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The use of electronic communications on campus has become increasingly
widespread. IT tools such as email, bulletin boards, and discussion
forums are being used more extensively by academic staff to support
group collaboration and discussion. Has your experience using these
tools been a positive and enjoyable one? If not, it might be helpful
to be aware of certain issues and prescriptions related to using
such tools.
Issues
- Permanent record
Electronic communications, such as those that occur on a discussion
forum, leave a permanent record. It is prudent, therefore, to
exercise some care with respect to what you say.
- Criticism is all too easily dished out
The non-face-to-face and more impersonal nature of electronic
communications tends to result in criticism being all too easily
dished out. Be aware of this natural tendency as a user of electronic
communications, and try to guard against unwarranted criticism.
- Communication tends to be more blunt
It is well known from research in the field of Human-Computer
Interaction that electronic communications tend to be more blunt
due to the loss of additional communication channels available
in face-to-face communication (e.g. gestures, body language, and
contextual factors). Again, be aware of this natural tendency.
Try to compensate for the narrow communication channel by exercising
care in the way you express your ideas and feelings. Indeed, we
often compensate for the narrow communication channel, as when
we make use of smileys [e.g. : ) ].
- Isolation
Avoid an over-dependence on electronic communications. Use it
as an additional channel for communications that can be very convenient
because it can be engaged in anytime, anywhere, and anyplace.
When opportunity affords, it is usually still better to communicate
face-to-face with others.
Prescriptions When Interacting in Electronic Groups
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Be critical by all means, but do not overdo it.
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Pick out the good points of others as well as the bad points.
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Thank people for responding to your request or for helping
you out.
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Try to say what you think is useful in the comments of others.
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Stay relevant to the topic being discussed.
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Observe proper tool etiquette. When using a discussion forum,
for example, post your message in an appropriate thread of discussion.
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