Internet based communications is either asynchronous or synchronous. Asynchronous communication is communication that is time shifted while synchronous communication is same time communication.
The most popular internet based communication is electronic mail (email). The software that manages email is similar to the regular postal service, it is however, digital. Along with using email are several other software packages that make sending and receiving email manageable. Most Internet Service Providers (ISP) package the sending and receiving of mail with personal address books. These electronic books keep track of names using internet protocol along with any formal or nickname the user opt to store the information. Another popular package with email is the use of calendars. Calendars store information by date and task and inform the user or email another party of a task to be remembered. However, the managing of email is just one form of asynchronous (async) communications. Other forms of async communications are bulleting boards, clubs, conference forums and list servers. Posting information on bulleting boards are a great way to request information or ask questions that can later be checked by the sender or anyone else searching the web. Clubs and conferences can interact with specific membership list to keep in touch about information that is easier to share then printing and sending threw traditional ways.
Although email is exceptionally popular, synchronous or same-time communication is gaining momentum. Synchronous software is software that includes but not limited to chat rooms, Instant Messages and video-conferencing. This software requires both end-users to interact with each other almost instantly. Video conferencing requires the use of video so that each party can see each other. Chat rooms do not have video, but all parties can type and open a chat room up to only people that have permission. When all parties can respond to each others comments or communication this is referred to as being in sync.
Many companies use video conferencing instead of having employees traveling from point A to point B. This has become a great way to save the company money and yet still being productive. Email, likewise, has tremendously changed how we communicate. Instead of sending mail via the postal system (taking several days) an email can be sent instantaneous. This saves time, money and helps people to be more productive. Originally email where for written form, today you can email pictures, voice and music. Both forms of communications are very important. I wonder what will be next.
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Email has been a vital part any business that I have been a part of in the last few years. In the school system it has been no different. I have been able to email class information to students who have not been able to be in class due to sickness, etc. And as far as videoconferencing in sync-time, it, too, is a wonderful tool in the classroom. It offers the ability to visit classrooms across the globe and interact with one another.
E-mail is definitely one of the most vital communication tools. It allows me to keep in touch with concerned parents in a way that is convenient for everybody concerned, and it's far easier than playing phone tag.
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