E-communication guidelines
There are various ways of communicating information, one of which is e-communication. This section will discuss some of the different ways of communicating information electronically.
What is it? E-mail is an electronic mail function that allows you to exchange messages and information with other people on the network, via your computer. To be able to send e-mail your computer has to:
- be connected to the Internet
- have e-mail software, which is normally part of any Internet Browser such as Internet Explorer and Netscape.
Pros
- A very quick (time-saving) way of communicating with others.
- Cost-effectve.
- You can include attachments (documents, photographs, graphics, etc.) to your e-mail and the person receiving it can easily just view, print or save it on the other side.
Cons
- Encourages poor writing habits. People tend to type in a few sentences, click the "Send" button and ignore proper writing styles.
- If your message is extremely confidential it is better not to send it via e-mail, as e-communication is not totally secure.
Listservs
What is it? A listserv is an electronic gathering place for people with similar interests. (Miller, 1997:188). There are millions of these listservs available on the Internet.
When you connect your e-mail to such a list, you will continually receive information about that topic via e-mail. Within such a group, people post messages.
Pros
- Network easily with others to share ideas, gain information and ask for assistance.
- Disseminate information to a large audience quickly.
- Stay attuned to issues, concerns, and changes in your field of interest.
(Source: http://www.seniortechcenter.org/learning/comm_study_listservs.html)Cons
- Often contains spam messages (junk mail).
- Your e-mail address can be overloaded with too many messages coming through, especially when you are away for a few days and/or were unable to read your e-mail every day.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
What is it? FTP stands for "File Transfer Protocol", a "communication standard which allows computers to transfer files back and forth in spite of differences in how different operating systems handle file names, directories and file formats".
(Source: http://funsan.biomed.mcgill.ca/~funnell/InforMed/Bacon/FTP/ftp-tips.html)Pros
- FTP is a fast alternative to normal mail.
- A quick and cost-effective way of sending information across the Internet.
Cons
- In some cases very user-unfriendly.