ABSTRACT
We live in a fast changing world of technology. Information and communications technology (ICT) is a force that has brought new challenges in many aspects of the way we live. One of such challenges is the growing use of ICT in language teaching and learning. Language as a functional tool used in communication is also dynamic. The importance of language teaching and learning has long been recognized and acknowledged globally. Given this fact, therefore, the learner and teacher of any language should be adequately and properly equipped for maximum competence in the given language. The aim of this paper is therefore to examine the various roles of ICT in language teaching and learning that will help make headway in the global communication needs and also meet up with challenges of the digital world. The paper highlighted the tremendous roles which ICT now plays in language teaching and learning. The paper recommended increased awareness in ICT application, ICT training, staff motivation and adequate funding of language teaching and learning centers.
INTRODUCTION
Oxford Companion of English Language describes Language as “a human system of physical signs”. (p. 523). The perception of language varies with individuals. Some perceive language as a cognitive or mental phenomenon which relates to behavior that is controlled by maturation which manifests certain peculiarities at different stages of an individual’s intellectual development. It can also be perceived as a social phenomenon – a kind of social behavior determined by the status, functions and varieties of the language (McArthur, 1996); Unoh,(1975);1982. Basically language is man’s most important feature, the vehicle for communication and a good instrument for thought and creativity.
Language provides such a fascinating object of study because of its role in capturing the breath of human thought and endeavour. When we look around us, we are awed by the variety of several thousands of languages expressing a multiplicity of world views, literatures and ways of life. If we look back at the thoughts of our predecessors, we can find and see only as far as language lets us see. Then when we look forward in time, we can find and plan only through language. Further more, when we look outward in space and in the modern 21st century dominated by electronic devices and other manifestations of modern technology, we also see that the need of language becomes even more imperative. Thus it can be seen that language has necessarily maintained and fulfilled a fundamental objective, namely that of a universal means of human communication. It still remains at the very heart of man’s existence. Language is also critical for the overall socio-economic and political development of any nation. (Emenanjo, 1999).
Teaching is a process of guiding someone to acquire knowledge or follow specific instructions. Successfully teaching however, depends largely upon effective learning. In other words, the proof of teaching is in the learning (Cook 1996:3). The implication here is that for learning to take place, a lot depends on the teacher who facilitates the process of learning. Learners themselves must satisfy certain conditions to learn adequately and effectively. It is against this background that this paper discusses the role of ICT in enhancing language teaching and learning.
THE CONCEPT OF ICT
ICT is an acronym that stands for Information and Communications Technology. The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) defines ICT as “the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer based information systems. It deals with the use of electronic computer and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and securely retrieve information. Popular opinions however have it that ICT has no universally accepted definition because the concept, methods and applications involved in ICT are constantly evolving. This follows that it is difficult to keep up with the changes that are happening in ICT so fast.
ICT can be considered as the uses of digital technology that already exists to help individuals, businesses and organizations access information. It covers any product that will store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit or receive information electronically in a digital form. For example, personal computers, digital television, e-mail, robots, etc. More importantly it is also concerned with the way these different uses can work with each other.
In business, ICT is categorized into two broad types of product:
1. The traditional computer based technologies (things you can typically do on a personal computer or using computers at home or at workplace); and
2. The more recent, and fastest growing range of digital communication technologies (which allows people and organizations to communicate and share information)
Generally the kinds of products and ideas that are covered by ICT include the following:
Application Use:
Standard Office Applications - Main Examples
Word processing
E.g. Microsoft Word: Write letters, reports, etc.
Spreadsheets E.g. Microsoft Excel; Analyze financial information; calculations; create forecasting models, etc.
Database software E.g. Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Access; Managing data in many forms, from basic lists (e.g. customer contacts through to complex material (e.g. catalogue)
Presentation software E.g. Microsoft PowerPoint; make presentations, either directly using a computer screen or data projector. Publish in digital format via email or over the Internet.
Desktop publishing E.g. Adobe Indesign, Quark Express, Microsoft Publisher; produce newsletters, magazines and other complex documents.
Graphics software E.g. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator; Macromedia Freehand and Fireworks; create and edit images such as logos, drawings or pictures for use in DTP, web sites or other publications
Specialist Applications - Examples (there are many!)
Accounting package E.g. Sage, Oracle; Manage an organization’s accounts including revenues/sales, purchases, bank accounts, etc. A wide range of systems is available ranging from basic packages suitable for small businesses through to sophisticated ones aimed at multinational companies.
