Media Richness

Media richness is a medium’s data-carrying capacity, that is, the volume and variety of information that can be transmitted during a specific time (McShane & Von Glinow, 2013, p. 268).  Summary:

In the reviewed article, “Media Richness, Social Presence and Technology Supported Communication Activities in Education” written by Brian Newberry, it discussed the importance of communicative activities in educational environments. The activities consist of students conversing or corresponding with other students in multiple ways. This experiment gave the students a opportunity to understand which forms of communication was more effective rather than less effective. Newberry stated that because of the development of new communication technologies, and the creation of activities in which the new communications technologies are being used, it was important to examine the ways the usage of different technologies impact the quality or nature of communications between people. Also in some cases it is important or desirable for individuals to become aware of others as people and be able to more readily empathize and understand the people with whom they are communicating (Newberry). The article suggests that different technologies have different impacts or effects on the messages conveyed. Through research the strongest communication is by face to face because it allows the message to get through more clearly with higher understanding and reception of the message intended.

Discussion:

In relativity to a student going to school online versus a student going in a classroom, which do you think gain the most? I mean networking is always important to any person pursuing a career these days and let’s face it. Everyone in your classroom is preparing themselves to be somebody so I believe there is no better place to network then a classroom. In our online environment, do you think you will remember my name if I came to your place of business looking for a place to work after these 8 weeks are over? Probably not. I mean there’s no harm in admitting it. Only because most of you may have read me utilize my words and thoughts in the discussion boards or via email doesn’t mean that anyone can tell if I’m a hard worker, intelligent, and have an witty personality. Point being is that in a classroom setting, at least you get to sit, interact, and socialize with fellow peers and professors that may can impact, jump start your career, or put you in a good position for the future.

In some cases, the intent of the communication in an educational activity goes beyond just information exchange. In some cases it is important or desirable for individuals to become aware of others as people and be able to more readily empathize and understand the people with whom they are communicating. In situations such as this it is important to understand something about social presence theory (Newberry). The degree of social presence in a communications activity may have a number of different impacts on the participant’s perception, appreciation, participation, or level of satisfaction. Environments where participants do not feel they are recognized as individuals, or in which their input does not seem to be valued may result in a reduced motivation to participate (Daft).

There is a huge difference if you can see what type of example I’m referring to with that statement. In the reviewed article, “Media Richness, Social Presence and Technology Supported Communication Activities in Education” the author talks about several activities that has be utilized in classrooms to enhance teacher and student effectiveness as communicators. The degree of social presence in a communications activity may have a number of different impacts on the participant’s perception, appreciation, participation, or level of satisfaction. Environments where participants do not feel they are recognized as individuals, or in which their input does not seem to be valued may result in a reduced motivation to participate (Newberry).

According to Newberry, this is the list from the most effective to the least effective in the form of effective communication: Face – to – Face, Video Conferencing, Synchronous Audio, Text – Based Chat, E-mail / Asynchronous Audio, and Threaded Discussion. Face to face communication is at the top of the media richness because it allows us to communicate both verbally and nonverbally at the same time, to receive feedback almost immediately from the receiver, to quickly adjust our message and style, and to use complex language such as metaphors and idioms (McShane & Von Glinow, 2013, p. 268). My question to you “the reader” is do you think we lose personal connectivity with each other that we would have had if we sat next to each other in class by going to school online? Or are we living in a society where sociability doesn’t matter as much because of the advancement of technology?

References:

Daft, R. L. and R. H. Lengel (1984). Information richness: a new approach to managerial behavior and organizational design. Research in Organizational Behavior 6, 191-233. Newberry. (2001). Raising Student Social Presence In Online Classes. WebNet 2001 Proceedings (In Press) McShane, S. L., & Von Glinow, M. (2013). Organizational behavior: Emerging knowledge. Global reality (6thth ed., pp. 107-111). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.