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ONLINE COMMUNICATION |
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Online Communication Technologies are those methods of exchanging information that virtual teams use in addition or instead of face to face communication. While most of these methods are computer based, some are as simple as picking up the telephone.  Here is a list of some of the most common online communication technologies (these are also arranged in a matrix below): |
We enjoy the opportunity to work with your chosen method of communicating. While we are happy to share some of our preferences, we believe virtual teams should train for teamwork with the exact tools and technologies that they will normally use. Tools and technologies should primarily be chosen to address the team's:
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In addition to these primary concerns, three secondary concerns are place, time, and channel. PLACE refers to where the team is located; TIME refers to when the team exchanges information; and CHANNEL refers to how that information is exchanged. Place indicates the location of assembled and/or dispersed teams. ASSEMBLED teams (in the same place) usually communicate face to face, but technology is often used to manage information. DISPERSED teams (in different places) typically communicate electronically and technology's role is to enhance their online communication. Additional challenges come from MIXED teams that have some members dispersed and others assembled. Time can be synchronous and/or asynchronous. SYNCHRONOUS information exchange occurs simultaneously with contributions from team members made in the same instance. ASYNCHRONOUS information exchange occurs with contributions coming at different or future times. Additional challenges come from isolated MIXED situations where some members work concurrently, while others exchange contributions at a later date. Channel indicates the four interfaces over which information is exchanged: textual, graphical, aural, and optical. TEXTUAL means with words, (like those written in a letter). GRAPHICAL means with pictures (like those drawn, painted, or photographed). AURAL means audio (like sounds heard over a stereo speaker). OPTICAL means visual (like images seen on a TV screen). |
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The technology matrix opposite lists several online communication options available to dispersed teams. These are organized by communication times and channels. Click on any term to get a more detailed explanation of all of them. |
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