Understanding communication

Communication is the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using another medium. With the advent of the information age, effective communication online is essential for all students. Students need to become ‘information literate individuals’ who can ascertain what they don’t know and know how to find this information.

Students need to develop skills to communicate effectively and efficiently using a range of media across a variety of formats and delivery modes. Whilst communicating, they need to have the skill to recognise, understand and apply appropriate language conventions. Understanding and applying appropriate privacy, communication and copyright laws to all forms of communication are assumed skills for students. Students must apply cultural sensitivity to all forms of communication and workplace knowledge and conventions once students enter the workforce. Understanding and using rules of ‘netiquette’ (online and email and social media etiquette) are skills of communication required by students in today’s world of communication.