New
New
Year 10

Tools for communication

I can identify and compare a range of digital communication tools appropriate for different workplace scenarios.

New
New
Year 10

Tools for communication

I can identify and compare a range of digital communication tools appropriate for different workplace scenarios.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Common digital communication tools include email, instant messaging, video conferencing and file sharing platforms.
  2. Synchronous communication is communication that happens in real time.
  3. Asynchronous communication is communication that doesn't require both parties to be present at the same time.

Keywords

  • Synchronous - communication that happens in real time

  • Asynchronous - communication that doesn't happen in real time or require both parties to be present at the same time

Common misconception

Synchronous communication tools are better than asynchronous communication tools.

Neither type of communication can be deemed better than the other overall. Some forms of communication will suit different tasks better than others.


To help you plan your year 10 computing lesson on: Tools for communication, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

The second task for this lesson involves pupils reading and responding to scenarios. You could group pupils and get each group to respond to one scenario before sharing their reponse with the rest of the class.
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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Put these steps in order for setting up an ergonomic workspace:
1 - Adjust chair height
2 - Place monitor at eye level
3 - Arrange keyboard and mouse
4 - Check lighting
Q2.
What is the term for doing your job somewhere other than a traditional office?
Correct Answer: Remote working
Q3.
Which of these is a key feature of ergonomics?
Correct answer: Arranging safe workspaces
Organising team lunches
Planning office parties
Setting up email accounts
Q4.
What can poor physical health lead to at work?
More holidays
Better teamwork
Increased efficiency
Correct answer: Decreased efficiency
Q5.
What does mental health relate to?
How fast you can run
The type of chair you use
Correct answer: How well you cope with daily life
Your favourite hobby
Q6.
Which of these is a benefit of promoting physical health in the workplace?
Higher healthcare costs
Correct answer: Better morale
More time off
Less motivation

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What type of communication happens in real time?
Correct Answer: Synchronous
Q2.
What is a key benefit of synchronous communication?
Correct answer: Immediate feedback
Delayed responses
No interaction
No need for devices
Q3.
What is the main advantage of asynchronous communication?
Both parties must be present
It only uses video
Correct answer: Messages can be read and replied to later
It always requires a phone
Q4.
Match each scenario to the best communication tool:
Correct Answer:Sending a project update to a team,Email

Email

Correct Answer:Quick check-in with a colleague,Instant messaging

Instant messaging

Correct Answer:Weekly team meeting,Video conference

Video conference

Correct Answer:Sharing large files,File sharing platform

File sharing platform

Q5.
Which tool would be least suitable for urgent, real-time feedback?
Phone call
Video chat
Correct answer: Email
Instant messaging
Q6.
Put these steps in order for starting a video conference:
1 - Check your equipment
2 - Send meeting invites
3 - Join the call
4 - Greet participants