Contents
About TONIC
Using TONIC
Introducing the Internet
Exploring the Internet
Internet tools
Searching the Internet
Communication
Introduction
Asynchronous
Synchronous
Chat
Telephony
Videoconferencing
Conclusion
Creating web pages
Course conclusion

Synchronous Communication

Communicating

Real-time communication enabling multiple users to join in a conversation as it happens, whether it's typed, spoken, or viewed.

In contrast to email, these facilities provide the dynamic interactivity of a face to face conversation. The different types of tools for real-time or synchronous communication and collaboration on the internet are described below:

Synchronous Communication Tools

  • Text-based

    Chat is a system that allows real-time text-based conversation over the internet. Some chat tools require dedicated software, but many work through 'Java applets' and so require only a web browser. Some now also include whiteboard facilities. Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a closely-related technology.

  • Audio-based

    Internetphone allows the internet to be used to make telephone calls. This is very cost-effective, especially for international calls, as the user will only pay the cost of a local call to their ISP, who will then make the international connection on their behalf.

  • Video-based

    Videoconferencing provides a direct video (and usually audio) link between two or more participants. Some systems are internet based, whilst others use the telecommunications network.

These communication methods are covered more details in the following sections of this tutorial.

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