By: Glenda Cecil

UTILIZING TECHNOLOGY AS A

FORM OF COMMUNICATION:

MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF PREPARING STUDENTS TO

EFFECTIVELY CHOOSE AND USE COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

It's no surprise that technology has become the source for communication. Now, more so than ever before, computer devices such as smartphones, iPads, iPods, etc. are the channels used to communicate. Technology has become increasingly available to assist in the operation of the organization and businesses are likewise stepping it up and transforming their communicative techniques. As a result, employees, current and future, are having to increase their skill level in order to keep up. This article addresses the need for instructors to effectively educate students on technology, how to use devices, and when it is appropriate.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this article is to give communication instructors practical approaches to best prepare their students for their future work environment; specifically, as to when and how to use communication technologies effectively.

PURPOSE

Preparing students for their future work environments can be done by using engaged learning teaching methodologies that off er a practical approach for meeting this challenge.

Using instructional & integration approaches...

Students were exposed to a series of in-class and online exercises.

Students were either required or strongly encouraged to use a wide range of communication technologies while completing class assignments.

Students were encouraged to use campus resources for technology training.

THEORY & METHODOLOGY

This illustrates the change in organizational technology in just the last ten years.

TRANSFORMATION OF COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

The instructional approach can be summed up in three words- what, how, and when.

What… challenges instructors to keep their students current on communication technologies.

How… challenges them to teach their students how to use communication technologies effectively, in part by modeling behavior.

When… challenges instructors to inform their students as to when each of the technologies is the best choice for a given situation and/or setting.

DATA: INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH

Students were assigned directly to a semester-long team project.

Planning phase Research phase Drafting/Editing phase Presentation phase

Each technology was introduced and discussed near the time when it would best support the related phase of the team project. For example, immediately before the initial phase of the project, technologies that supported planning, organizing, and outlining projects were introduced.

Also, during the research phase They were encouragedto use databases and search engines to conduct a portion of their research such as OneNote which helps with storing and organizing information.

INSTRUCTION: TEAM PROJECT

The integration approach is supported by engaged learning instruction.

Students participated in hands-on activities in class that teach them how to match appropriate business communication technologies with various situations and tasks.

Students are also required to use several communication technologies to complete class projects and encouraged to use a number of others as time allows.

Encouraging students to use technologies not required is one way of further preparing them for future classes internships, and the professional workplace.

DATA: INTEGRATION APPROACH

FINDINGS:TABLE 1. POTENTIAL BARRIERS TO INTEGRATION OF

COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Barriers Teacher Related School Related

Lack of time X

Lack of confidence X

Negative attitudes X

Resistance to change X

Lack of access to resources

X

Lack of effective technology training

X

Lack of training in solving technical problems

X

Insufficient numbers of copies of software

X

Insufficient number of computers, smart boards

X

While this is not the only approach to educating students on communication technology, it has been proven effective. It does offer ideas to instructors who may be struggling with finding practical ways to prepare their students to use communication technologies. It is vital and very much essential that students are being equipped to handle the vast technology business organizations are putting to use in order to keep up with the times. Organizations are going to be looking for individuals with the skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing environment of technology as they make internal and external changes as a result.

CONCLUSION

Robert, G. I. (2011). Meeting the challenge of preparing students to eff ectively choose and use communication technologies. Journal of Organizational Behavior Education : JOBE, 4, 109-118. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1015268635?accountid=11648

CNN. (2012, March 27). Coolest inventions coming in 2012. Retrieved November 30, 2012, from CNNMoney: http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/technology/1203/gallery.coolest-tech-2012/2.html

Thompson, S. (2012, May 25). 10 innovative ways businesses are using the iPad. Retrieved November 30, 2012, from TechRepublic: http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/tablets/10-innovative-ways-businesses-are-using-the-ipad/1489

REFERENCES

1. How would you suggest educators keep their students technologically current in a course that is already fi lled with a number of other topics that also need to be addressed?

2. In your opinion, is this an urgent issue? With the rapid advancement of technology, should learning about the subject be at the top of the list for educators?

QUESTIONS