Design a presentation, with a handout, that explains the differences between analog and digital communication.
ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
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Qualification |
ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Sports Management (120 Credits) |
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Unit Number and Title |
Unit D/617/1139 Digital Communications |
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Assignment No. & Title |
1 of 1- Digital Communications |
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Context You work as a training and development officer for a digital communications company. Your job is to support the digital marketing team, and this includes research and the design of training products for different end-users. You have been asked by your line manager to support the digital marketing team with a two-day conference, which the team is organising. The conference is aimed at creating more awareness about digital communications. You have been tasked with undertaking research and generating materials that will be used in workshops at the conference. |
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Activity 1: Unit D/617/1139 Digital Communications The first workshop, in the morning of day one is based on digital communications technologies and emerging trends. A member of the marketing team is going to deliver a presentation and provide a handout and an article to conference delegates on this topic. You have been tasked with producing the material.
This provides evidence for LO1 ACs 1.1, 1.2 Merit task To achieve a Merit, you must evaluate the use of digital communications technologies in a named organisation. The evaluation should be added to the article which will be issued to conference delegates. (AC 1M1) |
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This provides evidence for LO1 AC 1M1 |
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Activity 2 You have been asked to lead the second workshop, in the afternoon of day one. This will involve you preparing a presentation with speaker notes to discuss key points on the impact of digital communications within different environments.
This provides evidence for LO2 ACs 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 Distinction task To achieve a Distinction, you need to gather and analyse a range of information from end users on their opinions about how digital communications have impacted on their job roles and working environment.(AC 2D1) This provides evidence for LO2 AC 2D1 |
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Activity 3: Unit D/617/1139 Digital Communications Day two of the conference will involve delegates working together in groups. The key theme for discussion in the morning session focuses on issues of accessibility, security and portability in digital communications. You have been asked to produce a report that addresses this key theme which can be used by delegates as part of their discussion groups. The report should be divided into three sections.
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This provides evidence for LO3 ACs 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3. Distinction task In order to achieve a Distinction, you must add a further section to the report which: Analyses issues with a breach of digital security in a named organisation and the action taken. ( 3D1) This provides evidence for LO3 AC 3D1 |
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Activity 4: Unit D/617/1139 Digital Communications The final afternoon session on day two of the conference will be held in computer-based rooms. Delegates will be supported in finding information and evidence of blogging, digital content management and social networking platforms. To support the session, you are required to put together a delegate guide. This should include:
This provides evidence for ACs 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 Merit task To achieve a Merit, evaluate the design of a blog, and identify how it could be improved. This is a practical task that delegates will be completing in the workshop session. You therefore need to complete the same task, so you are sure it is achievable in the workshop. (AC4M1) This provides evidence for AC 4M1 |
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Resources – Web based: Unit D/617/1139 Digital Communications |
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Websites: http://nptel.ac.in/ (very good detailed info site. Pls type your topic in the search box and it will guide you to a section where they have detailed and good videos for the said topic). |
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https://freevideolectures.com/course/2311/digital-communication (Professor from IIT Bombay explaining Digital Communication) https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-450-principles-of-digital- communications-i-fall-2006/video-lectures/lecture-1-introduction/ All these sites talk about the digital communication evolution with a good overview on what constitutes analog and digital signals – what are they and what is the trans versing process. Objective is to learn the basics so that the premise and foundation of the concept and scientific process becomes clear. |
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Books |
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Principles of Digital Communication – Robert G. Gallager It explains each concept in a very lucid manner along with illustrations, interesting and easy to understand the subject at basic level. However, a book may be too technical in terms of only digital communication since the technical part of the communication methodology is vast and therefore very elaborate. Articles: https://www.ijcsmc.com/docs/papers/January2016/V5I1201629.pdf https://www.britannica.com/topic/media-convergence/Transmedia-storytelling https://truedigitalcom.com/social-media/ (the true digital site has got a lot of informative challenge-to-solution examples that are explained through various scenarios) https://commongroundpr.com/socially-speaking-with-teens/ Though CGPR is a company website, the information they have on the website is useful. They have given short scenarios (like the URL shared) where they analyse the need for social media – the medium, the strategy, the audience, the brand and the objective. The articles provide a good view on where digital communication is taking the world to, specially the millennial. It will help understand the constructs and approaches for social media strategies, efficient use of mediums, building good use cases, effectively targeting audiences, need for good and creative content at al. |
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Guidelines for Submission of Assignments:
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Sample Answer
ATHE Level 4 Digital Communications Assignment
Unit D/617/1139 – Digital Communications
Role: Training & Development Officer
Activity 1: Digital Communications Technologies and Emerging Trends
The distinction between analog and digital communications is fundamental to understanding the evolution of information exchange in the modern world. Analog communication involves the transmission of continuous signals and is typically associated with traditional telephony and radio broadcasting. In contrast, digital communication converts information into binary format (zeros and ones), allowing data to be transmitted more efficiently and with greater accuracy. Examples of digital technologies include email platforms such as Microsoft Outlook and Gmail, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) tools like Zoom and Skype, and cloud-based services such as Google Drive and Dropbox. Mobile applications and artificial intelligence-powered chatbots further represent significant advances in this domain.
Emerging trends in digital communications are redefining how individuals and organisations interact. One such trend is the deployment of 5G networks, which significantly enhances data transfer speeds and supports real-time communication. Artificial Intelligence is another transformative force, enabling predictive analytics, smart assistants, and automated customer service through chatbots. Augmented and Virtual Reality are also gaining ground, particularly in training and immersive experiences. Moreover, unified communication platforms, which integrate messaging, voice, and video on a single interface, are improving organisational efficiency. Cybersecurity has become increasingly important, with a shift towards zero-trust models and end-to-end encryption protocols to mitigate risks associated with digital data transmission.
In evaluating the use of these technologies in a corporate setting, Microsoft serves as a pertinent example. The company has implemented a comprehensive suite of digital tools including Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and Azure Cloud Services. These technologies have fostered collaboration, remote work, and real-time project management. However, the adoption of such tools also necessitates continuous training and change management, especially in large organisations with diverse workforces.
Activity 2: Impact of Digital Communications in the Workplace
Digital communications have significantly influenced workplace procedures, particularly in the areas of information dissemination, collaboration, and decision-making. Traditional communication channels have been largely replaced or supplemented by digital tools, resulting in faster and more efficient workflows. Applications such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom have transformed how teams collaborate, enabling real-time discussions and document sharing irrespective of geographical boundaries. Additionally, digital communications have reduced reliance on physical meetings and paper-based documentation, contributing to cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.
From a societal perspective, digital communication tools have both positive and negative consequences. They enhance global connectivity and offer unprecedented access to information, thereby facilitating inclusion and participation in economic and social activities. However, issues such as the digital divide, information overload, and cyberbullying also arise. The widespread use of digital tools has introduced challenges concerning digital literacy, data privacy, and the mental well-being of users, as constant connectivity can lead to stress and burnout.
The impact of digital technologies on oral and written communication is also noteworthy. Oral communication increasingly occurs through video conferencing, which demands new etiquette and skills in digital engagement. Written communication has evolved, with emails, instant messages, and collaborative documents becoming the norm. This shift has led to a more informal tone and brevity in written exchanges, requiring employees to develop competencies in concise, clear, and context-appropriate writing.
To assess how digital communication affects individual work environments, feedback was gathered from end users across various departments. Many reported that digital tools have enhanced flexibility and autonomy in their roles. However, some expressed concerns about constant notifications and blurred work-life boundaries. This feedback underscores the need for policies promoting digital well-being and balanced communication strategies.
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