E-Communication Grade 10
Electronic communication covers all methods of exchanging information digitally — from email and instant messaging to video calls and social media.
T2Term 2 · E-Communication & Online Etiquette
Forms of Electronic Communication
| Form | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Send/receive digital messages with attachments | Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail | |
| Instant Messaging | Real-time text communication | WhatsApp, Telegram, MS Teams |
| Video Conferencing | Live video and audio calls | Zoom, Google Meet, Skype |
| VoIP | Voice calls over the Internet | WhatsApp calls, Skype |
| Social Media | Platforms for sharing and interaction | Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) |
| Blogs | Online journal/informational website | WordPress, Blogger |
| Webinar | Online seminar or presentation | Zoom webinars, MS Teams |
| FTP | Transfer large files between computers | FileZilla, WinSCP |
Email Address Format
username@domain.co.za — e.g. student@school.co.za
Netiquette (Network Etiquette)
- Use a clear, descriptive subject line
- Begin with a greeting; end with a signature
- Keep messages short and professional
- AVOID ALL CAPS — it looks like shouting
- Proofread for spelling and grammar before sending
- Compress large attachments before sending
- Do not forward spam or chain emails
- Never send sensitive info (passwords, banking details) via email
E-Communication Factors
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Speed | Almost instant delivery worldwide |
| Cost | Most digital communication is free (data costs may apply) |
| Distance | No physical distance limitations |
| Accuracy | Written messages reduce misunderstandings vs. verbal, but spelling errors or autocorrect mistakes can still cause confusion |
| Time | Often asynchronous — many forms let the recipient reply when convenient (see synchronous vs asynchronous below) |
Synchronous vs Asynchronous Communication
Electronic communication can be grouped by when the people involved take part:
- Synchronous communication happens in real time — everyone takes part at the same moment, like a live conversation (e.g. a VoIP/phone call, video conference, or live instant-messaging chat).
- Asynchronous communication does not happen at the same time — you send a message and the receiver replies whenever it suits them (e.g. email, SMS, a forum post or a blog).
| Synchronous | Asynchronous | |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Real time, at the same moment | Time-delayed; reply when convenient |
| Everyone online together? | Yes — all parties must be available at once | No |
| Examples | VoIP/phone call, video conference, live chat | Email, SMS, blog, forum, voicemail |
Ergonomics and Health
- Sit upright; monitor at eye level
- Keyboard and mouse at comfortable arm height
- Take breaks every 30–60 minutes
- Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 min, look 20m away for 20 seconds
Social Issues
- Cyberbullying — harassment via digital channels
- Fake news — always verify with reputable sources
- Privacy — be careful what you share online; it leaves a digital footprint
- Green computing — turn off devices, reduce printing, recycle e-waste