Computer Aided Design Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computers to assist the design process. Specialized CAD programs exist for many types of designs: architectural, engineering, electronics, roadways
Customer Relations Management (CRM) Software that allows businesses to better understand their customers by collecting and analyzing data on them such as their product preferences, buying habits, etc. Often linked to software applications that run call centers and loyalty cards for example.
Internal networks Usually referred to as a local area network (LAN), this involves linking a number of hardware items (input and output devices plus computer processing) together within an office or building.
External networks Often you need to communicate with someone outside your internal network; in this case you will need to be part of a Wide Area Network (WAN). The Internet is the ultimate WAN - it is a vast network of networks.
BENEFITS OF ICT TO LANGUAGE TEACNING AND LEARNING
Some of the early technologies came in 1960s notably in the use of cassettes, headphones and microphones in the language laboratory. With the introduction of ICT thus came a new approach to language teaching and learning using computer assisted learning (CAL) micro computers. Quality CAL softwares provided yet another medium for learning language “At present, there are a variety of computer applications available including vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation checkers, electronic workbooks, programs . . “ (Singhal 1997 . .2). Many of the CAL softwares came with various authoring packages to allow language teachers to create their own exercises to supplement existing language courses. In English language teaching for example, varieties of CAL programs have been developed for students to practice. These are in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Available also are programmes in grammar, language function and vocabulary. These can be downloaded from the following sites on the internet.
Grammar exercise: http://www.camsoftpartners.co.uk/clef.htm
Listening and pronunciation
i. Listen, repeat and compare
http://www.camsoftpartners.co.uk/clef.htm
ii. Automatic speech recognition e.g. Aura log’s Tell Me More CD-ROM
http://www.camsoftpartners.co.uk/clef.htm
Authoring
i. Hot potatoes. This has become a popular multi-purpose web-based authoring tool, developed at the University of Victoria, Canada.
http://www.ecml.at/projects/voll/graz2000/datadriven_learning/tools/index.htm
ii. Wida software’s multipurpose package. Authoring suite
http://www.wida.co.uk
Computer Aided Assessment
Computer aided Assessment (CAA) is playing and increasingly important role in English Language Teaching (ELT). The following web sites cover the subject in detail.
i. http://www.well.ac.uk
ii. http://www.well.ac.uk/language_excercise
Referencing
CD-ROMs and the web provide language learners with source of information for language learning tasks and activities. Examples are:
i. Online dictionaries e.g. Cambridge Dictionaries Online. http://www.dictionary.combridge.org
ii. Link everything online. http://dict.leo.org
Publishing
A good number of tools exist to help language teachers and learners work on their writing / publishing collaboratively. Language teachers’ colleagues can use ICT to help them publish their work in some of the following ways:
a. Word-processor and Desk Top Publishing (DTP) software.
b. Audio recording and editing tools to record interviews, discussions, etc.
c. PowerPoint as an aid to handling large classes and for public presentations.
Communicating
Language teachers and learners can use ICT to help them communicate with one another. This can be achieved in the following ways.
Emails: Allows language learners to communicate with ‘web pals’ in other countries and towns. Some examples are:
i. European School net. http://www.eun.org2/eun/en/index.htm
ii. Windows on the world. http://www.wotw.org.uk
iii. The ands on Europe Project. http://www.pioneer.cwc.net/home.htm
ICT and the internet in particular provide language learners with the opportunity to use the language being learnt in meaningful ways in authentic contexts. The internet provides an easy and fast access to the use of current and authentic materials in the language, which is motivating for the language learner. Such authentic materials include, for instance, online newspapers, webcasts, podcasts, newsroom video clips and sharing websites such as you-tube. Language teachers who earlier searched and carried authentic materials like maps and train timetables to classrooms, can now ask learners to access such information online, thus helping the learner with current and real time materials.
Another important benefit derived from the use of ICT in a language classroom is based on the opportunities it affords for collaboration with one’s peers. Language teachers can introduce ICT – enhanced language learning projects, including simulations, between their students and groups in other places or countries, thus widening the language learning perspective into that of learning about the cultural context of the language being used. Previously students would write letters or even e-mails to each other. Today, using ICT they can ‘Skype’ or chat online, where they can not only write to each other in real-time, but also see each other and speak to each other online. Students are thus able to write, read, speak, listen and react to a conversation using ICT as part of the language learning process.
Another motivating language learning opportunity using ICT is provided by chat rooms and virtual environments such as “second life” where a language learner can practice not only the written use of language, but also practice speaking and pronunciation of a language without the fear of making mistakes.
