Media Technology In Today;s World

Media technology is using different forms of communication to reach their audience.  The four types of media we will be discussing are: newspaper, television, internet and social.  Media helps influence the way we think, while shaping our social relationships character.  Media technology is moving at a fast pace, keeping up to date is required, or you will become lost.

    Newspaper Media 

When buying a newspaper, technology is needed to produce it.  We just pick the paper up and read.  Newspapers have reporters who write, edit, and layout the story to fit the audience.  Today’s newspaper staffs need computers, digital imaging, satellite technology and sometimes robots to produce a professional newspaper. Without these tools there would be no newspapers as we know them today. 

Newspapers, periodicals, journals, books, booklets, pamphlets, newsletters are the different types of print media used daily.  A newspaper is a package of news, comments, information and entertainment. The combination of the contents varies from paper to paper.  Newspapers are designed to meet anyone who desires to read, wants and needs. There are many sections to attract interest. The prices of newspapers are reasonable, so anyone can afford to buy them. 

 The intended target audience of newspapers vary, however the main audience for newspapers are adults.  It depends on the interest of the target audience what newspapers will publish.  Newspapers are slowly fading away. “Some newspapers are creating home pages to mark their place in cyberspace until their managers determine how to make them commercially viable” (Morris & Christine, 2006).  Other print media are thinking about moving to the Internet, fearing new technology competition. 

Newspapers are looking into finding new technology sources to remain competitive. They are now using web sites, blogging and texting messaging to deliver information to their target audiences.  Remaining competitive means newspapers have to incorporate technology into their strategy. Without making these changes, newspapers will become inactive and soon become the talk of the past.
                              Television Media 

Technology in the television industry has made many changes over the years. Unlike radio, you can watch what is going on, and listen at the same time. The original television was black and white, big and bulky, with limited channels. However, today they have colored pictures with all kinds of neat gadgets.  Now, they are slim and trim.  Large flat screen televisions are in every household, the demand is great.  

Television attracts all types of viewers and age groups. Television technology gives us the convenience of sitting back, relaxing, and pressing the remote.  The world has been altered by television. Some people are considered as couch potatoes, because they lay around and watch television all day.  Too much television could have negative effects, if taken seriously by the viewer. 

Parents should encourage their children to watch programs which are beneficial to them.  “Time spent when children are watching television takes away from important activities, sometimes the information they learn may be inappropriate or incorrect” (Children and Watching TV, 2011).  Television technology is not harmful to viewers, if they enjoy the effects of using it wisely.

 Despite the boom of the internet, television is still good for obtaining information, and entertainment.  People of all ages watch television. Most of the United States started watching television as children. Television can be entertainment, and teach children many things if not used as a substitute other activities. Television offers many channels, with news, sports, cartoons, movies and game shows.  Most people could not imagine living without a television or two in their home.
                                                         
                                        Internet Media 

“The Internet can be used as a tool for gathering news and information; trends regarding downloading of pod-casts; use of social networking sites by teenagers; and usage trends and patterns for broadband Internet access” (Technology and Media Use, 2013).   When using the internet, you can connect anywhere in the world.  With a few key strokes, you are off and running on your adventure. 

Using the internet is great; however, you can become reliant upon its convenience.  Everyone has access to internet information, which makes this technology unique.  It is your decision how far you want to travel, and how much information you want to gather.  There is no limitation to the audience for using the internet.  Men, women, old and the young have learned to retrieve information from the Internet.

It can be used for work, education, shopping, or for your own pleasure.  “The Internet's information-retrieval and information-giving features are used in ways similar to mass media channels (newspapers, television, and books and magazines” (Flanagin, 2001). The internet has exploded with information over the years covering a mass audience.  Information can be accessed at any time.  The audience definitely has to be computer literate, or willing to learn. Today children are learning how to use computers in pre-school.

Today, there are profitable sources who are now creating home pages, and websites accessing their services, or for information concerning those services. The internet is taking over newspapers.  People no longer have to go buy newspapers; they can bring the information up on the internet and read at their convenience.  No more newspapers building up in the closet for recycle.

                                          Social Media                   


The last media technology is the social media.  “Social media such as Twitter, Facebook,, MySpace, You Tube, Flickr, and others have been growing at a tremendous rate, and the adoption rate of such media has skyrocketed” (Noor Al-Deen & Hendricks, 2012).  You can log into Twitter and connect with your friends, family, news, celebrities and professionals.
  
