Basic 6 · Computing · Technology in the Community
Communication and Technology Tools in the Community
In this topic you will define communication and identify technological tools used for communicating in the community.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Define communication and describe its process
- Identify traditional and modern communication tools
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of communication technologies
What you already know
- Sending and sharing information
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- Introduction To Computers
- Sub-strand
- Technology in the Community
- Indicator
- B6.1.4.1.1-4 – Define communication and Identify technological tools for communicating in the community
Introduction
In the past, the talking drum carried messages from village to village. Today, a single SMS can reach thousands of people in seconds. The tools have changed, but the need to communicate remains.
1. What Is Communication?
Communication: The process of sending and receiving information, ideas or feelings between people.
| Element | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| sender | person who sends the message | a teacher |
| message | the information sent | "School resumes on Monday" |
| channel (medium) | the means used | SMS, radio |
| receiver | person who gets the message | parents |
| feedback | the receiver's response | "Thank you, noted" |
2. Communication Tools in the Community
| Traditional tools | Modern technological tools |
|---|---|
| talking drum (atumpan) | mobile phone (calls, SMS) |
| gong-gong (town crier) | radio and television |
| horns | internet: email, social media, websites |
| messengers | community information centres (public address systems) |
| smoke signals | satellite and video calls |
3. Technology Tools and Their Uses
Radio is the most widely used medium in Ghana, especially in rural areas, because it is cheap and works without electricity when battery-powered. Mobile phones are used for calls, SMS, mobile money and internet access. Community information centres broadcast announcements about health, meetings and lost items. Television combines pictures and sound. The internet allows video calls, online learning and e-government services such as applying for documents.
4. Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| fast and reaches many people | can spread fake news quickly |
| works over long distances | costs money (airtime, data, devices) |
| supports business and mobile money | fraud and scams |
| helps in emergencies | needs electricity or network coverage |
| allows learning and entertainment | can reduce face-to-face interaction |
New words
- communication
- Sending and receiving information.
- sender
- The person who sends a message.
- receiver
- The person who receives a message.
- channel
- The medium used to send a message.
- feedback
- The receiver's response.
- gong-gong
- A metal gong used by town criers.
Summary
- Communication involves a sender, message, channel, receiver and feedback.
- Traditional tools include talking drums and gong-gong.
- Modern tools include phones, radio, TV and the internet.
- Technology makes communication fast but can spread fake news and fraud.
Class activity: Community Communication Survey
- Interview five people about how they receive community news.
- Record the tools they use in a table.
- Present which tool is most popular and why.
You need: Portable radio, Basic mobile phone, Printed interview form
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is a traditional communication tool?
- A. Talking drum
- B. Mobile phone
- C. Email
- D. Television
Show answer
Answer: Talking drumUsed for messages.2. The receiver's response to a message is…
- A. feedback
- B. channel
- C. sender
- D. noise
Show answer
Answer: feedbackIt completes communication.3. Why is radio widely used in rural Ghana?
- A. It is cheap and can work on batteries
- B. It needs internet
- C. It is very expensive
- D. It shows only pictures
Show answer
Answer: It is cheap and can work on batteriesAccessible.4. SMS is a modern communication tool.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueText messages.5. Communication technology has no disadvantages.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseFake news and fraud are problems.6. The means used to send a message is the ______.
Show answer
Answer: channelMedium.7. Name the five elements of the communication process.
Show answer
Answer: Sender, message, channel, receiver, feedback.In order.8. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of social media for a community.
Show answer
Answer: Advantage: spreads information quickly. Disadvantage: spreads fake news.Balance.
Homework
- Write how your community announces a funeral or meeting, and which tools are used.