Human Communication on the Internet

I just finished reading Scott's book called "The New Rules of Marketing and PR." I was fascinated by his concept of online thought leadership. The idea is that instead of using traditional methods of public relations, we can shape information and thinking through our online activity. He recommends Squidoo, for example, as a way to get out one's message.

I am currently studying email content in an online support group for parents of children diagnosed with disabilities.

A student's communication ability is the single best predictor of school success because of the correlation of communication skills with positive peer relationships and academic achievement (Sage, 2001, p. 423). Although effective communication can be a challenge for any child, children diagnosed with disabilities often have additional communication problems, which can interfere with their success (Meadan, Ostrosky, & Halle, 2006).

Looking at preliminary results, the findings suggest that parents are most concerned about their children's communication regarding reading. Parental concerns about communication with educators often focus on the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and classroom learning and accommodations. Parents also express concern about their children's written and social communication. In discussing receptive and expressive communication, parents seem concerned cognitive, visual, and auditory processing. The parents' main concerns regarding nonverbal communication seemed to be inappropriate behavior.

I had the pleasure of teaching communication to college students in China. My students in China had full access to Blackboard and other Internet services of the University of Missouri.

Before each class, dozens of students would cluster outside the classroom, abuzz with anticipation. When I said they could enter the room, the ensuing stampede was filled with smiles, talking, and laughing. I sometimes worried if a student might be trampled in their rush to the computers.

The images of their delight still fill me with emotion because watching the Internet's empowerment gave me a special hope for their future. My students clamored for the freedom of communication, and their minds seemed ready to learn everything my computerized classroom offered. These students seemed to recognize the enormity of that gift, and they valued every minute of it.

A colleague of mine taught technology in Dubai. The amazing architectural and other developments of Dubai City certain make one wonder what is possible in the future of technology?