Facebook is also used to connect to friends and family.  Facebook has united with other companies to connect their services all over the world.  Facebook is growing fast and has become number one in social media.  With YouTube you can share videos instantly.  Flickr lets you share videos and your favorite photos with others. Communication has been taken to a new level these days because of technology.  Social media is positive most of the time, however there are times when there are negative effects. 

Several negative effects caused by social media are: A false sense of connection making us unable to distinguish the difference between the media and real relationships. Cyber- bulling means we have to look out for predators wanting to hurt others.  Sometimes, using the computer at work will cause distractions which will cause a decrease in productivity.  Social media openness can cause lack of privacy.

 You should always be careful concerning the personal information you are posting on a website.  Social media has made it possible to communicate anywhere in the world.  You can meet new people and develop relationships, without leaving home.  Social media has a positive and negative affect on people, which sometimes causes distractions.  Social media is changing the communication pattern fast.



Children and Watching TV. (2011). American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families.../Children_And_Wat_54.aspx‎.

Flanagin, A. a. (2001). Internet use in the contemporary media environment. Human Communication Research, 27:. Wiley Online Library, 153-181.

Morris, M., & Christine, O. (2006). The Internet as Mass Media. Wiley Online Library, DOI: 10.1111/j.1083-6101.1996.tb00174.x.

Noor Al-Deen, H. S., & Hendricks, J. A. (2012). Social Media Usage and Impact. Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books.

Technology and Media Use. (2013). The Pew Charitable Trust, www.pewtrusts.org › ... › Technology and Media Use‎.

Communication Matters In All Fields

           Communication skills are needed in every type of career.  Being able to communicate effectively is important in life, and in whatever career you chose.  The purpose of this essay is to show how to develop a tool kit for communication in the real world.  We will discuss the skills you need to arm yourself with, such as communication, people skills, teamwork, collectivism, and management.  Developing effective communication skills really does matter in today’s world.

            The book refers to a strategic organizational communicator as “an informed and aware organizational participant who communicates intelligently, sensitively, and competently to accomplish important goals” (Kreps, 2011, chp. 1, para. 1).   Communication skills are the key to success; because you can circulate information, ideas, goals and concerns.  When you communicate effectively you have the ability to understand like others.  A tool kit for the real world means “having a robust set of transferable skills which is essential for your career” (Motluk, 2011).  When you have transferable skills you can easily adapt to any job.  Effective communication skills will strengthen any job or organization.

            In order to communicate effectively you need people skills.  People skills are necessary because this tool helps to build relationships within the organization. You have to be able to speak intelligently as well as listen, and most important, you have to know how to resolve conflict issues when they arise.  People skills are the art of selling yourself, by getting someone to believe in you, and your ideas.  In order to become a successful communicator you have to be able to deal with others, and market yourself, if you want to become successful.

            Another tool needed in communication is teamwork skills. “Play well with others - even if they are different” (Motluk, 2011).  Teamwork involves speaking, listening and getting involved.  Being able to work with others is a must in an organization.  Working as a team helps you to come up with new ideas and ways to accomplish effective communication.  It also stops conflicts, before getting out of hand.  Knowing how to work with others is a tool needed in any organization.   

            Another tool necessary for effective communication is collectivism skills.  Sometimes accepting your identity can be a challenge.  You now realize the world does not revolve around you.  "Your job is to be an asset to the company – to help the company do well and meet its goals," (Motluk, 2011).  This means doing your best on the job at all times.  Doing whatever is necessary making sure the company has met their goals, and challenges.
 

            The last tool mentioned in the article is management skills.  People in management are the leaders of the team.  “According to the article, management is about overseeing the use of time, money, resources and personal talents to ensure they are being used in the pursuit of a common goal” (Motluk, 2011).  Leaders have strong ideas, which help the organization to obtain goals.  Managers lead their company by attaining all the key tools needed for success.

Strong communication skills are necessary in every type of organization. The type of organization I want to work for in the future would be one who help others, like charity. By having strong communication skills in a field where you help others, it will help me to be able to talk and listen to others, solve conflicts and problems, become a good leader, and work as a team member.

Communication skills are needed in any organization, or career you chose.  Being able to communicate effectively requires you to develop a set of tools to assure successful communication daily, or at work.  Once you develop all these skills, over a period of time you will be able to obtain any job in any field.  Yes, developing good communication skills is needed in any career.

