Ways to communicate
The range of Information and Communication Technology is both increasing and converging. Policies and practice should aim to take account of the ability to communicate in a wide range of ways including:
- networked computers
- stand-alone computers
- palmtop and handheld computing devices
- devices connected through wireless networks
- tablet PCs
- mobile phones
- interactive television
Associated with this range of technologies is a range of communication applications, including the World Wide Web, file sharing (i.e. web-based file sharing utilities), internet newsgroups, videoconferencing, video streaming, email, internet chat, messaging services, digital imaging and more. Any comprehensive policy will have to take account of those applications which an organisation chooses to support.
This is an area that is constantly changing, and sources of information need to be up to date. For example, small digital cameras and some mobile phones permit users to record images that could intrude on the privacy of other people. Authorities will need to consider whether the use of such devices in a school setting should be permitted.
Rather than suggesting any particular manufacturer's or technology website, it is therefore suggested that anyone seeking further information regarding the current technologies should access the website ZDNet (Ziff Davies Publishing) and select an appropriate menu item or do a search for the particular technology or product. When this information was last revised (see homepage), selecting or searching for 'mobile technology' on the Ziff Davies site provided information about recent product developments.
E-mail comments to DoubleClickThinking@LTScotland.org.uk