This document defines and describes several digital communication tools and technologies: E-mail allows electronic communication between computer users by accepting, forwarding, or storing messages. Podcasting publishes audio and video files online that users can automatically receive by subscribing to a feed. Chatting and instant messaging (IM) enable real-time communication between network users globally for fast information sharing. Discussion boards are online sites for discussing topics or posting information with others, similar to traditional bulletin boards. Texting and SMS allow the exchange of short text messages between mobile devices for quick communication. Blogs are online journals where people can post about personal experiences and hobbies or answer questions. The iPhone, Palm Pre, and Blackberry are internet-

1. Ebonie Rowell Block – 2 E-mail E-mail is the electronic communication among users of computer networks. Modern e-mail systems are based on a store-and-forward model in which e-mail computer server systems, accept, forward, or store messages on behalf of users.

2. Podcasting Podcasting is method of publishing files to the internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically. It is used largely for publishing audio and video files to the internet and can be used to broadcast television programs.

3. Chatting and IM Chatting is talking in real time to other network users from all parts of the world. It can be used for fast communication and quick access to information.

4. Discussion Board A discussion board is an online discussion site. It is the modern equivalent of a traditional bulletin board, and a technological evolution of the dialup bulletin board system . It is used for discussing topics online with others or posting information.

5. Texting and SMS Text messaging or short message service is a communication service for mobile communication systems, allowing the interchange of short text messages between mobile telephone devices. It can be used to send quick messages to others or to forward information.

6. Blog A blog or web log is a shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies. It can be used as an online diary or as a place where people can answer a user’s question.

7. IPhone The iPhone is an internet-connected multimedia smartphone designed and marketed by Apple Inc. with a flush multi-touch screen and a minimal hardware interface. It can be used to call people or to give people access to the internet.

8. Palm Pre Phone The Palm Pre is an internet-connected multimedia smart-phone designed and marketed by Palm, Inc. with a multi-touch screen and a sliding keyboard. The phone is scheduled for release in the first half of 2009. Two of its uses are to call and communicate with other users, take pictures, or browse the web.

9. Blackberry Phone The BlackBerry is a wireless handheld device introduced in 1999 as a two-way pager. It can be used for push e-mail, mobile telephone, text messaging, internet faxing, web browsing and other wireless information services as well as a multi-touch interface.