Highlights of the DIGITAL UPDATE (available for Fall 2022 classes) NEW: A variety of new videos illustrate the many facets of communication. Topics include why some people find lying much easier than others and how to properly apologize. NEW: Fresh content in every chapter emphasizes the relevance of key communication skills in our world today. Highlights include: an expanded discussion of stress-related conflict with new research on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted relationships new research on how meditation techniques can reduce mental distractions new content on ghosting and on-again/off-again relationships UPDATED: Several of the #communicationandsocialmedia features, which discuss social media''s impact upon how we interact, have been updated with fresh content and data. Engaging features help students learn how to relate to, and communicate better with, others #communicationandsocialmedia features focus on research conclusions about the ways in which social media is changing how we relate to and interact with others. These features offer practical applications relating to the impact of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships. Relating to Diverse Others features present research findings as well as communication strategies for understanding differences. Communication and Emotion boxes help students see how emotions affect their relationships with others.

Recap boxes summarize key concepts and terms. Many are interactive so students can test their knowledge of the material they just read. Improving Your Communication Skills boxes offer practical strategies for applying chapter content. Many are interactive, allowing students to type their responses directly into the multimedia environment. Being OTHER-Oriented boxes and journal prompts present thought-provoking questions to get students thinking about how other-oriented their own communication is. Instructors have access to students'' responses to these writing activities and can also assign them as homework. Chapter-ending Applying an Other-Orientation summaries discuss essential applications and specifically applies the other-orientation to the chapter content. Learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter are linked to the appropriate module.

Organized around these same learning objects, a study guide at the end of each chapter gives students the opportunity to review, apply, and assess key chapter concepts through questions, and classroom and group activities. Each assessment question in Revel(tm) is also associated with a specific learning objective. The inclusion of fresh examples and new research throughout ensures an up-to-date and relevant learning experience. Highlights of new and updated content include: new research on how texting and social media can influence relationships and how the visible presence of a smartphone can diminish the quality of conversation an expanded and updated discussion of sex and gender new material on the use of affectionate communication, including a discussion of affection exchange theory additional research on online dating, hookup expectations, and unsolicited advice new material on topics such as relationships between parents and adult children, workplace bullying, and hostile work environments Dynamic content designed for the way today''s students read, think, and learn brings concepts to life Videos and interactives integrated directly into the author-created narrative keep students engaged as they read through each chapter. Thanks to this media-rich presentation of content, students are more likely to complete their assigned reading and retain what they''ve read. Videos on key topics such as listening, perception barriers, and nonverbal messages appear throughout the text to boost mastery of these essential concepts. Accompanying multiple-choice video self-checks enable students to test their knowledge. Interactive figures help students understand hard-to-grasp concepts through dynamic visualizations.

For example, students can interact with Figure 1.3 (A Model of Communication as Transaction) by clicking the "next" and "previous" buttons to reveal each element of the model one step at a time. Streaming audio lets students listen to the entire text while on the go. Audio excerpts of dialogue in the text allow students to hear as well as read examples of communication, increasing student comprehension and engagement. Communication self-assessment tools allow students to analyze their own communication styles, enabling them to learn and grow over the duration of the course. MediaShare integration into Revel makes it easy to share, assign, and assess a variety of media. Aligned with best practices and designed with learners in mind, Shared Media allows instructors and students to share and engage with videos and other media. VideoQuiz assignments transform a typically passive activity into an active learning experience.

Rather than watching a video and then answering questions, students engage with instructional content while it''s being delivered. Embedded assessments such as quizzes and concept checks afford students opportunities to check their understanding at regular intervals before moving on. Assessments in Revel let instructors gauge student comprehension frequently, provide timely feedback, and address learning gaps along the way. The Revel mobile app lets students read, practice, and study, anywhere, anytime, on any device. Content is available both online and offline, and the app syncs work across all registered devices automatically, giving students great flexibility to toggle between phone, tablet, and laptop as they move through their day. The app also lets students set assignment notifications to stay on top of all due dates. The writing functionality in Revel enables educators to integrate writing, among the best ways to foster and assess critical thinking, into the course without significantly impacting their grading burden. Self-paced Journaling Prompts throughout the narrative encourage students to express their thoughts without breaking stride in their reading.

Assignable Shared Writing Activities direct students to share written responses with classmates, fostering peer discussion. And Essays integrated directly within Revel allow instructors to assign the precise writing tasks they need for the course. Highlighting, note taking, and a glossary let students read and study however they like. Key terms throughout the chapters highlight important topics as they are introduced. Educators can add notes for students, too, including reminders or study tips. Superior assignability, tracking, and pedagogical tools help educators make sure students are completing their reading and understanding core concepts The assignment calendar allows educators to indicate precisely which readings must be completed on which dates. This clear, detailed schedule helps students stay on task by eliminating any ambiguity as to which material will be covered during each class. When they understand exactly what is expected of them, students are better motivated to keep up.

The performance dashboard empowers educators to monitor class assignment completion as well as individual student achievement. Actionable information, such as points earned on quizzes and tests and time on task, helps educators intersect with their students in meaningful ways. For example, the trending column reveals whether students'' grades are improving or declining, helping educators to identify students who might need help to stay on track. LMS integration provides institutions, instructors, and students easy access to their Revel courses via Blackboard Learn(tm), Canvas(tm), Brightspace by D2L(tm), and Moodle(tm). With single sign-on, students can be ready to access an interactive blend of authors'' narrative, media, and assessment on their first day. Flexible, on-demand grade synchronization capabilities allow educators to control exactly which grades should be transferred to their LMS Gradebook.