EPC- 3: Understanding Communication

Assignment

Q1. Define communication. Give an example.

Communication is defined as a process of sharing or exchanging ideas, information, knowledge,
attitudes, or feelings among two or more persons through certain signs and symbols leading to a
desired response as intended by the communicator. For example, when two people talk, they
share some information between each other and that is nothing but communication.

Q2. Describe the communication process.

Communication process refers to the steps through which communication takes place between
the sender and receiver. In communication, the idea to be conveyed is encoded in the message
and transmitted through a medium to its destination where it is decoded, and response is made.
When the process is complete, we call it as communication.
Components of communication process:
1. Development of idea
2. Encoding
3. Development of message
4. Selection of medium
5. Transmission of message
6. Receiving message
7. Decoding
8. Feedback

Q3. Differentiate between verbal and non-verbal communication.

Verbal Communication Non-Verbal Communication

● Verbal communication is the ● Non-verbal communication involves

expression of ideas with the help of conveying message without using
speech sounds or written symbols words, either spoken or written.
combined into words, and words into
● The communication between two or
sentences that could effectively
convey meaning. more persons using facial expressions,
postures, and gestures, etc., is called
● The message is conveyed either non-verbal communication.
verbally or in written form.
● For example - Teachers nod their
● For example - Teacher evaluates the head, blink their eyes, stretch their
assignments, writes his/her hands, walk throughout the class, point
comments/suggestions in the their hands, and make eye to eye
assignments, and return back to the
 students. contact, and so on.

Q4. What do you mean by mass communication? Give examples.

In mass communication, the communicator is separated from the audience in terms of time and
place. Communication takes place simultaneously with the help of an electronic device, in which
an institution is involved. These electronic devices are known as mass media such as print, radio,
television, the internet, etc. The audience is ‘mass’ that is it has a heterogeneous profile, are
unknown to each other and located in widespread locations.

Q5. What are the different types of barriers to communication?

The factors that hamper and distort communication are called noise or barrier.
The different barriers to communication are discussed below:
1. Physical barriers: If the source is not visible to the receiver and s/he is not comfortable
in the environment, it may create barriers in communication. Geographical distance may
also create barriers. For example, people may be interested to communicate with an
expert in a particular area who is not available in other areas/regions as there is physical
barrier.
2. Psychological barriers: Due to individual differences, attitude, interest, and motivation
levels, we perceive things and situations differently. Apart from this, the varied levels of
anxiety, inherent prejudices, and previous experiences also create barriers in
communication.
3. Socio-cultural barriers: In communication, socio-cultural barriers also operate. For
example, in Indian context, some women may not like to discuss their health-related
problem with a male worker. Similarly, some issues may be perceived as personal and
not fit for discussion outside realm of family, thus creating barriers.
4. Linguistic barriers: During the process of communication, faulty expressions, poor
translation, ambiguous words, and inappropriate vocabulary create barriers. Moreover
words, and symbols used to communicate facts and information may mean different
things to different persons.
5. Technical barriers: When audio quality is poor or video signals are weak, the message
may not clearly reach the target group. Erratic power supply also creates barriers in
communication.
6. Barriers due to information load: At times huge amount of information is imparted
which we may not be able to comprehend and assimilate, thus creating a barrier in
communication. For example, in a meeting, when a speaker provides information at a
faster pace for a considerable period many of the issues and concepts may get lost at the
end.

Q6. Suggest few ways to eliminate barriers in communication.

Some of the ways to eliminate the different types of barriers:
1. Use simple and clear words.
2. Avoid ambiguous words, sentences, and jargons.
 3. Emphasize the important concepts.
4. Avoid information overload and unwanted information.
5. Use suitable body language.
6. Use suitable medium.
7. Respect and understand others’ emotions.
8. Reduce noise as far as possible.
9. Be a good listener.
10. Properly sequence the message to be conveyed.
11. Give constructive feedback.
12. Select appropriate mode of communication.
13. Use various communication skills.
14. Speak with clarity and conviction.
15. Use appropriate technology.

Q7. What do you mean by educational communication?

Educational communication comprises of all sorts of communication carried out both in
education and training. Communication that takes place in educational process is called
educational communication. Educational communication is either effective or ineffective. To
make educational communication effective, teacher/trainer needs to use communication skills.
Some of the communication skills that the teachers/trainers can use are verbal skills, writing
skills, listening skills, questioning skills, etc. A teacher/trainer must have good verbal skills to
deliver the content and make students/trainees understand the content being communicated. The
writing skills also matters a lot.

Q8. Briefly explain the different approaches to educational communication.

1. The intrapersonal communication involves communication with oneself. The
teacher/trainer needs to carefully plan the message and deliver it effectively so as to
invoke self-communication among students/trainees.
2. Interpersonal communication is between two persons. In education and training, the
interpersonal communication mostly takes place between teacher/trainer 19
Communication in Educational Processes and students/trainees which is a form
interpersonal communication.
3. The group communication is what commonly practiced in education and training. You
can see teachers delivering lecture in both education and training which is nothing but
group communication.
4. The mass communication is also extensively used in education and training. For
example, mass media like radio, TV, technologies like electronic text, e-mail, chat,
discussion forum, etc., are being used at various stages of education and training. The use
of such technologies in education and training is mass communication.

