Question 1

How have technological advances changed the way we work today?

Accepted Answer

Technological advances constantly change the way we work. As a result, we have become deeply dependent on the Internet and other technology and have become accustomed to certain aspects related to communication. Our expectations can include: a) real-time communication; b) immediate access to information; c) interactivity, not just consumption, of resources on the World Wide Web; d) powerful computers and mobile devices.
Today's Internet technologies can a) reduce the time it takes to complete tasks and projects; b) make the way we work more convenient; c) enhance the quality of our communications; d) make our work environment more pleasant.
They provide the ability to a) communicate around the world; b) share messages, documents, and multimedia with anyone; c) engage in real-time conversations online; d) collaborate and manage projects using cloud computing; e) increase productivity with many tools and applications found online.

Question 2

Name and briefly describe four of the nine current communication methods outlined in the text.

Accepted Answer

• E-mail provides a way to send messages instantly over the Internet to anyone else who also has an Internet connection. E-mail has become a standard form of correspondence in business settings.
• Instant messaging is a text-based, chatlike messaging system that allows quick, real-time conversations across the world or across the office.
• Text messaging, also known as texting or short message service (SMS) messaging, is a form of communication used to send brief text messages over a wireless or cellular network. Typically sent person to person or person to group.
• Social networking is online communication through social media websites, blogs, and applications that create a sense of community among the users, as they are the ones providing, sharing, and disseminating content.
• Voice and video communication technologies are available for real-time conversations using images, video, or voice in addition to simple text-based messages. Most of these operate through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) which provides a way to communicate in a manner emulating a real conversation with one or more persons using in Internet connection.
• Speech recognition software enables a computing device to translate a human's voice into text-based input.
• Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are generally any type of handheld computer that can be used to connect to the Internet and perform various computing tasks.
• Near field communication (NFC) allows transmission of data between different types of mobile devices using radio technology between devices in close proximity of each other.
• Unified communications refers not to one tool but to a combination of multiple communication tools and methods that act as one large integrated system. Usually involves two or more of the methods listed here, such as e-mail, IM, voice, and video.
• Paper still has an important role in the office, even with many communications moving to electronic form. Documents such as memos and formal letters have a prominent place in workplace communication.

Question 3

Describe e-mail etiquette.

Accepted Answer

The nature of e-mail messages, being easy and quick to send, can lead to a lack of etiquette and/or professionalism. E-mail is like any other form of communication in the business world and you should treat it as such when dealing with co-workers, bosses, clients, vendors, or any other recipients of your messages.
Keep the following in mind to improve your e-mail etiquette:
a) Timing expectations-When viewing an e-mail, look for any time-sensitive information or expected deadlines. If no deadlines exist, then a maximum reply time of 24 to 48 hours is usually considered acceptable.
b) Grammar-Proper grammar should be used in any form of business communication. It is especially important in e-mail messages due to brevity and frequency of use.
c) Replies-When responding to e-mails, be sure to clearly address all issues that were raised and answer any questions that require your response.
d) Greetings-Include a greeting with the proper level of formality. When writing to your boss, a potential customer, a person significantly older than you, or someone you do not know, you should use a more formal greeting such as "Mr. Jones" or "Ms. Parks." A greeting such as "Hi Jane" or "Jane" helps personalize an e-mail, but you should use such informal greetings only when you know the recipient well.
e) Appropriate recipients-Do not overload people with messages if the topic doesn't directly relate to them. Consider who really needs to receive your message. Of course, always be sure to include those who are relevant to the conversation.
f) Junk mail and inappropriate material-Do not send inappropriate messages, forward jokes, or send any other unprofessional communication through e-mail. E-mail in a business or workplace environment should be treated professionally.
g) Capital letters-Use upper- and lowercase letters; typing in all-capital letters is considered shouting and is rude.
h) Blind carbon copies-If a mass mailing is necessary, take the time to include all the recipients in the blind carbon copy (bcc) list so that the e-mail does not reveal everyone's e-mail address to the other recipients.
i) Clear the clutter-If you are replying to a long chain of messages, delete excess content from the message thread so that recipients do not waste time wading through additional, unnecessary content.
Clear e-mails lead to fewer questions or misunderstandings and to communication that is more effective, which is good for everyone involved in your e-mail communications.

Question 4

Provide some tips for maintaining control of your e-mail in-box.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Provide some tips for maintaining control of...

Question 5

Describe online video sharing.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe online video sharing....

Question 6

Describe the security issues to keep in mind when you are working away from office.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the security issues to keep in...

Question 7

Describe the future of communication technology.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the future of communication technology....

Question 8

_____ is online communication through social media websites, blogs, and applications that create a sense of community among the users, as they are the ones providing, sharing, and disseminating content.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____ is online communication through social media...

Question 9

_____ involves sending a message that the receivers retrieve or access at their convenience.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____ involves sending a message that the...

Question 10

A teleconference, also known as a _____, is a meeting in which the participants are at two or more locations and take part without traveling.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A teleconference, also known as a _____,...

Question 11

_____ are websites, blogs, and applications that help create a sense of community among their users.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____ are websites, blogs, and applications that...

Question 12

_____ refers to using resources and people outside the business itself to convey a message, complete a task, and achieve other goals.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____ refers to using resources and people...

Question 13

_____ allow several people in different roles to contribute new content and edit existing content; sometimes even guests or visitors can play a role.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____ allow several people in different roles...

Question 14

A _____ is a prerecorded digital audio file that can be downloaded.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A _____ is a prerecorded digital audio...

Question 15

_____ is the process used by a computer or mobile device to translate a human voice into input.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____ is the process used by a...

Question 16

_____ is a work arrangement in which employees spend at least part of their time working online, away from the office.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____ is a work arrangement in which...

Question 17

_____ refers to the ability to quickly learn and change. It is a key factor for being able to fully take advantage of the benefits that technology can provide for your communications in the workplace.
A) Real-time communication
B) Artificial Intelligence
C) Sensitivity
D) Adaptability

Accepted Answer

Adaptability refers to the ability to quickly learn and change, which is crucial for leveraging technology effectively in workplace communications.

Question 18

_____ refers to online services, resources, and applications that are delivered over the Internet and accessed through an array of Internet-connected devices, such as tablets, laptops, and smartphones.
A) Telecommuting
B) Crowdsourcing
C) Service offshoring
D) Cloud computing

Accepted Answer

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of various services through the Internet, including data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software. These resources can be accessed and used on-demand from any Internet-connected device, making it a flexible and efficient solution for businesses and individuals.

Question 19

Which of the following statements is True of cloud computing?
A) It involves maintaining a variety of technologies on a company's own server.
B) It provides a way to transmit and store databases without an Internet connection.
C) It allows a business's employees, customers, and vendors to collaborate and manage projects.
D) It increases the overhead for businesses because it requires huge investments in advanced technology.

Accepted Answer

Cloud computing enables businesses and their stakeholders, such as employees, customers, and vendors, to collaborate and manage projects more efficiently through shared resources, platforms, or applications accessible over the internet. This collaboration can occur without the need for physical infrastructure or direct management by the user, distinguishing it from traditional on-premises IT environments.

Question 20

The term _____ refers not to one tool but to a combination of multiple communication tools and methods that act as one large integrated system.
A) Crowdsourcing
B) near field communication
C) unified communications
D) Voice Over Internet Protocol

Accepted Answer

Unified communications refers to the integration of various communication tools and methods into a single, cohesive system that allows for seamless interaction across different platforms and devices.

Quiz 12: Working With Technology