Another major benefit of the use of ICT in classroom language learning is the opportunity that ICT based tools gives to language teachers. ICT-based tools give language teachers the opportunity to teach their learners more efficiently. With the help of ICT-based tools they are able to give individual and personalized guidance to the learner. The use of media-audio, video, authentic context help language learners with different learning styles to assimilate the content according to their needs in a learning environment that uses ICT tools. It is easier for the language teacher to use different approaches with students and accommodate different learning styles and the different needs of fast, slow or handicapped language learners.
Furthermore ICT can be used in some of the following ways in language teaching and learning.
Some institutions can offer language courses as online course or by using different technologies (e.g. TV, radio) that are supplemented by online activities. One of such offering is the ‘redaktion –D’ German language course of the Goethe-institut (http://www.redaktion-d.de/lang_english/0_0_start.shtml) which is available as a face-to-face course supplement, a radio course, a television course, a blended learning course, and a distance education course. German language learners can thus select the type of course that suits their needs, learning preferences, technical skills, infrastructure, and geographical area.
Existing on-campus language courses can be supplemented with course websites and online interactions.
Language courses can be offered completely online with no classroom-based component (online courses).
Mobile learning options can be included in the language curriculum (Kukulska H and Tranxler, 2005).
Virtual learning environments (e.g. second life) can be used for foreign language learning purposes.
OBSTACLES TO ICT BASED LANGUAGE TEACHING AND LEARNING
As we have seen, language teaching and learning are essential to the fabric of a developing nation. Rapid advances in the development of ICT have simultaneously been seen to offer new opportunities for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of language teaching and learning.
Although technology is increasingly prevalent in everyday life, a number of educational institutions in Nigeria and in other parts of the world have been perceived as either lagging behind in fully recognizing these opportunities or are still struggling with the challenges of implementing them. Examples abound in many Nigerian schools, universities and adult education institutions where they are yet to integrate ICT into their language teaching and learning activities. As well some language teachers in foreign language learning are yet to enhance their current use of ICT. Reports show that the kind of change expected as a result of the ICT implementation in Nigeria’s educational institutions and other parts of the world had not taken place. Studies indicate that the teachers’ use of ICT had increased over years; this use seemed to be mostly related to administrative issues and not in pedagogical innovations. In fact, in their use of ICT in teaching, some teachers still tend to apply traditional methodologies.
Reports confirm that whether ICT use will deliver its potential depends to a large extent on how teachers use ICT within the language teaching and learning process. Many ICT impact report indicates that the majority of teachers have not yet embraced new pedagogical practices in their use of ICT and that some teachers do not feel sufficiently confident in exploiting ICT to support new approaches in their language teaching practices.
Even when teachers are willing to adopt ICT practices, many institutions in Nigeria and in other parts of the world do not invest enough funds in ICT infrastructures. The result of this is that training needs for language teachers for adopting totally ICT approaches to materials and class preparation is not there. Other digital technologies that are now available and that can engage and motivate learners are not provided. Again ICT awareness of administrative staff at educational institutions are often ignored and not provided. Lack of funds also militates against the effectiveness of some online educations and e-learning centers. Whereas for online learning to achieve outcomes that are equivalent to outcomes achieved in other delivery modes, educational institutions should invest enough funds to improve quality of learning in such e-learning centers.
Low technical skills are cited as a major obstacle to ICT enhanced teaching and learning. Besides investing enough funds in infrastructure for ICT, determining the existing in educational institutions helps to show the gap in teacher’s knowledge institutions to craft ICT programmes for language teachers. The technical skills and ICT awareness of administrative staff at educational institutions should also be considered. ICT can be tremendously useful for administrative personnel involved in reaching out to learners in distant education and e-learning institutions.
The absence of face-to-face interaction is another challenge for language teachers who are used to high level of interaction with learners in the language classroom environment. Some of the teachers might not be comfortable asking students to use online resources because of the reading level or the credibility of the websites. Other teachers could be convinced of the benefits of online technologies for teaching and practicing writing skills but might doubt whether students can learn to speak a language when using only online technologies to learn a language. Yet others could find it difficult to moderate in an online discussion forum and would prefer that beginners will not be exposed to inaccurate or in appropriate use of language online.