Q9. How will you plan for classroom communication? Explain the steps emphasizing the general
principles followed in classroom communication.
The communication carried out in classroom or teaching learning process is referred to as
classroom communication. Planning for classroom communication involves thoughtful
consideration of various factors to ensure effective interaction and engagement among educators
and learners.
1. Set Clear Objectives
2. Know Your Audience
3. Select Appropriate Content
4. Choose Effective Communication Methods
5. Establish Clear Communication Channels
6. Provide Structured Guidance
7. Encourage Active Participation
8. Facilitate Effective Feedback
9. Promote Reflective Practice
10. Evaluate and Adjust

Q10. What are the various technologies used for communication?

Some of the technologies used for communication are as follows:
1. Short Message Service (SMS) and instant messaging: a way of sending short text
messages form one mobile phone to other. SMS are mostly used to communicate content
and general information to students.
2. Electronic mail (e-mail): a method of sending message between people via internet.
Through e-mail, both content and general information can be sent to the students.
3. Blog: blog (short of weblog) is a personal online journal that is frequently updated. The
information (or content posted) in blog is displayed in chronological order with the latest
post appearing first. Both teachers and students can create their own blogs and post
content.
4. Website: is a page or collection of pages on the internet about a particular subject owned
by an individual, company, educational institution, and government, etc. The teachers and
educational intuitions can make available the learning content in their website for the
benefit of their students.
5. Social media: are websites and software applications that allow people to communicate
and share information, idea, personal message on the internet using computer and mobile
devices. Some of the popular social media are Facebook, WhatsApp, twitter, etc. Many
social media have the facility to create ‘groups’ wherein which messages in the form of
text, audio files, video files, etc., can be posted both by teachers’ and students.
6. Learning management system (LMS): is a software application used to plan, manage,
and deliver academic programmes. Most of the available LMS platforms have the
facilities to upload e-content, conduct e-assessment, hold discussion via discussion
forum/chat, e-portfolio, etc., and thereby offer courses/programmes.
7. Online group and discussion forum: also called web forum or online forum. It is a
website or online discussion site to hold discussion on specific topic. Students studying in
 the same class can create an online group to discuss their courses and issues while
pursuing the course.
8. Quick response code (QR Code): is a type of two-dimensional bar code that contains a
matrix of dots in white background and provides easy access to information by scanning
through mobile devices. The QR technology allows converting a large video file, e-text
etc., into QR code that can be accessed through mobile phones.
9. Digital repository: are websites for storing and managing digital educational resources
or e-content. While open educational resource (OER) repositories store opens educational
resources (OERs). E-library or digital library is also a repository. Some of the examples
of digital repositories are e-gyankosh (IGNOU), NROER (NCERT), Swayamprabha, etc.
10. Teaching-learning app: app is the short form of application or application software.
Apps are specific type of applications (computer programmes) that are designed for
single purpose. For example, you may use ‘hot potatoes’ to develop quiz or test. Or
Google classroom to deliver courses to your students.
11. Electronic content (e-content): are digital teaching-learning contents that can be
transmitted over computer network such as internet. The e-content includes OERs, e-text,
audio-video programme, etc. For example, ‘Canva’ is a software to develop graphics.
Similarly, ‘Screencastify’ can be used to develop video programmes by recording the
screen.
12. Audio or video conference: is conference conducted using computer networks between
two or more participants residing at different locations. Teleconference is the conference
that is held through telecommunication networks such as telephone or internet.
13. Podcast/Vodcast: is an audio file that is available in a series of episodes or parts that can
be streamed or downloaded from internet.

Q11. What do you mean by the term netiquette?

It refers to the set of guidelines or rules for appropriate behaviour and communication when
interacting online, particularly in digital communication channels such as email, social media,
forums, chat rooms, and online discussions. Netiquette is the blend of common sense, common
courtesy and dictates of the computer technology and established by the internet users.
Netiquette is the etiquette on internet (or net).

Q12. Explain the netiquette of group communication.

Group netiquette
1. Read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to make you understand group rules.
2. Introduce yourself before initiating the discussion/conversation.
3. Avoid empty messages.
4. Refrain from posting unwanted messages and stick to the topic discussed.
5. Avoid multiple postings.

Q13. What are the strategies that can adopt for making communication effective?
Some of the strategies for making communication effective are as follows:
1. Clarity of message: In any type of communication, it is important that the objective of
communication is well defined, the level of language is kept simple, brief, and clear.
2. Reinforcement of ideas: For clarity of the message, an element of redundancy needs to
be introduced. Difficult or technical words and expressions need to be substituted with
simpler expressions and words of everyday usage.
3. Appropriate channel: Depending upon the type and objective of communication,
selection of appropriate channel (technology) is crucial for the success of communication.
4. Motivation: Motivation also helps to remove some of the barriers, especially
psychological and socio-cultural barriers. The receivers (students) in the communication
process need to be encouraged to express their views, opinions, and doubts.
5. Proper environment: Proper seating arrangements, visibility of the source (teacher) and
relatively comfortable environment facilitate communication.
6. Feedback: Regular feedback at appropriate levels facilitates understanding of the needs
and views of the receivers (students). It helps to bridge the gaps, if any, in the
communication approach and improves the process of communication.