DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Why are global communication tools valuable to businesses?

2. Describe two mobile technologies and how they might be utilized in the workplace?

3. How do LANs and WANs differ? How are they the same?

4. Describe how Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 are different.

5. Describe three tools an administrative professional could use to collaborate.

6. Why is considering time zones important when planning a call?

7. Why are the security issues discussed in this chapter important for you personally and professionally?

8. How can you use email responsibly?

CRITICAL THINKING:

Safecoworkers - Your coworker, Joe Patila has just found out that he is the victim of identity theft. His checking account was emptied of all money, and there are multiple large unknown charges on his two credit cards. As a result, many of your coworkers are quite concerned about their own information. You decide to help. Do research and use the security issues section of this chapter to come up with a bulleted list of ways you can protect yourselves.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What elements are involved in the communication process, and what is the role of each element?

2. What is a communication barrier? Give examples of internal and external communication barriers.

3. List four types of active listening, and tell the purpose of each type.

4. Describe three ways in which you can improve your listening skills.

5. Describe how pitch, tone, volume, and rate of speech can affect your verbal communications.

6. What are three examples of nonverbal communication?

7. Why is planning an important first step in the writing process for all types of messages?

8. What are three examples of ways in which a sender can publish a message?

9. What is secondary research? Give some examples of sources you could use to find secondary research material.

10. What are three questions you can use to help you evaluate the credibility of secondary sources of information?

CRITICAL THINKING:

Evaluate research strategies   Think about a research project that you have done for a report for another class or on the job. How did you approach organizing the tasks that you needed to do to complete the project? How did you select sources of information to use for the report? How did you determine whether the sources were reliable, current, and accurate? How did you evaluate the information you found and select material appropriate for the report? How did you formulate conclusions or recommendations based on the information and your own ideas or knowledge? In a later assignment for this chapter, you are asked to research and report about "green" practices for businesses. What did you learn from your previous experience that could help you com- plete this similar project?