CONCLUSION / RECOMMENDATION
This paper has tried to consider the use of ICT in language teaching and learning, and has come out with a clear stand that integrating ICT into language teaching and learning will contribute significantly to effective teaching and learning. In view of this stand the paper proposes the following:
In the teaching and learning of languages, many computer assisted softwares have been of tremendous help. With the introduction of ICT varieties of computer assisted programs have been developed for the fur major language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
When teaching or using ICT in language courses, teachers spend a lot of additional time researching online materials, drafting e-mails, participating in chat of instant message sessions or reading and responding to online discussion posting. Therefore, academic institutions are recommended to consider additional ways to appreciate and or reward the times spent on such activities. Besides incentives for the development of online course materials and formats, continuing support for language teachers in their use of e-learning should not just include technical support, but also instructional support, workshops and seminars as well as collaborative relationships are different ways of encouraging teachers to share methods of using online technologies. Sharing the best practice and feedback can help teachers tremendously because they not only model their use of technology but also discuss, question and criticize ICT use for language learning. Moreover, collaboration and sharing between teachers of the same language or different languages can decrease feelings of isolation faced by teachers as they begin experimenting with ICT.
Experience has shown that training projects that involve and lead to networking among language teachers no matter whether that networking takes place within their own institution, locally, nationally or internationally, are beneficial for development and promoting the use of ICT in language teaching and learning. Therefore language teachers need to be encouraged and supported in their efforts to interact with other colleagues and share their experience.
Institutions should identify the need for digital facilities for language learning purposes of such institutions
On-line technical training in using ICT can be provided to language learners who are using ICT for the first time or are not confident using ICT.
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010
GLOBALIZATION THROUGH COMMUNICATION
ABSTRACT
The importance and role of communication are over-riding and all pervading in business as well as in all human endevours. Communication is so constant and widespread that one cannot escape its influence. Without it people would be isolated and unable to give and receive ideas. Civilization itself would be impossible. However, the breakthroughs in communication in the past decades and in our 21st century have spurred increases in cross-border trade, investment and migration so large that many observers believe and we now claim we live in “one world” the globe world. Globalization is the process by which people in the world are unified into a single society and function together. This paper tried to show how communication platforms have spawned a new age of connectivity in culture, society, economy, social life, technology, and politics in relationship of millions of people in the globe.
INTRODUCTION
When in the 1960s the pioneering media thinker, Marshall Mclulan coined the term “the global village”, he had in mind the impact of electronic media on the society. Today the notion or phenomenon called globalization has become a highly controversial one in political and social discourse; there are many perspectives as there are groups with conviction on the concept. In general, globalization refers to the trend towards countries coming together economically, through education, society and politics, and viewing themselves not only through their national identity but also as part of the world as a whole.
Lubbers and Koorevaar (1999:2) provide one of the most useful definition of globalization.
Globalization in their definition is a process in which geographic distance becomes a factor of diminishing importance in the establishment and maintenance of cross-border economic, political and socio-cultural relations. This process reaches such intensity that relations change fundamentally, and people become aware of the change. The potential internationalization of relations and dependences create opportunities, but also cause fear, resistance, actions and reactions.
Arguments for globalization include the following:
• It is reducing poverty worldwide
• It is allowing access to technology in developing countries
• It promotes world peace
• It has benefited women and children’s rights
• It raises life expectancy.
The term globalization or global village can be traced to McLuhan (1965); and it emanates from his message that the medium is the message. This view can be applied to aspects of the new media such as the internet and the world wide web. Globalization is a highly controversial term and its definitions are influenced by different perspectives: social, cultural, political and economic. In commenting on the role of globalization, Soola (2002 17-18) presents a political and socio-economic view in:
Globalization marks the historic watershed in the west’s attempt to consolidate the gains of colonialism and its drive for expanded spheres of influence. Ostensibly designed to actualize the dream of the global village..it has… become a weapon of subordination, dependency and marginalization…. It serves to further accentuate the socio-economic and technological divide between these bipolar economic regions of the world, the south being the worse off.
Aborisade (2005: 3) claims that, “the history of globalization is the history of economic trade and economic expansion facilitated by technology”. This has resulted in economic relations and activities influencing technology. The notion of globalization was built on the concept of a global village that reflects a world that is interconnected and interdependent and its agents are information, the new technologies and economic neo-liberalism.
A major disadvantage of globalization is that it does not promote development in the sense that it leaves other parts of the world economically, socially, culturally and technologically dependent on other privileged parts of the world. In spite of the immense opportunities that the new media present, they also carry great risks: the globalization of the world economy/trade and the uneven international news flow pattern will lead to developing nations lagging even far behind in economic growth and development.