  

References

Kreps, G. (2011). Communications in organizations. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

Motluk, A. (2011). A tool kit for the real world. NewScientist.

Creating My Blog

  My assignment for this class is to set up an effective professional blog, concerning Communication Studies.  We communicate each day which is not always effective.  We communicate all the time verbally and non verbally in many different ways.  

          To communicate effectively, you have to become knowledgeable, and practice daily.  This blog will illustrate to my potential employers, students, and my professor, the knowledge and skills acquired while working on my degree.  Communication is a way of life for all.

          “Communication is a step-by-step building process” (Krep, 2011).  Once you send your message you cannot take it back. “Once you determine a purpose, then you can follow up by choosing the specific purpose of communication” (Roebuck, 2006).  Specific purpose means to recognize if the message is informing, persuading, or meant for entertainment. 

           Informing your listener lets him understand what you are saying without confusion.  Persuading your listener means wanting him to act a certain way, or changing his behavior. When communicating for entertainment, you want your audience to enjoy your message.

          It is important to choose the right design.  The design created on a blog should be unique so it can be remembered.  When designing a blog the layout determines its look. People usually scan through a site looking for information.  An effective blog will stand out from the rest, which will keep your audience coming back. 

          People do not want to just read words; they look at your blog as a complete package. Designing the layout of your blog is important so it will be easy to navigate. When deciding on the right design, you must keep your target audience in mind.

           The content in my blog will contain my current and prior assignments, and discussions posts, which are relevant to communications.  The content will be simple, but effective, while containing informative information concerning communication. Incorporating graphics in my blog will enhance my writing.

          Once my blog is complete, it will show my audience the writing and communication skills accomplished at Ashford University over the years.  Setting up a blog is my way of communicating my writings, and conveying the skills acquired in communications.  My goal is to set up a professional blog.

          The purpose of understanding communication would be to use the principles in my everyday life.  The benefit will be improving my own ability to understand why and how people communicate. We all communicate whether we want to or not.  Communication Studies, helps you to understand how and why others think the way they do. This in turn, helps you to decide which path you will take as a sender or a receiver.

          Applying these principles to my life will make communicating easier.  Pursuing a degree in Communications has enabled me to understand the process of communicating effectively with others.

Reference

Krep, G. L. (2011). Communication in Organizations. Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

Roebuck, D. (2006). Improving business communications skills (4th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Theory and Principles of Communication

Communication is the “transmission of information, ideas, emotions, skills, etc., by the use of symbols words, pictures, figures, and graphs” (Trenholm, 2011, p. 20).  Communication is a two-way process. You have to have a sender and a receiver.  Because of the many channels the message has to go through, sometimes the message will get interpreted incorrectly.  To become successful in communicating, effective concepts and skills must be learned and practiced.

The key principles of human communication will help to accomplish this task. “When good communication is lacking, the symptoms are predictable: conflicting objectives, unclear values, misunderstandings, lack of coordination, confusion, low morale and people doing the bare minimum required” (Cleveland, Aug, 2005).  It is important to incorporate the essential principles of communication when sending and receiving a message.

When people are informed, it will stop misunderstandings and create an environment of trust within the organization. Leaders within the organization shape the culture, while avoiding conflict.  “The usual channels apply telephone, voice mail, e-mail, intranet, instant messaging, and collaboration and conferencing tools offer enormous potential if they are available and compatible across the organization” (Cleveland, Aug, 2005).  The appropriate tools needed to communicate properly will ensure effective communication.

When communicating, leaders should practice both formal and informal communication.  There are many formats which leaders can use, such as emails, voicemails, newsletters, meetings, intranet and visual displays. The benefit is information being sent and received quickly. These channels will help filter the message effectively.

The workplace environment concerning communication should be set up according to the job or role, encouraging trust and effective communication throughout the organization. Once trust is established it encourages people to communicate.  Listening and providing feedback in communication will assure the message has been received properly. Giving others too much information at one time is not good; spread the information out, so it can be easily understood without causing an overload.

 

The benefit and the purpose of understanding communication would be to use the principles in everyday life, to improve your own ability to understand why and how people communicate.  We all communicate daily.  Communication Studies helps you to understand how and why others think the way they do.  This in turn, helps you to decide which path you will take as a sender or a receiver. I have been able to apply these principles in my studies by incorporating the knowledge I have gained into my posts and assignments.  Pursuing a degree in Communications has enabled me to become a better writer and communicator.

