Lesson Overview

We communicate daily. Often we use a technological device to help us deliver our message. Examples of communication systems include: the Internet, telephones, televisions, radios, computers, and fax machines.  In this lesson you will learn the overall usefulness of communication to transmit data and information.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop an understanding of and be able to select and use information and communication technologies. (ITEA 17)

• Information and communication technologies include the inputs, processes, and outputs associated with sending and receiving information (ITEA 17-L)
• Information and communication systems allow information to be transferred from human to human, human to machine, and machine to machine (ITEA 17-M)
• Information and communication systems can be used to inform, persuade, entertain, control, manage, and educate (ITEA 17-N)
• Communication systems are made up of source, encoder, transmitter, receiver, deconder, storage, retrieval, and destination (ITEA 17-O)
• There are many ways to communicate information, such as graphic and electronic means (ITEA 17-P)
• Technological knowledge and processes are communicated using symbols, measurement, conventions, icons, graphic images, and languages that incorporate a variety of visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli. (ITEA 17-Q)

Getting Started

To begin this lesson, consider the many forms of communication you use daily. Some of these communications are in a graphic format, while others are electronic, and others may be communicated in either or both formats. Complete the Venn Diagram, below, to check your understanding of electronic and graphic communication.