The USA Today article posted by Dr. Mosley, 'E-mail has become the new snail mail'..., was very eye-opening to me. I am a "Gen Xer", and remember using typewriters, writing interoffice memos, and relying on the postal system and fax for disseminating information. Just reading the article was culture shock to me, almost like my generation was becoming extinct right before my eyes.
As I shifted from my initial thoughts, I really started to seek a better understanding of the message being delivered in the article. Email is likely to remain a primary effective method of communication, especially for the workplace. Advancements in technology have enabled real time communication and data at our fingertips. Alternative communication methods, like texting and instand messaging, and social media, like twitter, facebook, wikis, and blogging have resulted in email being a slower form of communication. So it is not that email is going away. It is just not efficient in certain situations.
I agree with the article that it is critical to select the best form of communication based on the audience and based on the situation. I think as educators, it will be key for us to be able to identify the learning styles of our audience and customize our communication based on individual learning styles. The content being delivered may also influence the manner in which we deliver information. I think it will be critical for us to remain agile as we examine the future of communication.
Great post Rose. I agree, it depends on the audience and the situation to determine the best source of communication to use. Of course we can assume that email is great for work and a personal email is great for personal contacts. But, on the other hand, face book is used to connect or re-connect with people we know too. However, I have noticed a cross-over effect. There are professionals that have facebook accounts that they respond to quicker than their work emails.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, there have been a couple of instances in the past where I needed to get in touch with a professor. After sending several emails without gaining one response, I emailed the person on facebook and got the answer to my question in a matter of minutes!!
Have you experienced the cross-over effect?
T.S. Long, thanks for the response.
ReplyDeleteYou bet I have. Actually in a similar situation as you. I have received instant responses from a professor via text than via email or phone call.
Our organization uses facebook as a tool for threading discussions regarding specific leadership topics. I think when used in this way, it can be a very effective means for marketing the services of an organization.
My hesitation about facebook for individual usage is that sometimes posts are taken out context. Sometimes it becomes a vehicle which displays individuals (yes, professors) in a not so professional light. Plus employers use these tools as a screening mechanism in making hiring decisions about employees. So I think we have to maintain a cautious optimistic approach.
Hi Rose,
ReplyDeleteThis article was interesting to me as well. I never viewed, or thought of email as becoming the new "snail-mail", however I can see how the observation is relevant. Email is a great tool to use for communication, especially if you need to save a copy for future reference. I think instant messaging and social media are just an added bonus, if you need a quick response.
It's funny though, because I still remember when email first came out. I used to think it was pointless, because all we had to do was call each other. Now, I depend on my email faithfully and can't imagine not using it. I think over time, something else be developed and others will be saying the same thing that I am saying. Like for example blogging is great, but you have to be signed in and etc. Eventually, it will be mobile like Twitter and Facebook and you'll be able to access it easily which will develope more bloggers.
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