The document discusses online communication tools and their advantages. It describes several popular communication tools including email, Skype, Google Talk, ICQ, wikis, Ning, Yahoo Messenger, MSN, Eyejot and blogs. These tools allow people to communicate online through text, audio and video from anywhere with internet access. The document also mentions that communication tools will continue to become more advanced and powerful over time.

1. Online Free Communication Tools By Houbin July, 2008

2. Communication Online Online communications means online interactions. Online communications today is about forming connections, creating community, and organizing action in previously unimaginable ways

3. Advantages of Online Communication (1) Online communication offers shy people opportunities to communicate with others. It maybe easier to express themselves online. Because typing on a personal computer doesn't feel like a social situation. There is less anxiety than a face-to-face situation. "On the internet nobody knows you're a dog."

4. Advantages of Online Communication (2) The Internet is the great equalizer. A high school student can correspond with a Nobel Prize winner on an equal footing on the net.

5. Advantages of Online Communication (3) Anytime and anywhere with Internet Access. No distance limitation. Save time. Audio + Video.

6. Tools of Online Communication Email: Electronic mail is a store-and-forward method of writing, sending, receiving and saving messages over electronic communication systems. Users can send text letters, images and videos through Email. The receivers can reply email whenever they want to do so. Otherwise the email will be always stored in a website sever. Most of email account is free.

7. Tools of Online Communication (1) Skype: Skype is software that allows users to make telephone calls over the Internet. Calls to other users of the service are free of charge, while calls to landlines and cell phones can be made for a fee. Additional features include instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing. Skype has experienced rapid growth in popular usage since the launch of its services.

8. Tools of Online Communication (2) Google Talk : Google Talk is a Windows and web-based application for voice over internet protocol and instant messaging, offered by Google. The first beta version of the program was released on August 24, 2005. The Google Talk client is currently only available for Windows. With the release of the Google Talk gadget, users of all platforms supported by Adobe Flash Player can also use Google Talk.

9. Tools of Online Communication (3) ICQ: ICQ is an instant messaging computer program, which was first developed by the Israeli company Mirabilis, now owned by Time Warner's AOL subsidiary. The first version of the program was released in November 1996 and ICQ became the first Internet-wide instant messaging service. The name ICQ means "I seek you". Today ICQ is used by over 31 million users worldwide.

10. Tools of Online Communication (4) Wiki : Wiki is a piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit Web page content using any Web browser. Wiki supports hyperlinks and has simple text syntax for creating new pages and cross links between internal pages on the fly. It is usually used for group communication and cooperation. Wiki supports "open editing" which has some profound and subtle effects on Wiki usage.

11. Tools of Online Communication (5) Ning : Ning is an online platform for users to create their own social websites and social networks, launched in October 2005. Ning offers the latest social networking features, all infinitely customizable to meet your unique needs. The Ning Platform makes this possible. As a platform, you don't have to appeal to Ning for the features you want.

12. Tools of Online Communication (6) Yahoo messenger: Yahoo messenger is one of the most popular instant messaging services. It’s easy to send and receive instant messages anywhere with Internet. Furthermore, Yahoo messenger can connect users’ mobile phone, so even when people step out, they can still get Yahoo! Messenger on the phone.

13. Tools of Online Communication (6) MSN: MSN Messenger is a client for exchanging instant messages with friends and acquaintances. It is a collection of Internet services provided by Microsoft. Like other online chat software, MSN allow users to communication online through typing text, audio and video. It is quite easy to use. Users only need to register an account and most of the services are free.

14. Tools of Online Communication (7) Eyejot : Eyejot is the first, comprehensive, client-free online video messaging platform ideal for both personal and business communications. It offers everyone the ability to create and receive video messages in a self-contained, spam-free environment. With no client to install, users can start using Eyejot immediately with any browser, on any platform. It even features built-in support for iTunes, mobile devices and social networks like MySpace.

15. Tools of Online Communication (7) Blog : A Blog is a website, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Viewers can communicate with the owner of a Blog through leaving messengers in the comment area. Most of the Blog is free and some new website offers Blog with powerful functions.

16. Tools of Online Communication in the future. Communication tools will be more advanced and powerful in the future. At the same time, we believe that communication tools will do more and more for teaching and learning.

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18. Renfrences Paola P. (2007). The MDGs as a Communication Tool for Development. Retrieved, 20th, July, 2008, form: http://www.undp.org/oslocentre/docs08/fellowship/MDGs%20and%20CfD%20PP%20Final.pdf Helen W. (2007). Web site and Communication Tools Redesign Communications. Retrieved, 20th, July, 2008, form: http:// www.library.ns.ca/publications/website_redesign.pdf Pasher E. (1998). Strategy, Knowledge, and Communication. Retrieved, 20th, July, 2008, form: http://www.knowledgeboard.com Joseph P. and Barry F. (1995). Electronic Communication Tools in the Classroom: Student and Environmental Characteristics as Predictors of Adoption. Retrieved, 20th, July, 2008, form: http://www.covis.northwestern.edu/info/papers/pdf/polman-aera-95.pdf

19. Renfrences Sally F. and Charlynn M. (2005). Facilitating the development of lifelong learners through e-communication tools. Retrieved, 20th, July, 2008, form: http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/brisbane05/blogs/proceedings/24_Firmin.pdf H. A. (2006). How to use Wimba Communication Tools. Retrieved, 20th, July, 2008, form: http:// www.humnet.ucla.edu/humnet/flitc/wimba_communication.pdf Shorna B. and Kristin F.(2007). Are Newsletters Effective? Assessing Their Role as a Communication Tool. Retrieved, 20th, July, 2008, form: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-269-W.pdf