Kamran Aslam bc210200553

Communication Skills (MCM-301)

Assignment # 1
Spring - 2023

Task 1: Enlist ten (10) digital tools or platforms that help listeners and speakers in
communication process, such as video conferencing software, note taking apps, or
other relevant digital tools other than social media.

Include these details in Task 1.

1. Name of enlisted digital tool or platform

2. Add digital tool or platform logo picture
3. Add digital tool or platform website address
4. Usage of the digital tool or platform (short answer 150-200 words)
5. Advantages and disadvantages with examples (short answer 150-200 words)

Solution:
Following are the 10 digital platforms :

1. Talky

Website address: https://talky.io

Usage: talking is a software package made to make communicating between two or more people
easier. It can be effective alternative for other apps like Skype or FaceTime because its primary
usage is to facilitate video chat sessions. A point-and-click interface and the ability for several
users to join a single session make it ideal for folks who may not have much prior familiarity
with VoIP systems.
Advantages: A conversation can include more than 15 people.
No software will need to be installed on the user's computer.
Disadvantages: Not as effective as more sophisticated systems.
Talky must have access to the user's webcam.
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2. Microsoft Teams

Website address: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software

Usage:
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration app built for hybrid work so you and your team stay
informed, organized, and connected — all in one place.
Microsoft Teams’ use for specific aspects. It also involves tightly controlling who is able to use
it and who can do certain things within it, resulting in a phased rollout plan.
Advantages:
 Microsoft team software is super user-friendly. Moreover, it is completely cloud-based, so the
processing power is vast. This power is always at your fingertips. Your team members will be
able to access information from anywhere and on any device.
Share files with the team members and access files sent by them.
Disadvantage:
Every time you create a new Team on the platform, you start a new structure from scratch.
Unfortunately, Teams doesn’t offer much flexibility in terms of replicating structure.
Although you can search for a file in Microsoft Teams, the way files are stored in this application
can be confusing.
The free version Teams offers limited storage space and poses other restrictions.

3. Slack

Website address: https://slack.com

Usage :
Slack is a platform that links users to the data they require slack changes how businesses
communicate by uniting employees to work as a single cohesive team.

Slack is basically a messaging app on steroids.

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It's meant for teams and workplaces can be used across multiple devices and platforms, and is
equipped with robust features that allow you to not only chat one-on-one with associates but also
in groups.

You're able to upload and share files with them too, as well as integrate with other apps and
services and you can granularly control almost every setting,

Advantages: Slack is a cloud-based communication solution that offers automation, integration,

security, flexibility, and transparency. Slack is the best communication tool for teams and
enterprises thanks to these characteristics.
Disadvantages:
Every discussion on Slack is deleted after 14 days, which is a drawback. Slack can be a
significant distraction as well. In instance, one-on-one chats might take time away from work
and discourage employees from working as hard even though they do help to build relationships
at work. Slack isn't the best for use as an email because it has a little amount of storage. If
businesses utilize the platform in this manner, they can discover that as it tries to free up space,
vital data are gradually deleted.

4. EventX

Website: https://www.eventx.io
Usage: EventX is a powerful online meeting platform that aims to simplify and revolutionize
the way that online events and video conferences are done. While EventX is a start-up
software company, it has made a name for itself and has been well-received by many users –
mainly because of the high-quality video conferencing services it delivers. It provides
comprehensive event management as well as virtual exhibition support for a top-tier
customer experience. It also offers flexible price plans designed for different event sizes. 
Advantages:  EventX has three modes: Lite, Pro, and Virtual Event & Expo. Out of all video
conference software, EventX offers the longest hours for event support in its free version. With
EventX, there’s no need for manual reporting or data processing after each event that you hold.
You will be provided with in-depth data analysis and automated reporting for all the information
that you will need to measure event performance. Enjoy automated attendance checks with QR
code-based marking. Online events and video conferences can be stored on your designated
EventX cloud, which offers 1 TB of storage for each enterprise/user.
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Disadvantages:
Even though EventX is a highly competitive video conferencing program, one drawback is that it
has an interface that is somewhat difficult to use. To find features and use the platform to its full
potential, new users will need to be briefed. However, this can be quickly fixed by familiarizing
yourself with the video conferencing software and watching guides.

5. Zoho meeting

Website : https://www.zoho.com/ar/meeting

Usage : Zoho Meeting offers high-quality video support for all employees within the
organization. You get a secure video platform that is conducive to remote collaboration and
private meetings.
Advantages: Zoho Meeting has a lock feature for webinars and online meetings so that you can
ensure that a private conference remains secure, and all the sensitive data that is being discussed
through the platform is kept safe.
Disadvantages: Similar to Google Meet, The screen recording function is limited to paid users
only. In order to utilize the recording feature you need to be on the pro edition.

6. Jitsi Meet

Website address: https://meet.jit.si

Usage :
Jitsi Meet is a video conferencing software, something similar to Skype, Zoom and co, only on
self-hosted servers, open source and encrypted. However, this also means that publishing the
links on your blog, for example, can lead to unlimited entries. Share your desktop, presentations,
and more. Invite users to a conference via a simple, custom URL. Edit documents together using
Ether pad. Pick fun meeting URLs for every meeting. Trade messages and emojis while you
video conference, with integrated chat.
Advantages:
Users can conduct or join a meeting from the web version without creating an account.
Moreover, there is no need to update the application regularly. Accordingly, managing backup
data also becomes easy and straightforward.
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Jitsi Meet has access to various types of tools for conducting meetings smoothly. It also has a
variety of inbuilt tools to support meetings and conferences. It also helps to work remotely with
staying updated and functional with work. Hence, it is an easy and efficient way to carry out
multiple tasks by conducting a meeting on the Jitsi Meet.

Disadvantages:
The Jitsi Meet platform fails to provide adequate security and privacy for the meetings. The
meetings are not fully encrypted, Moreover, hackers can easily access the data and meetings by
attacking the central server of the application. Storing and saving the data of the meetings offline
requires a high storage space. A maximum of 3 hours of the meeting can be conducted on the
application. 

7. Zoom

Website: https://zoom.us

Usage:

Advantages:

Zoom has the highest maximum participant capability for one meeting. Moreover, if we talk
about its video and audio quality, they are also quite impressive and up to the mark. Video
quality is up to 720p while audio is as clear as it is on the mobile network but even better. Some
of its basic features, for instance, are that you can share your screens and annotation features to
enable remote alliance and interaction during online meetings. Plus, the meeting sessions can be
taped via the cloud or locally underpaid plans.

Disadvantage:

Zoom is a platform for communication that enables users to interact via phone, chat, video, and
audio. A compatible device and an internet connection are necessary for using Zoom. The
majority of brand-new customers will want to get started by signing up and downloading the
Zoom Client for Meetings.

8. Google Meet

Website Address: https://apps.google.com/meet

Usage : The American online workspace, Google Workspace, offers a variety of collaboration tools,
including Google Meet (formerly Hangouts), which you may use to plan your virtual events. No matter
where they are in the world, you may organize and take part in safe meetings with your staff or clients.
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It is easy to use, and joining a meeting doesn't require a Google account. Participants only need to click
the link supplied to them in order to join a video call. Any browser can access Google Meet.

Advantage :
Google Chat or your Google calendar provide access to a video call. The sharing of a phone
number at every meeting to enable participation without Wi-Fi. the connectivity between all
Google Workspace features. The option to record meetings for later storage on Google Drive.
Screen sharing and the creation of subtitles.

Disadvantages:
When you use Google Meet (and other Google tools), your data is subject to the Cloud
Act.Google Meet is part of Google Workspace, you can’t use it alone.
It lacks customization and personalization. Limited Recording Options: Meeting recording is not
available for free users which is a let-down for users who are looking to scale up their
engagement by sharing the recording. You cant record meetings from all the devices or
platforms.

9. Whereby

Website Address: https://whereby.com

Usage: Whereby is presented as an easy way to meet over video. With no app or installs
required, and the same meeting link every time, the video meeting platform gives users the
freedom to work from anywhere.
It features screen and audio sharing, meeting recording, branded rooms and customizable room
links. Integrations like Trello, Google Docs and Miro Whiteboard give teams the tools they need
to collaborate remotely.
Advantages:
The Whereby application has access to various tools that help to organize and conduct meetings
effectively. Moreover, the application also has some inbuilt tools that also aid the users to
manage and arrange the meeting schedule. Google Calendar, Google docs, Google sheets and
many other Google tools are accessible by the app. Moreover, one can also access the Microsoft
tools for organizing a meeting. 

Disadvantages:

The maximum number of attendees supported by the Whereby application is 12 attendees in a

meeting. The information stored in Whereby applications becomes hard to access the data when
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required. Meetings when recorded and saved, use a large amount of storage space. The storage
space used for a single session for 45 minutes is in terms of GBs. There is extra storage required
to save the data shared in the meeting. This makes it difficult for large organizations, educational
institutions to conduct and manage the long meetings.

10. BlueJeans

Website address: https://www.bluejeans.com

Usage:  BlueJeans is a cloud-based video conferencing platform that allows users to connect
“face-to-face” from anywhere in the world, so long as you have an internet connection.
BlueJeans is an alternative to other video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Skype,
or Google Meet. However, with BlueJeans, you can join a meeting right in your web browser –
no download required.BlueJeans’ video conferencing service is geared toward businesses,
schools, and larger organizations. 

Advantages:

Participants can connect from a web browser with no download necessary. Noise reduction and
audio clarity of the highest caliber. Breakout Sessions promote involvement and participation.
Closed captions and screen reader compatibility increase accessibility. Using Smart Meetings,
you may compile a highlight package that summarizes key details. High level of security

Disadvantages:

No free choice for non-commercial users. When first accessing, delays could occur due to new
users' unfamiliarity with the platform. It can be challenging to navigate all the added features.
Reported sporadic connectivity problems.

Task 2:
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Suggest five tips on how students can use these digital tools to enhance their active listening and
communication skills.

Solution:

By utilizing these digital tools, students can improve their active listening and communication
skills, giving them an edge in both personal and academic settings.

1. Use note-taking apps: There are various note-taking apps available such as Evernote, OneNote,
Simple note, etc. which can help the students in taking notes while listening actively during online
lectures or meetings. These apps help to organize notes, record audio, and access them from any device.

2. Practice online debate: Participating in online debates with peers can enhance listening and
communication skills while also building knowledge on the topic being discussed.

3. Use video conferencing tools: Video-conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft

Teams, and Google Meet are great for online discussions and meetings. Encourage individual
participation and active listening during such meetups.

4. Use voice recording tools for speech practice: Use voice recording apps like
Audacity, Voice Recorder, and Quick Voice Recorder to practice your speech and listen to it
again later to improve upon.

5. Utilize feedback tools: Peer feedback can help students identify their communication
errors and improve upon them. Utilize tools such as Google forms, Socrative, or Kahoot to
provide and receive constructive feedback to/from peers.