Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Tools for communication

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      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

      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

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