Instructor Resource
Dainton, Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Case Notes
Chapter 1: Introduction to Communication Theory
Answer to Cases
Question 1. The theorists associated with EET have not formally defined communication. Where
do you think “communication” occurs in this theory (hint: consider the contexts listed in Table
1.2)? Provide evidence from the theory that might indicate how the theorists’ views of
communication might be classified using Dance’s three ways definitions of communication vary.
SAMPLE STUDENT ANSWER: The theory would lie in the mediated communication
context. This context is concerned with how technology influences our interpersonal,
group, and organizational communication. The website, game apps, story apps, electronic
books, and family tool kits all provide material to help teach and instruct children. They
EET takes a narrow level of observation because it does not define communication, and it
is focused on mediated communication. While there is mention of traditional instruction,
the focus of the theory is more specific to educational mediated programming and
interaction. EET also takes a receiver-focused approach of intentionality—if the child is
Question 2. Using the definition of communication competence provided in this chapter, what
role might communication competence play in the EET process?
Instructor Resource
Dainton, Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
SAMPLE STUDENT ANSWER: The definition of communication competence must
include a balance between appropriateness and effectiveness. This definition could be
used to identify the learning garnered from educational programing. For instance, much
There is another side to “communication competence” to discuss. While the mediated
materials created are very effective and appropriate for engaging children, are they
ineffective and inappropriate for creating unrealistic expectations for traditional learning
styles?
Question 3. What are the concepts associated with EET? Why are these concepts (rather than
theories or models)?
Question 4. Which of the four types of models described in the chapter is used by the theory?
Question 5. Describe your initial reaction to EET. Then, critically reflect on EET. How might
EET fare if you evaluated its usefulness by using the criteria described in the chapter?
Instructor Resource
Dainton, Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
SAMPLE STUDENT ANSWER: The theory, as the authors’ state, is new, so it will
need additional research to determine its accuracy. So far the research supports EET so it
seems as though accuracy is a criterion met by the theory. Practicality is an important
criterion to this theory, and this is seen in the concept of entertainment education media.