OCR IT National Level 2

5. Digital Communications

5.1 Types of Digital Communications

Overview

Digital communication is how people and organisations share information using technology. There are many different types, and each has its own purpose.

Audio and video are used to share spoken messages and visual content, often making communication faster and more engaging.

Tools such as VoIP allow live conversations online, while collaborative tools help groups work together in real time.

Social media and websites let information reach a wide audience quickly. Infographics, leaflets, newsletters, and reports are ways of presenting facts in a clear and structured way.

Presentations are often used to explain ideas to an audience, while reports share more detailed information.

Each type of communication has strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right one depends on the audience, the message, and how formal or informal it needs to be.

Understanding these types helps people communicate clearly in school, work, and everyday life.

What You Need to Learn

🎧 Audio

🤝 Collaborative Tools

📞 Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

💻 Websites

Types of Digital Communications

Technology in the news

During the pandemic, schools used video calls on Zoom and Microsoft Teams so pupils could keep learning from home. Teachers shared lessons, answered questions, and pupils could still see and talk to each other. This is a great example of digital communication helping people stay connected when they cannot meet face to face.

💭 Discussion question: If lessons are recorded and shared online, who should be allowed to watch them? Should pupils’ faces and voices be protected for privacy reasons?

Lesson Slides

4.1 Cyber Security Threats - Lesson Powerpoint