The Levo League

Posted on Monday February 13th 2012 at 04:02pm. Its tags are listed below.

How Has Digital Technology Enhanced Our Ability to Communicate?There I was: it was Super Bowl Sunday, I was out with friends and excited to spend time with them during the big game. Much to my dislike, I found myself actually watching the game because my friends were too occupied tweeting every two minutes. I eventually pulled up Twitter on my phone so I could follow their play-by-play tweets, since it was impossible to carry a conversation while sitting next to the Twit-addicts.Fast-forward to Monday, when a good friend I have not talked to in months, does not return my phone call, but instead writes on my Facebook timeline: “Just got your voicemail! How’s Chicago treating you? How are things?” Sometimes catching up via the Face just does not suffice.Now, I work in digital media. I’m usually a big fan of social media and all things digital. But these events left me craving some REAL communication— you know, an old school face-to-face conversation or a written exchange that involves more than 140 characters.   Thankfully, there are digital tools and apps out there that make it easy for us young professionals to really connect with others in our personal and professional lives. And, as a bonus we have included some great time-saving communication apps and tools below. Don’t Be Evil, now featuring Google+ For starters: Have you met Google+? If you have not tried Google+ hangouts, you are seriously missing out. When someone you want to talk to lives on the opposite side of the equator or street (not judging—winter can be brutal) it is the next best thing to hanging out in person. If you are like many other Millennials, your closest friends and family are scattered across the U.S and you have limited free time available for individual catch up sessions on the phone. There was a point in my life when I practically lived at an advertising agency and struggled to fit in time to talk to my family and friends. Hangouts made it possible for me to talk to up to nine people at the same time—I can easily send my love to my mom, dad, brother, sister and adorable little Westie dog all at once.Even the President uses hangouts to video chat with Americans across the country. On January 30, 2012, President Obama hosted the first Google+ Hangout from the White House where people could virtually ask him questions about the State of the Union and have a two-way conversation with him from the comfort of their own homes.Hangouts are also extremely useful for your work life. I work in a remote office, and when we need to have a meeting with coworkers in NYC or San Francisco, Hangouts with Extras provides an exceptional videoconference platform where we can videoconference and collaborate on a project.  It allows us to share computer screens, integrate Google Docs (that can be later converted to Word documents), take notes and invite people to join the hangout by calling in from their phone.Speaking of work communication: here is a tool that everyone should have in their office: Yammer. It is a self proclaimed “enterprise social network” that makes it easier to share ideas, get feedback and collaborate with coworkers across various disciplines. It boosts the best features of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and blogs in one secure, private network where employees can safely discuss internal projects they are working on.  When I worked at a large ad agency with over a thousand employees, Yammer was an excellent tool that helped break down communication barriers across departments. We often uncovered extremely intelligent ideas and resources within our building that we did not know existed before because we sat on different floors or worked on different accounts. Yammer also allows people to start “microblogs” where people can share news, images and links—making it ridiculously easy to stay updated on the latest industry news. Hey, when my boss’s boss shares a news article, it is probably a good thing for me to read too. If your company does not have a Yammer account, you can create a free Yammer network with your company email address.When it comes to email, as the Spice Girls wisely sang, “too much of something is bad enough.” (Maybe they weren’t referring to email, but you get the point.)  Email is never ending and can require a lot of time to manage, especially when a group of 20+ people include you on a chain email that you would love to silently remove yourself from. For that reason, I’d like to shake hands with the brilliant people who created the Google lab, “smart mute” that makes it possible to silence an email chain that you no longer need to be included on. Within Gmail, pull down the “More” tab and select “mute” and voilà, replies regarding the InsertActivityHereThatYouHadZeroInterestIn will no longer flood your inbox.Now, for a few digital gems that make it easier to communicate internationally:Remember that time you were traveling abroad and sent SMS text messages and were later charged hefty international roaming charges? Me too. WhatsApp is a must have app because it allows you to message your friends on iPhones, Blackberries, Androids and Nokia phones in group chats internationally with no extra charges by using the same internet data plan that you use for web and email. Since WhatsApp uses your internet connection to send messages (similar to sending an email) once your friends download the application, you can chat unlimited. Just like you were sending SMS texts, you will receive messages via push notifications. One of the best features is that the app automatically loads your current contact database into its system so you do not need to waste your precious time to re-enter information. Working on a project that requires you to read documents in another language? Thanks to Google Translate Toolkit you no longer have to search the streets of Manhattan for your own personal translator, you can now translate documents, web pages or Wikipedia articles on your computer. Google Translate instantly translates 58 different languages for free. The Google Translate app is your perfect sidekick while traveling.Finally I saved one of my favorites for last: Word Lens. It is magical. It is the perfect translator tool for international business or personal travel. You simply point your iPhone lens at the sign or text that you would like to translate and it will automatically translate the words on your screen—you really have to see it to believe it. Major bonus—the app does not require an internet connection to translate. Word Lens is most useful when you need to translate short phrases and sentences, such as the “Do not drink the water sign” that will save you from Montezuma’s revenge.  The digital tools and apps listed above are examples of digital technology that can promote real, authentic communication within our personal and professional lives and save us time. These communication tools can be utilized to bring us together and allow us to learn from one another, no matter what language we speak. What are your favorite digital tools and apps that enhance communication? —————————————————————————- Brittany Thomas is a contributor to The Levo League.
