive
medium. By capturing a rapid series of photos, bundling them with sound and transmitting
them over the Internet to a remote user, webcams allow users to instantly communicate via
full-motion video chat.

Advantages of Electronic Communication

The following points highlight the advantages of electronic communication:
1. Speedy transmission:  It requires only a few seconds to communicate through electronic
media because it supports quick transmission.
2. Wide coverage: World has become a global village and communication around the globe
requires a second only.

3. Low cost: Electronic communication saves time and money. For example, Text SMS is
cheaper than the traditional letter.
4. Exchange of feedback: Electronic communication allows the instant exchange of feedback.
So communication becomes perfect using electronic media.
5. Managing global operation: Due to the advancement of electronic media, business
managers can easily control operation across the globe. Video or teleconferencing e-mail and
mobile communication are helping managers in this regard.

Disadvantages of Electronic Communication

Electronic communication is not free from the below limitations:
1. The volume of data: The volume of telecommunication information is increasing at such a
fast rate that business people are unable to absorb it within the relevant time limit.
2. The cost of development: Electronic communication requires huge investment for
infrastructural development. Frequent change in technology also demands further investment.
3. Legal status: Data or information, if faxed, may be distorted and will cause zero value in the
eye of law.
4. Undelivered data: Data may not be retrieved due to system error or fault with the
technology. Hence required service will be delayed

5. Dependency: Technology is changing every day and therefore poor countries face the
problem as they cannot afford the new or advanced technology. Therefore poor countries need
to be dependent towards developed countries for sharing global network.
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CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Answer the following questions. Use extra sheets for your answer.
1. What is the importance of electronic communication to the modern world?
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2. In your own understanding explain the advantages and disadvantages of the electronic
communication.
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3. From the six types of electronic communication, choose one and explain how does it work
and give some examples of it.
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Produced by:
Nuhman S. Mohammad
Science teacher