Objectives:

Students should be able to

Define Communication.

Identify types of communication. List indigenous modern communication means,

Compare and contrast traditional and modern means of communications (iv)

State the importance of two (2) communication

DEFINITION AND METHODS OF COMMUNICATION

Communication is a means of transferring or sending message, idea or information from one place to another, or from one

person to another.

There are two methods of communication.

(I) Traditional methods, and

(II) Modern methods.

Traditional methods: Our traditional methods of communication include:

1.The use of town-criers

2. The use of smoke

3. The use of talking drums, or metal or wooden gongs

4. Canon shots

These means of communication were used in our traditional societies/ communities, and some of them are still in use today

Modern methods of communication Modern methods of communication

Include:

1. Postal services

2. Telecommunication

3. Mass communications

4. Satellites.

Postal Means: By postal means, letters

are posted in the post office. From there. they are carried to their various destinations in any part of the world. The letters are sent by surface or by air-mail. Air letters move faster than the surface mail. Today, letters and parcels are sent through courier services e.g. DHL, UPS, EMI etc. Such services are faster and more reliable.

Telecommunication

Telecommunication means sending of information through electronic or electrical transmission gadgets e.g. telephone,telex, telegram, radio etc.

Telecommunication is the most effective and fastest means of international mass communication.

Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, With Telephones invented by modern technology, we can call or receive in our parlour or bedroom. One can also receive and send messages through radio, telephone. This system is mostly used for international correspondence because it does not use wires. (It is wireless).

Telegram is a means of sending printed messages to people, using electronic or electrical means.

Internet and Electronic Mail (E-mail) are the most modern means of instant communication. One of the advantages of this system is that it gives both the message and reply instantly on the screen as if two people were talking to each other on a television screen.

Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM).

Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) is one of the latest evolutions in Information Technology (IT). It is a pan-European Digital Communication Standard for Mobile or Cellular Communication which provides various telecommunications, such as text messages, e-mail, fax among others. GSM was introduced in Nigeria in August, 2001. There are many GSM operators in Nigeria, namely NITEL, VISA FONE, ZAIN, MTN, GLOBACOM, BJISACAT etc.

The wireless technology system has made telephone facilities available to many who might not have gotten access to telephone lines.

In fact, it has made telephone no Okada operators, automobile mechanics only available but also affordable. Drivers, cobblers, carpenters, bricklayers, even students can now afford a telephone line.

Communication Satellites

These are artificial satellites used to send television, radio or telephone signals to every part of the world.

By the aid of satellites, radio and television gives better sound and picture quality. Satellites also aid other forms of telecommunication i.e. telephone and telex. Nigerians watch international sporting events like the World Cup live on their televisions through the aid of satellite communication.

World transport and communi-cation have made the world a global village. Culture, knowledge, information, shared among nations of the world through trade and other social activities are means of transport and communication.

Mass communication: involves sharing of information with many people in many places at the same time through the help of mass media. Mass media is of two categories.

(1) Print media

(2) Non-print media.

Print media: These include newspapers, magazines, books etc.

Non-print media: These involve electronic media e.g. radio and television, internet, etc.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION IN NATIONAL ECONOMIC LIFE OF NIGERIA

Communication plays the following roles in the national economic life of our country Nigeria:

1. It makes people enjoy goods and services that are not available in their area.

2. Communication systems minimize accidents.

3. It makes it easy to send information to the public.

4.It makes business transactions among individuals, companies and governments easy.

5.Communication helps to reduce the work in terms of time and space.

6. It links various parts of our country Nigeria together.

ASSIGNMENT

Communication can be best defined as: A. The movement of people and goods from one place to another. B. The process of transferring or sending messages, ideas, or information. C. The construction of modern roads and bridges for travel. D. The act of buying and selling goods in a local market.
Which of the following is categorized as a traditional method of communication? A. Electronic Mail (E-mail) B. Use of talking drums and metal gongs C. Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) *D. Mass media like television and radio
According to the notes, which modern communication tool was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876? A. The Telegraph B. The Internet C. The Telephone D. The Satellite
In Nigeria, the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) was officially introduced in: A. August 1999 B. May 2000 C. August 2001 D. June 2005
Which of these is an example of "Non-print" mass media? A. Newspapers B. Magazines C. Books D. Radio

Theory Questions

Explain the difference between Traditional methods and Modern methods of communication, giving two examples for each.
Define Mass Communication and clearly distinguish between its two categories: Print Media and Non-print Media.
Discuss four ways in which communication contributes to the national economic life of Nigeria.

This lesson includes:

Lesson Content

Related Lessons

Verb

Conjunction

SCHEME OF WORK

SCHEME OF WORK

COMMUNICATION