Media of Communication – PST04106 Communication Skills
NTA Level 4 • Semester 1 • PST04106 Media of Communication Communication Skills • Source Session/Topic 2 Full source-text version: all educational wording from the extracted learning source is retained; only presenter/tutor metadata and web-layout noise are removed, while formatting is improved for readability. Session 2: Media of Communication Total Session Time: 120minutes + 2 hours Assignment Prerequisites • None Students LearningTasks By the end of this session students are expected to be able to: • Define media of communication • Explain types of communication media • Explain advantages and disadvantages of communication media • Describe factors influencing choice/selection of communication media Resources Needed • Flip charts, marker pens, and masking tape • Black/white board and chalk/whiteboard markers • Computer and LCD Projector SESSION OVERVIEW |Step |Time |Activity/ |Content | | | |Method | | |1 |05 minutes |Presentation |Introduction, Learning Tasks | |2 |10 minutes |Presentation |Definition of Communication media | | | |Brainstorming | | |3 |15 minutes |Presentation |Types of Communication Media | |4 |35 minutes |Presentation |Advantages and Disadvantages of | | | |Buzzing |Communication Media | |5 |40 minutes |Presentation |Factors Influencing Choice of | | | |Small Group |Communication Media | | | |discussion | | |6 |05 minutes |Presentation |Key Points | | 7 |05 minutes |Presentation |Evaluation | |8 |05 minutes |Presentation |Assignment | SESSION CONTENTS STEP1: Presentation of Session Title and Learning Tasks (5 minutes) READ or ASK students to read the learning tasks and clarify ASK students if they have questions before continuing STEP 2: Media of Communication (10 minutes) |Activity: Brainstorming (5 minutes) | | | |Ask students to brainstorm on the following question: | | | |What are the media of communication? | | | |ALLOW few students to respond | | | |WRITE their responses on the flip chart/ board | | | |CLARIFY and SUMMARISE by using the content below | Media of communication are those channels that the message passes to get to the target receiver or audience. STEP 3: Types of Media of Communication (15 minutes) Some of the commonly used media are; • Written medium: Involve transmitting a message in a written form, for examples; Books, articles, letters, newspapers, memos, reports, email, notes,short text messages and social media • Visual medium: Relies on the eye for impression and information, for examples; use of diagrams, symbols, posters, pictures, billboards, projected images and sign languages • Oral medium: Message is passed by words of mouth, for examples; Telephone calls, face to face conversation, radio broadcast, group discussion and speeches • Audio medium: This involves electronic media employing sound signals, for example the use of radio • Audio-visual medium: This involves electronic media employing a combination of sight and sound signals (Audience can see and hear), for examples; Television, teleconferencing and films STEP 4: Advantages and Disadvantages of Communication Media(35 minutes) |Activity: Buzzing (10 minutes) | |ASK students to pair up and buzz on the following question for 2 | |minutes | | | |What are the advantages and disadvantages of each communication medium?| | | |ALLOW few pairs to respond and let other pairs to add on points not | |mentioned | | | |WRITE their response on the flip chart/board | | | |CLARIFY and SUMMARIZE by using the content below | Written medium Advantages: • It provides a permanent record of information • It is widely accessed compared to other media • Facilitates organisational performance by standardisation of standards, formalisation of appointments and delegation of duties • It binds legally-whatever is agreed in on, put in writing and signed becomes a formal commitment supported by the Laws Disadvantages: • Costly in terms of time, energy, material and logistics • Quick clarification is not available (feedback) • Requires skills and competence in the use of language and vocabulary Visual medium Advantages: • Wide reach • Simple, high status with standardised meaning • Saves time Disadvantages: • They are risky-based on the trust that the audience has a capacity to interpret signs intended by a sender Oral medium Advantages: • Provides high level of understanding and transparency • Flexible- adjustments and changes can be done during presentation • Feedback can be given immediately • It is cheap • It is a common medium used in conflict resolution • It promote friendly relation • Better medium for transmitting private and confidential information Disadvantages: • Has no immediate permanent records, • It rely only on oral communication which may not be sufficient in business settings • It is less authentic than written medium Audio medium Advantages: • Medium to wide reach • High status • Good for simple messages and slogans • Relatively inexpensive (compared to Audio-visual media • Can help to generate interests, awareness and excitement Disadvantages • Programmes not always on at convenient times • No room for interaction • Audio only, no visual communication Audio-visual medium Advantages: • Self-sufficient-it employs visual image back-up for audio presentation • It has long lasting impact (images aid retention) • It has broader catchment Disadvantages: • Limited chances for clarification and feedback • Risks of communication breakdown • Expensive • Not everyone has a television set • Programmes not always on at convenient times STEP 5: Factors Influencing Choice of Communication Media (40 minutes) |Activity: Small Group discussion (30 minutes) | | | |DIVIDE students into small manageable groups | | | |ASK students to discuss on the following question | | | |What are the factors influencing the choice of communication media? | | | |ALLOW students to discuss for 15 minutes | | | |ALLOW few groups to present and the rest to add points not mentioned | | | |WRITE their response on the flip chart/board | | | |CLARIFY and SUMMARIZE by using the content below | The following are factors to be considered when choosing medium of communication: Reliability Effective communication is that which links the sender and the audience well. One should consider the channel chosen is reliable. For example it