How Has Digital Technology Enhanced Our Ability to Communicate?There I was: it was Super Bowl Sunday, I was out with friends and excited to spend time with them during the big game. Much to my dislike, I found myself actually watching the game because my friends were too occupied tweeting every two minutes. I eventually pulled up Twitter on my phone so I could follow their play-by-play tweets, since it was impossible to carry a conversation while sitting next to the Twit-addicts.Fast-forward to Monday, when a good friend I have not talked to in months, does not return my phone call, but instead writes on my Facebook timeline: “Just got your voicemail! How’s Chicago treating you? How are things?” Sometimes catching up via the Face just does not suffice.Now, I work in digital media. I’m usually a big fan of social media and all things digital. But these events left me craving some REAL communication— you know, an old school face-to-face conversation or a written exchange that involves more than 140 characters.   Thankfully, there are digital tools and apps out there that make it easy for us young professionals to really connect with others in our personal and professional lives. And, as a bonus we have included some great time-saving communication apps and tools below. Don’t Be Evil, now featuring Google+ For starters: Have you met Google+? If you have not tried Google+ hangouts, you are seriously missing out. When someone you want to talk to lives on the opposite side of the equator or street (not judging—winter can be brutal) it is the next best thing to hanging out in person. If you are like many other Millennials, your closest friends and family are scattered across the U.S and you have limited free time available for individual catch up sessions on the phone. There was a point in my life when I practically lived at an advertising agency and struggled to fit in time to talk to my family and friends. Hangouts made it possible for me to talk to up to nine people at the same time—I can easily send my love to my mom, dad, brother, sister and adorable little Westie dog all at once.Even the President uses hangouts to video chat with Americans across the country. On January 30, 2012, President Obama hosted the first Google+ Hangout from the White House where people could virtually ask him questions about the State of the Union and have a two-way conversation with him from the comfort of their own homes.Hangouts are also extremely useful for your work life. I work in a remote office, and when we need to have a meeting with coworkers in NYC or San Francisco, Hangouts with Extras provides an exceptional videoconference platform where we can videoconference and collaborate on a project.  It allows us to share computer screens, integrate Google Docs (that can be later converted to Word documents), take notes and invite people to join the hangout by calling in from their phone.Speaking of work communication: here is a tool that everyone should have in their office: Yammer. It is a self proclaimed “enterprise social network” that makes it easier to share ideas, get feedback and collaborate with coworkers across various disciplines. It boosts the best features of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and blogs in one secure, private network where employees can safely discuss internal projects they are working on.  When I worked at a large ad agency with over a thousand employees, Yammer was an excellent tool that helped break down communication barriers across departments. We often uncovered extremely intelligent ideas and resources within our building that we did not know existed before because we sat on different floors or worked on different accounts. Yammer also allows people to start “microblogs” where people can share news, images and links—making it ridiculously easy to stay updated on the latest industry news. Hey, when my boss’s boss shares a news article, it is probably a good thing for me to read too. If your company does not have a Yammer account, you can create a free Yammer network with your company email address.When it comes to email, as the Spice Girls wisely sang, “too much of something is bad enough.” (Maybe they weren’t referring to email, but you get the point.)  Email is never ending and can require a lot of time to manage, especially when a group of 20+ people include you on a chain email that you would love to silently remove yourself from. For that reason, I’d like to shake hands with the brilliant people who created the Google lab, “smart mute” that makes it possible to silence an email chain that you no longer need to be included on. Within Gmail, pull down the “More” tab and select “mute” and voilà, replies regarding the InsertActivityHereThatYouHadZeroInterestIn will no longer flood your inbox.Now, for a few digital gems that make it easier to communicate internationally:Remember that time you were traveling abroad and sent SMS text messages and were later charged hefty international roaming charges? Me too. WhatsApp is a must have app because it allows you to message your friends on iPhones, Blackberries, Androids and Nokia phones in group chats internationally with no extra charges by using the same internet data plan that you use for web and email. Since WhatsApp uses your internet connection to send messages (similar to sending an email) once your friends download the application, you can chat unlimited. Just like you were sending SMS texts, you will receive messages via push notifications. One of the best features is that the app automatically loads your current contact database into its system so you do not need to waste your precious time to re-enter information. Working on a project that requires you to read documents in another language? Thanks to Google Translate Toolkit you no longer have to search the streets of Manhattan for your own personal translator, you can now translate documents, web pages or Wikipedia articles on your computer. Google Translate instantly translates 58 different languages for free. The Google Translate app is your perfect sidekick while traveling.Finally I saved one of my favorites for last: Word Lens. It is magical. It is the perfect translator tool for international business or personal travel. You simply point your iPhone lens at the sign or text that you would like to translate and it will automatically translate the words on your screen—you really have to see it to believe it. Major bonus—the app does not require an internet connection to translate. Word Lens is most useful when you need to translate short phrases and sentences, such as the “Do not drink the water sign” that will save you from Montezuma’s revenge.  The digital tools and apps listed above are examples of digital technology that can promote real, authentic communication within our personal and professional lives and save us time. These communication tools can be utilized to bring us together and allow us to learn from one another, no matter what language we speak. What are your favorite digital tools and apps that enhance communication? —————————————————————————- Brittany Thomas is a contributor to The Levo League.

