Live or later

Communication is a two-way thing and can be

• in real-time (called synchronous), for example speaking on the phone or watching a live demonstration.
• delayed (called synchronous), for example posting a letter or sending a carrier pigeon.

Communication can be one-to-one or between groups.

All these types of communication are available online.

Real-time communications can be done using:

• chat rooms
• video or audio conferencing

Delayed communications can be done using:

• email
• messaging
• bulletin boards
• wikis

Tell a trainer

e-Learning involves a lot of work online. It makes sense that communications between learners and trainers are also easily done online.

Learners and trainers should be able to send emails or messages to each other that they can read later.

Does everyone in your organisation have access to email and have their own email address?

If not can they send messages using the learning management system?

There may be times when it is useful to speak in real time and having some kind of video link can add to the interaction. Obviously using a telephone is possible is face-to-face communication is not available. Another option, such as Skype for example, allows audio or video conferencing at no additional cost to an Internet connection as long as there is a microphone and camera.

Communications can be in groups as well.

Some systems include the ability to record communications digitally and these could be used as evidence of achievement for a portfolio.

Related Resources

•  
  Skype
  

  Link to Skype website

  http://www.skype.com