7.1 Digital Communication
This book includes digital tools and platforms used in facilitating communication and interaction within and across teams. Given that today’s world is largely based on communications and interaction, these tools are necessary and key for optimizing interactions within and across organizations. Find some interesting examples of communication tools in the ensuing chapters.
Communication Tools
Zoom
Brief Description:
Zoom is a cloud based video conferencing platform, that can be used for video conferencing meetings, audio conferencing, webinars, meeting recordings and live chat.
Specifications:
| Target group |
Lectures, Webinars, Conference |
| Functionalities |
|
| Formats | Desktop, Apps |
| Requirements | Internet |
| License / Cost |
Free version available for 100 participants and 40 minutes; otherwise paid subscriptions |
| Limitations |
|
| Link to Tool | Zoom |
Example of application:
Additional format/references:
BigBlueButton
Brief Description:
It’s available in 65 languages and teachers all over the world have contributed to its design. Along with a global network of developers and companies providing commercial support, BigBlueButton is continuously evolving to meet the new real-world needs of teachers everywhere.
Specifications:
| Target group |
Teachers, Lecturers |
| Functionalities |
|
| Formats | Browser |
| Requirements | Internet |
| License / Cost |
Open Source, Hosted instance |
| Limitations |
|
| Link to Tool | BigBlueButton |
Example of application:
Additional format/references:
Online Conference Tools
Conference tools
|
Tool |
Description |
Purpose |
Source |
|
Adobe Connect |
Software for remote training, web conference, presentation, and desktop sharing |
Conference |
|
|
Zoom |
Videotelephony, online chat service through a cloud-based peer-to-peer software platform, used for teleconferencing, distance education and social relations |
Conference |
|
|
BigBlueButton |
Global Teaching Platform, Videotelephony, online chat, |
Conference |
|
|
Skype |
Telecommunications application that specializes in providing video chat and voice calls between computers, tablets and mobile devices |
Conference |
|
|
FaceTime |
Proprietary videotelephony product developed by Apple |
Conference |
|
|
Microsoft Teams |
Unified communication and collaboration platform |
Conference |
|
|
Confluence |
Remote-friendly Team-Workspace |
Conference |
|
|
Google Meet |
Realtime meetings by Google |
Conference |
|
|
Whereby |
Easy video meetings with no login or downloads |
Conference |
|
|
GoTo Meeting |
Online meetings, video conferencing and web conferencing software |
Conference |
|
|
Flip |
Online video discussion platform, emulating social media platforms, can be used on any devices |
Conference |
Instant Communication Tools
Instant Communiaction Tools
|
Tool |
Purpose |
Source |
|
|
American freeware, cross-platform messaging and Voice over IP service owned by Facebook |
|
|
Slack |
Proprietary business communication platform, |
|
|
Yammer |
This is a Microsoft based enterprise social networking service (Microsoft 365) used for private communication within and across organizations / groups and teams |
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ww/microsoft-365/yammer/yammer-overview |
|
Facebook at Work |
Messenger-App from Facebook „Workchat“ |
|
|
Telegram |
Cloud-based instant messaging, videotelephony and voice over IP service |
|
|
MindLink |
This is a tool that provides a highly secured platform for classified engagement, collaboration and communication within teams and organizations |
|
|
Bitrix24 |
Social enterprise software; united work spaces which handles the many aspects of daily operations |
|
|
Flip |
Microsoft based tool/platform that connects lecturers, learners, collaborators largely using short videos |
|
|
Kialo |
Platform for rational debate |
|
|
Mattermost |
Flexible, open source messaging platform that enables secure team collaboration |