(47) Addressing Emerging Natural Resources Issues Using Audience Response Technology

Session: Concurrent session C2:  Renewable Energy and Carbon Credits

As our new era of awareness and participation in natural resources issues increases, so does the demand for Extension assistance to facilitate community decision-making processes using research-based methods.  Extension professionals use many tried-and-true techniques, but there is now an opportunity to incorporate new technology to increase group decision-making effectiveness.

Since the late 1980s, Michigan State University Extension has used computer-based audience response systems in facilitated decision-making processes to help communities address natural resources and land use issues.  These systems allow participants to use individual keypads to “vote” on a variety of policy or action alternatives, visual image preferences or opinions.  Individual responses are confidential, ensuring inclusion of all participants, even those reluctant to express their opinion in an open forum.  Results can be analyzed, summarized and displayed in a variety of ways.

Over the past several years, these technologies have advanced tremendously in capability, portability, ease of use and cost effectiveness.  This technology is now easily within reach for widespread use in Extension natural resources programs.

In one example effort, Michigan State University Extension partnered with the Great Lakes Commission to facilitate one-day land use roundtable forums in five Great Lakes states.  The goal of these events was to engage statewide leaders in a process to prioritize land use policy actions linking open space preservation and brownfield redevelopment.  Audience response technologies were a key tool to engage all participants and view their responses in unique ways.

During this session, Turning Point®, one the voting systems currently used by Michigan State University Extension, will be demonstrated.

Dean Solomon
Michigan State University Extension
319 B North Lake Street
Boyne City, MI, 49712
Phone: 231-582-6232
Fax: 231-582-2831
solomon@msu.edu