How Has Digital Technology Enhanced Our Ability to Communicate?

There I was: it was Super Bowl Sunday, I was out with friends and excited to spend time with them during the big game. Much to my dislike, I found myself actually watching the game because my friends were too occupied tweeting every two minutes. I eventually pulled up Twitter on my phone so I could follow their play-by-play tweets, since it was impossible to carry a conversation while sitting next to the Twit-addicts.

Fast-forward to Monday, when a good friend I have not talked to in months, does not return my phone call, but instead writes on my Facebook timeline: “Just got your voicemail! How’s Chicago treating you? How are things?” Sometimes catching up via the Face just does not suffice.

Now, I work in digital media. I’m usually a big fan of social media and all things digital. But these events left me craving some REAL communication— you know, an old school face-to-face conversation or a written exchange that involves more than 140 characters.

 

Thankfully, there are digital tools and apps out there that make it easy for us young professionals to really connect with others in our personal and professional lives. And, as a bonus we have included some great time-saving communication apps and tools below.

Don’t Be Evil, now featuring Google+


For starters: Have you met Google+? If you have not tried Google+ hangouts, you are seriously missing out. When someone you want to talk to lives on the opposite side of the equator or street (not judging—winter can be brutal) it is the next best thing to hanging out in person. If you are like many other Millennials, your closest friends and family are scattered across the U.S and you have limited free time available for individual catch up sessions on the phone. There was a point in my life when I practically lived at an advertising agency and struggled to fit in time to talk to my family and friends. Hangouts made it possible for me to talk to up to nine people at the same time—I can easily send my love to my mom, dad, brother, sister and adorable little Westie dog all at once.

