Professionals require communication to collaborate and share ideas and information. Today’s technology advancements have made it fast and easy to communicate with nearly anyone around the world. With the large amount of communication technology tools and programs available, it can be challenging to understand which ones to use and when.
In this article, we define communication technology and list 16 examples of it that you can use at work.
What is communication technology?
Communication technology is any digital tool you can use to send and receive information. This technology can include software, computer programs, devices and messaging systems. Successful communication technologies are fast, efficient, convenient bogorupdate and easy to use. They also often allow people to connect with each other from any place in the world.
15 communication technology examples
Here are 16 examples of communication technology you might encounter or use at work:
1. Phone
The phone is one of the core communication technologies that most professionals have readily available. You might use a landline phone in your office, a smartphone while traveling and internet calling while on your computer. Most phones have communication features that go beyond sending and receiving voice calls, including voicemail, conference calling and recording capabilities. Smartphones allow you to perform basic work duties as well if you have an available internet connection, such as writing emails, posting on social media and reviewing documents.
2. Email
One of the most popular forms of communication technology is email. For decades, people have been using email to send messages and files over the internet. Unlike traditional mail, email arrives in the recipient’s mailbox almost instantly. You might use email throughout the day to communicate with colleagues or clients, send and receive invoices and share text or photo files quickly and easily.
3. Blogs
Blogs are websites where people can share content, or posts, for other people to read. Blogs can be publicly available to anyone with the website link or only accessible behind with a membership. Individuals can use personal blogs to share information about their hobbies and lives. Some gain enough popularity to earn money from advertising and partnerships. Companies can use blogs to grow their brands and gain publicity. Blogs might include not only text but also images, videos, infographics, links and advertising.
4. Social media
Social media platforms, the earliest of which launched at the end of the 20th century, allow users to share their experiences and opinions with a worldwide audience. They also make it easy for people to communicate with other users on each platform. Today, most professionals and companies have corporate social media accounts they use for branding, marketing and communication. Through these platforms, they can share business or product updates, engage with and grow their audiences and stream videos and presentations.
5. Vlogs
Vlogs are “video logs” that are basically visual versions of blogs. Rather than posting text, vloggers upload simple videos of themselves sharing their ideas or explaining how to do something. Vloggers typically use the camera on their computer or device or a handheld camera to record themselves saying or doing things. You can use vlogs to:
- Increase brand awareness
- Grow your following
- Engage with your audience
- Monetize your content
- Share product launches and business updates
6. Podcasts
Podcasts are audio-based forms of communication. Creators can record themselves disucssing a topic or telling a story, then upload and store the audio online. Audiences can download the podcast to listen to on their devices. Successful podcasts are often those that focus on a specific topic that has a dedicated audience, such as crime or politics. One feature that makes podcasts so popular is listeners can download and listen to them whenever they want. You can use a podcast to discuss a topic you’re an expert on or to promote your brand.
7. Livestream
Livestreaming is like vlogging but it happens in real time. Individuals or companies launch live videos on platforms such as blogs, social media or other video hosting websites. Viewers can comment on the videos as they stream, and the host can respond to their questions immediately. You can use livestreaming to engage with your audience, explain how to use a product or broadcast presentations and events.
8. Online chat
Web chat offers users a form of instant communication. People use chat software on social media and business communication platforms to talk to friends, family and colleagues. Businesses often add chat support features to their websites to help answer customers’ questions immediately. You can use online chat as a more casual method of communicating with coworkers than email.
9. Web conferencing
Conferencing technology makes it easier for employees to communicate with each other regardless of where they’re located. Most live conference technology involves both audio and video feeds of the attendees. Other features include computer screen-sharing capabilities and brainstorming screens. You can use web conferencing platforms to collaborate remotely, deliver live lectures and meet with long-distance clients.
10. Texting
Short Message Services (SMS), or texting, allows individuals to send brief messages or images through their smartphones. This popular and informal communication technology is useful if you’re unable to call or email someone. For example, if you need to send an update or a confirmation to a colleague or client while in a meeting, you can send them a quick text.
11. Shared calendars
Calendar sharing services allow users to invite coworkers or clients to see their calendars and, in some cases, add or edit them. This form of communication helps teams coordinate their work schedules and plan tasks depending on each individual’s availability. Teams can also use shared calendars for project management purposes and to help employees manage meetings and appointments.
12. Forums
A group forum is an online platform where people can post and respond to questions. Forums are often organized by topic, allowing users to communicate about their shared interests or to troubleshoot common issues. An IT professional, for example, might ask for coding advice in a discussion forum about HTML. One benefit of forums is they contain records of conversations so you can track a group’s progress and search for specific information.
13. Wikis
A wiki is a website for crowdsourcing information, where any member can view, add or edit content. You can set up private wikis for your department or company on many business communication platforms. Your team can add information to relevant wikis to create a shared knowledge base for all members to reference.
14. Collaborative documents
Collaborative documents, such as virtual whiteboards and online word processors, allow multiple people to work on the same document. Several people can access, edit and comment on a file simultaneously. These tools are useful for teams that create and edit content and can help them produce an accurate and shared final product.
15. Wearable Technology
You can carry various types of wearable technology on your body to make communication quick, easy and hands-free. Smart watches, for example, respond to the wearer’s voice commands to answer questions, make phone calls, send meeting reminders and take notes. This technology is useful for professionals who travel frequently, are away from their computer and multitask many projects. Other examples of wearable technology in the workplace include smart glasses and exercise bracelets.