UNIVERSAL METHODS OF COMMUNICATION
Jayaweera (1991: 17) defines communication as “an interaction process through which persons or groups relate to each other and share information, experience and culture”. Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary (2000) defines communication as the activity or process of expressing ideas and feelings or giving people information. The definition points to the fact that communication involves sharing or exchange of a number of things. It includes sharing information, ideas and feelings between people or among nations. Communication is a two process. When you communicate, you perceive the other persons responses and react with your own thoughts and feelings. This is only by paying attentions to the person that you have an idea about what to say or do next. So it is through communication that collaboration and co-operation occur.
There are many methods in which communication can be transmitted universally. Some of these methods include the following.
Printed material
A great deal of our post consist of printed documents in the form of brochures, magazines, and newsletters, many of which originate from outside, although this format is also common for cooperate communication. Depending on the production values and the number of colors, printed materials can be expensive to produce and replicate, except at high volumes
Fax
This uses public telephone system as a way of delivering paper documents from one place to another, especially in a situation where a hard copy original is not essential.
E – MAIL
This has become the primary means of delivering short text messages within organizations that are networked. As e –mail between organizations become more common, the medium will increasingly take the place of fax, particularly as whole document can be sent as e-mail attachment. E-mail provides many cost advantages when compared with the use of paper or the telephone.
Letters / Reports
In spite of the increase in electronic communication, we all seem to receive our fair share of message on paper. This may be if there is no e-mail link between the parties because a hard copy is required to meet audit or legal requirement or perhaps the recipient prefers to read from paper than screen.
Phone
It is universal and with the advent of voice mail and mobile phones is now possible to reach people practically anytime, anywhere. Conferencing facilities also make it possible for meeting of three or more people to take place remotely.
Radio / TV
Both are universal forms of mass media which rely on electric power to get their messages to the audience.
GLOBALIZATION THROUGH COMMUNICATION
Rapid improvements in information technology have allowed us to exchange information and communicate almost everywhere, anywhere and anytime. The nature of business and how it is done globally have also improved tremendously through communication.
Through communication we observe the following trends in globalization:
Increase in international trade at a faster rate than the growth in the world economy.
Increase in international flow of capital including foreign direct investment.
Increase in world production output and consumption.
Greater trans – border data flow, using such technologies as the internet, communication satellites and telephones.
Development of global telecommunications infrastructure.
Greater immigration, including illegal immigration and others.
Another remarkable effect of communication on globalization is in the use of telephone and television. Telephone has made it possible for young people and adults around the globe to share cultural and ethnic experiences with each other. The television has also allowed generations of people to see how other people live, think and feel in other parts of the globe. In full color, we can now “meet” new people and cultures without even having to take a single step outside our home. With just the use of remote, right in comfort of our homes, we can explore different worlds that we know without the visual and sounds transmitted through our TV. Telephones have also improved communication. Gone are the weeks and even months of waiting for letters. Anybody can talk to anyone who has another phone regardless of the distance or location in the planet. With the aid of satellites, 3rd generation phones allow us to make a phone call, send video, or even receive an e-mail. Because of these developments in the field of communications technology, no two countries are really apart. So these breakthrough in communication have revolutioned business, commerce, and even the personal lives and relationship of millions of people.
The mass marketing of computers and the wide availability of internet services have brought many parts of the world together, as if we were woven on a single pattern or web of daily life. Countries today do not just export raw materials or the usual projects. Global exchange is now taking place as the market of ideas, culture, and beliefs expand through the use of technology.
Because of the electronic media, vast amount of important information can reach any part of the world in no time. Business establishments, whether big or small are using the internet in many ways to build or expand their company’s growth. With the ever improving technology comes new markets, high demand for products and also greater competition. Making investments in information and communications technology is now a must for any business enterprise.
Another form of improved technology is the fusion of the internet and the fax machine, giving birth to internet faxing. Internet faxing is faster and more economical than traditional faxing. It is a general term which refers to the convenient use of faxing technology over the internet. It is a method of using e-mail or a particular website like FREEIFAX that offers internet faxing services. FREEIFAX has combined the speed and efficiency of e-mails and the low cost sending or broadcasting documents. Through e-mails, the faxes are sent faster and frees the subscriber from the time consuming task of making several phone calls to check if the transmitted document actually got through. This kind of service enables business companies to save time and money. Additionally FREEIFAX internet does not require the purchase of another additional configuration or phone lines. All that is needed is a computer with an internet connection and e-mail account.
To avail one of this internet service, all one has to do is to visit the FREEIFAX site and signup. By signing up, consumers are allowed to gain access to incoming and outgoing fax messages. These messages are accessible in most of the world where there is internet connection.