Even the President uses hangouts to video chat with Americans across the country. On January 30, 2012, President Obama hosted the first Google+ Hangout from the White House where people could virtually ask him questions about the State of the Union and have a two-way conversation with him from the comfort of their own homes.

Hangouts are also extremely useful for your work life. I work in a remote office, and when we need to have a meeting with coworkers in NYC or San Francisco, Hangouts with Extras provides an exceptional videoconference platform where we can videoconference and collaborate on a project.  It allows us to share computer screens, integrate Google Docs (that can be later converted to Word documents), take notes and invite people to join the hangout by calling in from their phone.

Speaking of work communication: here is a tool that everyone should have in their office: Yammer. It is a self proclaimed “enterprise social network” that makes it easier to share ideas, get feedback and collaborate with coworkers across various disciplines. It boosts the best features of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and blogs in one secure, private network where employees can safely discuss internal projects they are working on.  When I worked at a large ad agency with over a thousand employees, Yammer was an excellent tool that helped break down communication barriers across departments. We often uncovered extremely intelligent ideas and resources within our building that we did not know existed before because we sat on different floors or worked on different accounts. Yammer also allows people to start “microblogs” where people can share news, images and links—making it ridiculously easy to stay updated on the latest industry news. Hey, when my boss’s boss shares a news article, it is probably a good thing for me to read too. If your company does not have a Yammer account, you can create a free Yammer network with your company email address.

When it comes to email, as the Spice Girls wisely sang, “too much of something is bad enough.” (Maybe they weren’t referring to email, but you get the point.)  Email is never ending and can require a lot of time to manage, especially when a group of 20+ people include you on a chain email that you would love to silently remove yourself from. For that reason, I’d like to shake hands with the brilliant people who created the Google lab, “smart mute” that makes it possible to silence an email chain that you no longer need to be included on. Within Gmail, pull down the “More” tab and select “mute” and voilà, replies regarding the InsertActivityHereThatYouHadZeroInterestIn will no longer flood your inbox.

Now, for a few digital gems that make it easier to communicate internationally:

Remember that time you were traveling abroad and sent SMS text messages and were later charged hefty international roaming charges? Me too. WhatsApp is a must have app because it allows you to message your friends on iPhones, Blackberries, Androids and Nokia phones in group chats internationally with no extra charges by using the same internet data plan that you use for web and email. Since WhatsApp uses your internet connection to send messages (similar to sending an email) once your friends download the application, you can chat unlimited. Just like you were sending SMS texts, you will receive messages via push notifications. One of the best features is that the app automatically loads your current contact database into its system so you do not need to waste your precious time to re-enter information.

Working on a project that requires you to read documents in another language? Thanks to Google Translate Toolkit you no longer have to search the streets of Manhattan for your own personal translator, you can now translate documents, web pages or Wikipedia articles on your computer. Google Translate instantly translates 58 different languages for free. The Google Translate app is your perfect sidekick while traveling.

Finally I saved one of my favorites for last: Word Lens. It is magical. It is the perfect translator tool for international business or personal travel. You simply point your iPhone lens at the sign or text that you would like to translate and it will automatically translate the words on your screen—you really have to see it to believe it. Major bonus—the app does not require an internet connection to translate. Word Lens is most useful when you need to translate short phrases and sentences, such as the “Do not drink the water sign” that will save you from Montezuma’s revenge.  

The digital tools and apps listed above are examples of digital technology that can promote real, authentic communication within our personal and professional lives and save us time. These communication tools can be utilized to bring us together and allow us to learn from one another, no matter what language we speak. What are your favorite digital tools and apps that enhance communication?

—————————————————————————-

Brittany Thomas is a contributor to The Levo League.

  1. levolove posted this
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