Technologically Dependent and Technology Driven:
The Multimedia Communication Revolution
Introduction:
The range of communication media has grown in recent years as new forms of hardware and software have become available. Although this revolution was foretold many years ago, it has only become feasible since the widespread adoption of high-speed internet. This, combined with the reduced size (and cost) of compatible hardware means an individual may communicate their ideas to one or many millions of computer users in an instant.
As the physical obstacles to remote electronic working have fallen, so the software to accommodate this practice has evolved. The term ‘groupware’ encompasses such media as ‘Chat rooms’, ‘Wikis’, ‘Blogs’, and ‘Collaborative workspaces’. These have all become commonplace and are constantly evolving to reflect the changing needs of users.
Types of Media
HTML
Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML) is the code specified by the worldwide web consortium (W3) for the design of browser-based content. Since its introduction in 1989, there have been a number of refinements, a result of which is the recent creation of (Extensible Hypertext Mark-up Language) XHTML. This is a controlled version of the same code which, although less forgiving of programmer errors, is a multi-platform language, acceptable by all browsers.
HTML allows written, visual, and audio content to be uploaded to the internet (or intranet) and instantly accessed from any computer on the World Wide Web. This serves as an invaluable communicative device for a wide audience from corporate giants like Microsoft, to small businesses or even individuals posting a simple interests page.
There are many ways with which a web page can be built. For those savvy with the code, HTML can be written directly into notepad and then saved as an .htm extension, (viewable through a browser). Alternatively, there are a large number of specialised applications which allow the user to concentrate more on the presentation and functionality of a web-page. These then create the HTML code automatically.
Blogs
This popular revolution has a devoted following and wide reaching audience. A Blog is an online resource for ‘posting’ information. This information can take many forms, from a simple journal, to complex special interest message boards. Although there are numerous parameters which permit the customisation of Blogs, the fundamental act of posting one’s thoughts on the internet is very simple.
Collaborative workspaces
Workspaces such as ‘GoogleDocs’ enable synchronous or asynchronous collaboration on the same document. The workspace refreshes automatically every few seconds which allows others to see how a document is evolving. Whether collaborators are in the same room or separated by thousands of miles, groupware can bring together multiple perspectives and expertise (Burnett, p161).
As interesting and useful as groupware is, it is still just another version of written correspondence. Even chat rooms, which offer near-synchronous discourse, are dependent upon a users’ command of a language and their ability to express complicated ideas lexically.
In addition to groupware, such things as video-conferencing, home-to-office networking, and mobile communications help to bring participants together within ‘media spaces’. It is with these media spaces that we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Conclusion
Face-to-face discourse is arguably the most effective form of expressing one’s thoughts. The subtle nuances of non-verbal communication; body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions all combine to deliver a message. It is this factor that has been missing from e-communication for so long. However, as the components that make up media spaces evolve, users can look forward to a richer communication experience that permits more than just words and two dimensional images.
Burnett, R. (2005). Technical Communication (6th ed). Massachusetts: Thompson Wadsworth.
Wempen, F. (2006). HTML and XHTML Step by Step. Washington: Microsoft Press.
Face-to-face discourse is the most effective but you cannot replace the value of being able to communicate electronically with family across the world. I am one of those users who look forward to a richer communication experience that permits more than just words and two dimensional images! Far cheaper than taking a plane flight to see my mum so she can proofread my essays!