FREEIFAX is one of the internet faxing companies preferred by many individuals around the world. It boasts of thousands of satisfied users around the world. Again many economists claim that internet has created advantages for small and medium sized businesses around the world. This advantage can be utilized while avoiding many business obstacles by using internet faxing properly.
In our world, there are many places that we can’t get within a day’s travel, but some people can reach such places via telephone or internet. Because of these modern modes of traveling and communication, citizens of a nation are more conscious of the world at large and may be influenced by other cultures in a variety of ways. Time and space matter less, and even language barriers are being overcome as people all over the world communicate through social internet forums’, various media sources and a variety of other forms of communication.
IMPACT OF COMMUNICATION ON GLOBALIZATION
We have attempted in this paper to examine the concepts of globalization and communication. It is obvious that communication has both positive and negative impact on globalization. Some of the positive impacts have so affected the globe today in the following ways:
Communication facilitates information among generation of people and promotes economic developments of nations.
Communication promotes world peace. Nations today experience relative peace among themselves; this is as a result of peaceful coexistence, deliberations resulting from communication with one another.
The interactions that exist among countries of the world through communication has made these countries to be socialized and recognized.
There will be no successful transaction of business amongst countries involved in world trade if there is break-down in communication. So effective communication promotes world trade.
Communication promotes exchange of ideas and technology. Communication between two or among nations bring the countries in contact with one another’s culture, thereby creating the opportunity for exchanging forms of technology and other ideas.
Some of the negative impacts of communication on globalization are as follows:
Communication among the nations today has contributed to wide spread of corrupt practices among nations.
Improper communications on politics, economics and even language barrier can cause misunderstanding among nations which can create havoc and enemity among the nations
Improper deliberations and breakdown in communication among nations could result to war among nations.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
This paper considered the role of communication in the globalization trend. The study looked at the universal methods of communication which includes printed materials, fax, e-mail, phone, radio, TV, video conferencing, internet forum, and other varieties of communication. The paper tried to establish the fact that citizens of our great nations are more conscious of the world at large through the use of the modern modes of communication.
Time and space matter less and even language barriers are being overcome as people all over the world communicate using different mode of communication. Furthermore, that the breakthrough in communication in the past decades and in our 21st century have spurred increases in the share of economic activities taking place across national boundaries otherwise called globalization. This globalization also goes beyond just the international trade in goods and services, it includes the way those goods and services are produced, the delivery and sales of services, and the movement of capital.
Finally the effects of globalization through communication are well established.
The impact of communication on globalization has both positive and negative effects. The breakthroughs in communication have revolutionized business, commerce, and even the personal lives and relationships of millions of people in the globe.
In conclusion therefore, the challenges of globalization necessitate that countries develop their information and communication infrastructure and create an enabling environment for information and knowledge sharing. To this effect, the paper recommends that African countries and other nations of the globe create opportunities to embark on nation-wide awareness programmes on modern information development issues and take concrete measures that would facilitate their digital inclusion.
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The importance and role of communication are over-riding and all pervading in business as well as in all human endevours. Communication is so constant and widespread that one cannot escape its influence. Without it people would be isolated and unable to give and receive ideas. Civilization itself would be impossible. However, the breakthroughs in communication in the past decades and in our 21st century have spurred increases in cross-border trade, investment and migration so large that many observers believe and we now claim we live in “one world” the globe world. Globalization is the process by which people in the world are unified into a single society and function together. This paper tried to show how communication platforms have spawned a new age of connectivity in culture, society, economy, social life, technology, and politics in relationship of millions of people in the globe.
INTRODUCTION
When in the 1960s the pioneering media thinker, Marshall Mclulan coined the term “the global village”, he had in mind the impact of electronic media on the society. Today the notion or phenomenon called globalization has become a highly controversial one in political and social discourse; there are many perspectives as there are groups with conviction on the concept. In general, globalization refers to the trend towards countries coming together economically, through education, society and politics, and viewing themselves not only through their national identity but also as part of the world as a whole.
Lubbers and Koorevaar (1999:2) provide one of the most useful definition of globalization.
Globalization in their definition is a process in which geographic distance becomes a factor of diminishing importance in the establishment and maintenance of cross-border economic, political and socio-cultural relations. This process reaches such intensity that relations change fundamentally, and people become aware of the change. The potential internationalization of relations and dependences create opportunities, but also cause fear, resistance, actions and reactions.
Arguments for globalization include the following:
• It is reducing poverty worldwide
• It is allowing access to technology in developing countries
• It promotes world peace
• It has benefited women and children’s rights
• It raises life expectancy.
