Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
by
John J. Hirschbuhl, Ph.D.
Thursday, April 20, 20064:05 – 4:55
John J. Hirschbuhl Ph.D.John J. Hirschbuhl Ph.D.The University of AkronThe University of Akron
Principle Investigator Principle Investigator
[email protected]@uakron.edu330.972.6507330.972.6507
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
The Committee for a Responsible Federal The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) was established in 1983 Budget (CRFB) was established in 1983 to deliver An Exercise in Hard Choices.to deliver An Exercise in Hard Choices.
Administered to citizens face-to-face as a Administered to citizens face-to-face as a public education program.public education program.
History
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
In 2002, The University of Akron In 2002, The University of Akron embarked on a large scale online version embarked on a large scale online version of the of the ExerciseExercise in partnership with CRFB. in partnership with CRFB.
Funding has been provided by the U.S. Funding has been provided by the U.S. Department of Education.Department of Education.
History
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
To educate citizens about the budget and the decision making-process of Congress.
To inform legislators about the thinking of American citizens on budget issues.
Goals
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Deliver Instruction to more than Deliver Instruction to more than higher education.higher education.
Expand Service to K-20 system.Expand Service to K-20 system. Produce a new paradigm for voice, Produce a new paradigm for voice,
video and data delivery of learner video and data delivery of learner centric instruction through Internet2.centric instruction through Internet2.
Project Background
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
State higher education networks such as State higher education networks such as OARNET help schools connect to OARNET help schools connect to Internet2.Internet2.
Learners from 4 states (Ohio, Maryland, Learners from 4 states (Ohio, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania) communicated Michigan, Pennsylvania) communicated in groups from many locations.in groups from many locations.
Project Background
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Learners took control of their Learners took control of their learning by working as a team to learning by working as a team to build a federal budget.build a federal budget.
Results
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
An onsite moderator assists. A demographic questionnaire is used to
optimize group diversity. Groups negotiate to consensus. The pencil-and-paper scorecard can be
a challenge!
Traditional Face-to-Face Delivery
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Since 1983, more than 15,000 individuals have participated in the traditional Exercise.
Electronic delivery will extend the Exercise to diverse populations and educational settings.
Traditional Face-to-Face Delivery
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Year 1 was dedicated to development and initial pilots.
Year 2 was dedicated to controlled pilots at The University of Akron.
Year 3 has been dedicated to high school outreach over Internet2.
Electronic Methods
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Synchronous site-to-site using Polycom video-conferencing.
Synchronous computer-to-computer using a Macromedia Flash Communications server.
Asynchronous using WebCT.
Electronic Methods
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Delivery Method Real Time Face-to-face On-site Moderator
Traditional Yes Yes Yes
Site-to-site Yes Yes No
PC-to-PC Yes No No
ThreadedDiscussion
No No No
Electronic Methods
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
An electronic scorecard can facilitate all delivery methods. Decisions are input online and calculations are automatic. Results are projected over a number of years to
participants showing surplus, deficit, or a balanced budget. The Scorecard is built through ColdFusion, HTML, and
SQL server.
Electronic Scorecard
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Electronic Scorecard
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Electronic Scorecard
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Electronic Scorecard
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Electronic Scorecard
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Common place and time Off-site moderator Enabled by Polycom video-
conferencing Video and audio contact with the
moderator and each other
Video Conferencing Delivery
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Video Conferencing Delivery
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Video Conferencing Delivery
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Common time, but not a common location
Macromedia Flash Media Server Synchronous audio and video
PC to PC Delivery to Desktop
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
PC to PC Delivery to Desktop
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
PC to PC Delivery to Desktop
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Ideal for educational environments where participants have high incentive.
Progress is easily monitored. Participants have more time to read,
reflect, and research issues. Groups negotiate decisions by posting
to threaded discussion.
Asynchronous Delivery
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
To develop “social presence” among participants separated in space.
To create forum for continued reflective discussion of issues raised in class or by readings.
Asynchronous Delivery
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Asynchronous Delivery
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
To motivate participants to integrate personal experience, anecdotes, and knowledge of the world in supporting their views.
To encourage participants to examine values and beliefs in the context of differing viewpoints.
Goals
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
“I did not know what the material meant, so I would ask a group member by posting to threaded discussion and they would respond to help me out…I can now say I know the difference one vote can make.” -K.C.
Feedback
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
“With postings instead of live discussion, everyone can think out exactly what they want to post and articulate it accordingly…Hard Choices was a way not only of learning about politics, but also living them.” -L.H.
Feedback
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
“Hard Choices was…beneficial because it brought together people from different backgrounds, both politically and socially, for a common cause.” –B.I.
Feedback
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
85% This exercise has helped me realize the importance of compromise in the federal budget.
75% I enjoyed this exercise.
75% I found this exercise beneficial.
Findings
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
59% I am now more interested in economic issues than before.
56% I am now more interested in political news than before.
50% I am now more likely to read news about the economy than before.
Findings
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
All groups who experienced the Exercise demonstrate significantly more knowledge of the budget and budget process.
All groups who experienced the Exercise demonstrate significantly more interest in the budget process and politics.
Research Results
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Participants also expressed satisfaction with the use of the technology.
Research Results
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
The Exercise is now aligned with national education standards in:
- Language Arts- Mathematics- Social Studies- Technology
Research Results
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
This exercise has motivated me to find out more about the federal budget process.
I plan to talk to people who know more about the federal budget.
Feedback
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
I would like to find out more about how our government makes spending decisions.
I am interested in how the federal budget works.
Feedback
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
I would like to learn more about the federal budget.
I plan to read up on the federal budget process.
Feedback
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
When negotiating with others to reach a final decision, I think it is necessary to make some concessions to people with different opinions.
When negotiating with others to reach a final decision, I avoid confrontations about differences of opinion.
Feedback
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Technology increases engagement. Interaction and engagement
enhances learning outcomes. Our high school students are far
more sophisticated than we give them credit. Turn them loose and let them learn.
The right technology and the proper methodology make a significant difference in the learning experience.
What We Learned
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices
Q & A
Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices