Types of electronic

communication
Part 1 - Chapter 11

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Ways to Communicate Electronically

 Email
 Telecommuting
 Teleconferencing
 Videoconferencing
 Faxing
 Scan-to-Mail / Scan-to-File
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Telecommuting
 Employee uses communication channels to work remotely from his
office
 Uses tele/videoconferencing to meet with co-workers
 Requires:
 Modem
 Special networking software
 Speakers
 Microphones for conferencing
 Webcams / video cameras

for videoconferencing
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Tele/Videoconferencing
 Allows people in different locations to talk to each other
 Videoconferencing allows them to see each other as well
 Use computer and telecommunications technology
 Employees don’t have to be transported to meetings
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Advantages of Telecommuting
 Can work from the comfort of your own home
 Less time spent in traffic
 Reduced transportation costs (for both company and
employee)
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Disadvantages of Telecommuting
 Lack of proper supervision
 Lack of social interaction
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Fax Machine
 Transmits printed/written documents electronically
 Both sender and receiver must have fax-capable machines
 Multifunction printers and some computers fax-capable
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Scan-to-Mail / Scan-to-File
 Scan printed/written document
 Save it as a file
 Which can then be sent as email attachment
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Choosing a Means of Communicating

 Factors to consider:
 Degree of urgency
 Location / Time Zone
 Level of Confidentiality
 Cost
 Genre
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Degree of Urgency
 If urgent, avoid faxing or email methods
 These involve a lot of back and forth
 Unsure when recipient will see message
 Use tele/videoconferencing instead
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Location / Time Zone

 Ifyou are trying to communicate with people
across the globe…
 They may be sleeping when you are working
 Conferencing may be difficult
 Might have to use email or fax instead
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Level of Confidentiality
 Anyone in office can see a fax!
 Use telecommuting or email/scan-to-email
 Use encryption methods for additional security
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Cost
 Iftrying to communicate via fax
 Sender and receiver must own fax device
 Long distance charges may apply
 Email method cheapest
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Genre
 Written
 Email if document already in computer
 Fax / scan-to-mail if it is not
 Oral– use teleconferencing
 Visual – use videoconferencing