The term globalization or global village can be traced to McLuhan (1965); and it emanates from his message that the medium is the message. This view can be applied to aspects of the new media such as the internet and the world wide web. Globalization is a highly controversial term and its definitions are influenced by different perspectives: social, cultural, political and economic. In commenting on the role of globalization, Soola (2002 17-18) presents a political and socio-economic view in:
Globalization marks the historic watershed in the west’s attempt to consolidate the gains of colonialism and its drive for expanded spheres of influence. Ostensibly designed to actualize the dream of the global village..it has… become a weapon of subordination, dependency and marginalization…. It serves to further accentuate the socio-economic and technological divide between these bipolar economic regions of the world, the south being the worse off.
Aborisade (2005: 3) claims that, “the history of globalization is the history of economic trade and economic expansion facilitated by technology”. This has resulted in economic relations and activities influencing technology. The notion of globalization was built on the concept of a global village that reflects a world that is interconnected and interdependent and its agents are information, the new technologies and economic neo-liberalism.
A major disadvantage of globalization is that it does not promote development in the sense that it leaves other parts of the world economically, socially, culturally and technologically dependent on other privileged parts of the world. In spite of the immense opportunities that the new media present, they also carry great risks: the globalization of the world economy/trade and the uneven international news flow pattern will lead to developing nations lagging even far behind in economic growth and development.
UNIVERSAL METHODS OF COMMUNICATION
Jayaweera (1991: 17) defines communication as “an interaction process through which persons or groups relate to each other and share information, experience and culture”. Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary (2000) defines communication as the activity or process of expressing ideas and feelings or giving people information. The definition points to the fact that communication involves sharing or exchange of a number of things. It includes sharing information, ideas and feelings between people or among nations. Communication is a two process. When you communicate, you perceive the other persons responses and react with your own thoughts and feelings. This is only by paying attentions to the person that you have an idea about what to say or do next. So it is through communication that collaboration and co-operation occur.
There are many methods in which communication can be transmitted universally. Some of these methods include the following.
Printed material
A great deal of our post consist of printed documents in the form of brochures, magazines, and newsletters, many of which originate from outside, although this format is also common for cooperate communication. Depending on the production values and the number of colors, printed materials can be expensive to produce and replicate, except at high volumes
Fax
This uses public telephone system as a way of delivering paper documents from one place to another, especially in a situation where a hard copy original is not essential.
E – MAIL
This has become the primary means of delivering short text messages within organizations that are networked. As e –mail between organizations become more common, the medium will increasingly take the place of fax, particularly as whole document can be sent as e-mail attachment. E-mail provides many cost advantages when compared with the use of paper or the telephone.
Letters / Reports
In spite of the increase in electronic communication, we all seem to receive our fair share of message on paper. This may be if there is no e-mail link between the parties because a hard copy is required to meet audit or legal requirement or perhaps the recipient prefers to read from paper than screen.
Phone
It is universal and with the advent of voice mail and mobile phones is now possible to reach people practically anytime, anywhere. Conferencing facilities also make it possible for meeting of three or more people to take place remotely.
Radio / TV
Both are universal forms of mass media which rely on electric power to get their messages to the audience.
GLOBALIZATION THROUGH COMMUNICATION
Rapid improvements in information technology have allowed us to exchange information and communicate almost everywhere, anywhere and anytime. The nature of business and how it is done globally have also improved tremendously through communication.
Through communication we observe the following trends in globalization:
Increase in international trade at a faster rate than the growth in the world economy.
Increase in international flow of capital including foreign direct investment.
Increase in world production output and consumption.
Greater trans – border data flow, using such technologies as the internet, communication satellites and telephones.
Development of global telecommunications infrastructure.
Greater immigration, including illegal immigration and others.
Another remarkable effect of communication on globalization is in the use of telephone and television. Telephone has made it possible for young people and adults around the globe to share cultural and ethnic experiences with each other. The television has also allowed generations of people to see how other people live, think and feel in other parts of the globe. In full color, we can now “meet” new people and cultures without even having to take a single step outside our home. With just the use of remote, right in comfort of our homes, we can explore different worlds that we know without the visual and sounds transmitted through our TV. Telephones have also improved communication. Gone are the weeks and even months of waiting for letters. Anybody can talk to anyone who has another phone regardless of the distance or location in the planet. With the aid of satellites, 3rd generation phones allow us to make a phone call, send video, or even receive an e-mail. Because of these developments in the field of communications technology, no two countries are really apart. So these breakthrough in communication have revolutioned business, commerce, and even the personal lives and relationship of millions of people.
