SYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATION: CHARACTERISTICS AND EXAMPLES - GEOGRAFÍA - 2024

The synchronous communication is the process by which two or more subjects share a speech through a medium in real time. In this concept, the factor that determines whether communication is synchronous or asynchronous is time. The clearest examples of this communication are those involving several people in the same place.

The conversation with the couple, an interaction with a teacher or a pleasant chat with a friend, are also part of the examples of synchronous communication. Even when several people are arguing in a heated way listening to each other's arguments, we are faced with synchronous communication.

characteristics

The main characteristic of synchronous communication is the response of the interlocutor, which happens in real time.

For a long time this type of response - and therefore synchronous communication - only happened when those involved were in the same place, but communication has undergone enormous developments thanks to technological evolution.

This is not new. For centuries, technological development has influenced the way of informing, contacting and interacting. For example, paper and the telephone impacted our interpersonal communication by allowing us to contact, even when we were in different places.

Paper, the material support of the message, becomes letter. The letter goes from one place to another: the limitation imposed by distance is overcome. However, it cannot avoid the temporal separation between who emits the message and who receives it.

In this case, the contact moves away in time and space. The interaction is not direct, the space barrier makes the communication asynchronous.

Telephone communication

In the case of the telephone conversation, even when there is physical separation, there is the simultaneity of the contact. The interaction is direct, immediate. It occurs in real time and is therefore synchronous.

Virtual space

Conversing, participating in forums or playing online in the virtual space are also expressions of synchronous communication.

In fact, it is to this type of interaction that the expression synchronous communication mostly refers. This consists of the simultaneous contact between people through the Internet from various devices, such as computers, cell phones and tablets, among others.

Modalities

Chat rooms

Chats are a virtual meeting space. Maintaining a group meeting online, from the computer, mobile or other device, is an increasingly common activity. This modality has been expanding since the end of the eighties.

Chat rooms are a popular meeting place. They are of thematic or general order and can be open or restricted; the latter require authorization to participate. Some have moderators and some do not. Currently chats support the exchange of texts, voice, data, images and videos.

Instant messaging

Instant messaging, based on direct exchange via voice or text, is another form of synchronous communication. To use this resource it is required to install a program and communication is only possible between people who use the same program. This is one of the most popular forms of communication.

Its development has made it possible that, in addition to texts, voice messages are used. One of the features is that exchanged messages can be saved. In addition to the voice or text message, you can send and receive photos, videos, audios and links.

Advantage

- It is independent of the place. This implies the possibility of communicating with anyone in any part of the world when desired or needed.

- Allows the direct exchange of information in real time.

- It is generally possible to keep a record of sustained interactions.

- It is a space to collect and process information of interest in a timely manner.

- Allows to obtain and safeguard materials such as videos, photos and documents.

- Can emulate a situation of co-doing, despite the physical separation.

Disadvantages

- In a group situation, it is not always possible to keep up with the interactions that occur.

- If clear rules are not established, exchanges in group situations can be confusing.

- They can lead to equipment saturation.

- It is not always possible to stay up-to-date with technological advances.

- They can create dependency.

Examples

In the personal sphere

Synchronous communication serves to quickly find family, friends or other people with whom we share interests.

In the Laboral scene

In organizations, generally via Intranet, chats are used to disseminate guidelines, update information and discuss or agree on decisions.

In the business space, online exchange is also applied to provide advice, support or direct information to customers.

Likewise, this tool is applied to inquire about the characteristics, interests and needs of clients. The information thus obtained nourishes decision-making in terms of marketing and projection of the institutional image.

In the educational process

The incorporation of media and communication technologies is a common practice in the field of education, both in the formal and informal fields. A concrete impact of such a practice has been the development of distance education.

This consists of fulfilling the educational process without requiring a permanent presence in the classroom. This has made it possible to overcome limitations in terms of factors such as time, distance and availability of teachers.

Real-time interaction is one of its characteristics. Such interaction encompasses both the teacher-student contact and the relationship between the students themselves. Likewise, instant messaging promotes exchange and feedback between participants, and between them and teachers.

Live contact is guaranteed at any time. Likewise, in the formal field there is a wide range of studies leading to a degree, articulated and promoted through the network. Many of these offers offer personalized accompaniment online.

Technological advance has the potential to transform the way in which we relate to our environment, and in how we conceive and manage our reality. With this progress we have overcome some limitations and we have probably created new demands and dependencies on the central social process: communication.

References

1. Castañeda, Linda (2007) Synchronous and quasi-synchronous tools for educational communication. Recovered at: researchgate.net
2. Kiss de A., Diana (2006) Levels of interaction in Internet communication (2006). Areas International Journal of Communication 15. 45-57. Recovered at: idus.us.es
3. McLuhan, Marshall (1966) Understanding the media. The extensions of the human being. Editorial Paidos. Barcelona, ​​Spain.
4. Soto, CF, Senra, AIM, & Neira, MCO (2009). Advantages of the use of ICTs in the teaching-learning process from the perspective of Spanish university teachers. EDUTEC. Electronic journal of Educational Technology, (29). Recovered in: edutec.es
5. Valverde B., Jesús (2002) Synchronous and asynchronous communication tools. Chapter III. Recovered at: mc142.uib.es:8080