Deloise

Cleveland, B. (Aug, 2005). Seven Essential Principles of Effective Communication. Call Center Magazine, 30,32.

Trenholm, S. (2011). Thinking through communication: An introduction to the study of human communication. . Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Important of Graphics

Graphics are important to layout designs because they help portray ideas, or what you are trying to explain. When dealing with graphics you have to know your audience, and what they want.

“Viewers see visuals first, which is what makes it your best opportunity to get noticed” (Marsh, 2009). People want more than just reading information; they want to be able to understand what they are looking for at a glance.  Graphics help to give you the big picture of the information so it can be reviewed easily and quickly.

The purpose is to make your information attractive and clear to your audience.  Graphics is used when you want to make a point, or to make the information easier to understand.  I recently bought a new coffee maker and it come with complete step by step instructions, describing every part, and how to use the coffee maker properly.  The instructions were clear, concise, and very easy to understand.

When you use graphics in a business presentation or document you should use visuals which are appropriate for the information given. Choosing the wrong graphics in a presentation will take away from the message, leaving the viewer confused.  The use of graphics for a carpenter might contain charts, pictures of tools, layout of a house or a blueprint explaining what needs to be done. A carpenter’s job is to build, so he will need documents to fulfill his needs to complete his job.  

A medial person would need graphics on different levels.  They could use charts, graphs, and x-rays depending on the medical background.  Their focus is on health and the graphics should be aimed at this field.

Deloise Dotson

Marsh, C. G. (2009). Strategic writing, multimedia writing for public relations, advertising and more. Boston: Pearson. ISBN: 9780205591626.

Reaching Your Target Audience

"Only members of your target audience can truly identify the benefits of your product” (Marsh, 2009, p. 116).  When your audience believe in your product, that is when they become a benefit to you. It is important to use multiple forms of communication when trying to reach a target audience, because informing and persuading requires audience awareness.  After getting to know your target audience, in order to change their behavior you first have to change their awareness, or their attitude.  

To communicate effectively plan what you want from your communication, and what you need to do to get it.  When you target your audience, you have to know their reactions, thoughts, and how they will respond to the sources of information you are presenting.  By using multiple forms of communication the writer can reach a much broader audience, ensuring the message has been received effectively.  Multiple forms can bring about audiences you never expected.

There are many forms of communications, word of mouth, television, radio, internet, brochures, and many more.  Different media appeal to different people.  All these different forms of communications are necessary to inform the various types of audiences you have to deal with.  The more forms or documents you use the better chance you have of reaching your target audience.

The risk of only using one form of media communication will limit you to one target audience.  Instead of multiple chances, you only have one chance to reach your target audience.  The people viewing your document will be limited. With only one form of media communication you run the risk of sending your message to the wrong audience, which will cost valuable time and money.  The purpose of the form is to give information which can be easily read, and produce a reaction or response from its target audience.

Deloise Dotson

Marsh, C. G. (2009). Strategic writing, multimedia writing for public relations, advertising and more. Boston: Pearson. ISBN: 9780205591626.

Why Study Communications?

My motivation for studying Communication is the process of how humans communicate, and to become successful in life.  Communicating with others properly is important because we communicate daily whether we realize it or not. 

 The purpose of the essay is to show why and how I became motivated to study Communications.  Communication Studies has changed my life in becoming knowledgeable and confident in communicating personally and publicly.

The benefits of understanding communications in my personal and business life is to improve my own ability to understand why, and how people communicate.  We must have the ability to see why people act a certain way, in order to understand the way they think. Without effective communication skills you cannot maximize your potential. 

Most people who become successful are great communicators.  After taking many classes in communications, I have come to realize deciding to study communications has become an excellent choice. Upon graduation I will be able to communicate successfully and pursue my new career with confidence.

The definition which is closest to my own personal definition of communication is “Speech communication is a human process through which we make sense out of the world and share that sense with others” (Trenholm, 2008).  

This definition explains how it is a process for humans to gain knowledge through speaking and through daily experiences.  Once this knowledge is gained it is shared with others. Talking comes natural for me, which will make communicating easier with my new skills I have acquired over the years.
 
Deloise Dotson

References

Trenholm, S. (2008). Thinking through Communication: An Introduction to the Study of Human Communication (6th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.