The mass marketing of computers and the wide availability of internet services have brought many parts of the world together, as if we were woven on a single pattern or web of daily life. Countries today do not just export raw materials or the usual projects. Global exchange is now taking place as the market of ideas, culture, and beliefs expand through the use of technology.
Because of the electronic media, vast amount of important information can reach any part of the world in no time. Business establishments, whether big or small are using the internet in many ways to build or expand their company’s growth. With the ever improving technology comes new markets, high demand for products and also greater competition. Making investments in information and communications technology is now a must for any business enterprise.
Another form of improved technology is the fusion of the internet and the fax machine, giving birth to internet faxing. Internet faxing is faster and more economical than traditional faxing. It is a general term which refers to the convenient use of faxing technology over the internet. It is a method of using e-mail or a particular website like FREEIFAX that offers internet faxing services. FREEIFAX has combined the speed and efficiency of e-mails and the low cost sending or broadcasting documents. Through e-mails, the faxes are sent faster and frees the subscriber from the time consuming task of making several phone calls to check if the transmitted document actually got through. This kind of service enables business companies to save time and money. Additionally FREEIFAX internet does not require the purchase of another additional configuration or phone lines. All that is needed is a computer with an internet connection and e-mail account.
To avail one of this internet service, all one has to do is to visit the FREEIFAX site and signup. By signing up, consumers are allowed to gain access to incoming and outgoing fax messages. These messages are accessible in most of the world where there is internet connection.
FREEIFAX is one of the internet faxing companies preferred by many individuals around the world. It boasts of thousands of satisfied users around the world. Again many economists claim that internet has created advantages for small and medium sized businesses around the world. This advantage can be utilized while avoiding many business obstacles by using internet faxing properly.
In our world, there are many places that we can’t get within a day’s travel, but some people can reach such places via telephone or internet. Because of these modern modes of traveling and communication, citizens of a nation are more conscious of the world at large and may be influenced by other cultures in a variety of ways. Time and space matter less, and even language barriers are being overcome as people all over the world communicate through social internet forums’, various media sources and a variety of other forms of communication.
IMPACT OF COMMUNICATION ON GLOBALIZATION
We have attempted in this paper to examine the concepts of globalization and communication. It is obvious that communication has both positive and negative impact on globalization. Some of the positive impacts have so affected the globe today in the following ways:
Communication facilitates information among generation of people and promotes economic developments of nations.
Communication promotes world peace. Nations today experience relative peace among themselves; this is as a result of peaceful coexistence, deliberations resulting from communication with one another.
The interactions that exist among countries of the world through communication has made these countries to be socialized and recognized.
There will be no successful transaction of business amongst countries involved in world trade if there is break-down in communication. So effective communication promotes world trade.
Communication promotes exchange of ideas and technology. Communication between two or among nations bring the countries in contact with one another’s culture, thereby creating the opportunity for exchanging forms of technology and other ideas.
Some of the negative impacts of communication on globalization are as follows:
Communication among the nations today has contributed to wide spread of corrupt practices among nations.
Improper communications on politics, economics and even language barrier can cause misunderstanding among nations which can create havoc and enemity among the nations
Improper deliberations and breakdown in communication among nations could result to war among nations.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
This paper considered the role of communication in the globalization trend. The study looked at the universal methods of communication which includes printed materials, fax, e-mail, phone, radio, TV, video conferencing, internet forum, and other varieties of communication. The paper tried to establish the fact that citizens of our great nations are more conscious of the world at large through the use of the modern modes of communication.
Time and space matter less and even language barriers are being overcome as people all over the world communicate using different mode of communication. Furthermore, that the breakthrough in communication in the past decades and in our 21st century have spurred increases in the share of economic activities taking place across national boundaries otherwise called globalization. This globalization also goes beyond just the international trade in goods and services, it includes the way those goods and services are produced, the delivery and sales of services, and the movement of capital.
Finally the effects of globalization through communication are well established.
The impact of communication on globalization has both positive and negative effects. The breakthroughs in communication have revolutionized business, commerce, and even the personal lives and relationships of millions of people in the globe.
In conclusion therefore, the challenges of globalization necessitate that countries develop their information and communication infrastructure and create an enabling environment for information and knowledge sharing. To this effect, the paper recommends that African countries and other nations of the globe create opportunities to embark on nation-wide awareness programmes on modern information development issues and take concrete measures that would facilitate their digital inclusion.
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Thursday, August 5, 2010
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