Reflections of another…

Three examples of synchronous technologies are:

1. Video – conferencing
2. Webinars or Web -conferencing
3. Tele-conferencing or Audio – conferencing

Video Conferencing

Video – Conferencing is the communication channel where by parties in remote locations can communicate verbally and via body language by having their image shown at another location and vice versa. Video –Conferencing is possibly the most expensive form of remote synchronous communication but is the closest simulation to real-life communication.

Integrated Vision Describes their service as:
Videoconferencing is used to describe a collection of technologies that integrate video with audio and data and convey the concentrated signal, in real time, over distances for the purpose of a meeting between widely separated sites.
At one site you have a video camera which generates a video signal. The video is made up of a large number of individual picture frames. Each frame is made up of two fields, both the fields are separated at the time of video transmission (coded) and combined on reception at the other end (decoded). The more frames received by the far site, the more fluid the video motion on the television monitor.

Webinars

Webinars are a web based seminar which can integrate speaking and visuals such as PowerPoint slides over the internet.  The advantage is people in remote locations can dial into the webinar and listen to the content of the seminar while also view the visual stimulus, they have the opportunity to ask questions and if facilitated have their turn to speak.

Webex is a provider of webinars and web conferencing services and describes their service as:
Use web meetings to present information, share applications, and collaborate on projects with customers and coworkers around the globe.

Audio – conferencing

Audio Conferencing is a more cost effective method for remote synchronous communication.  It allow parties to communicate via telephone hook up on a designated number to contribute to the communicate event or listen to the designated speaker.
 

Synchronous communication is instantaneous or real time communication. It includes communication over telephones, video conferencing and instant messaging. The benefit of synchronous communication is that is provides immediate feedback and response. It also assists in promoting effective communication because there is immediate opportunity to confirm or clarify the intended piece of communication. 

Asynchronous communication on the other hand is not instantaneous and not in real time, responses are delayed and communication is based on both the sender and the receiver contributing to the communication in their own time at various intervals. It includes communication, via e-mail, discussion boards and sms. The benefit of asynchronous communication is that it is a flexible communication medium and facilitates communication between parties that previously may have found synchronous communication inconvenient. 

Module two is now complete and our group has come up with a rather impressive wiki!

Great work guys   Take a look here