1. Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices by John J. Hirschbuhl, Ph.D. Thursday, April 20, 2006 4:05 – 4:55

2. John J. Hirschbuhl Ph.D. The University of Akron Principle Investigator jhirsch@uakron.edu330.972.6507 Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

3.  The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) was established in 1983 to deliver An Exercise in Hard Choices.  Administered to citizens face-to-face as a public education program. History Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

4.  In 2002, The University of Akron embarked on a large scale online version of the Exercise in partnership with CRFB.  Funding has been provided by the U.S. Department of Education. History Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

5.  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

6.  Deliver Instruction to more than higher education.  Expand Service to K-20 system.  Produce a new paradigm for voice, video and data delivery of learner centric instruction through Internet2. Project Background Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

7.  State higher education networks such as OARNET help schools connect to Internet2.  Learners from 4 states (Ohio, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania) communicated in groups from many locations. Project Background Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

8.  Learners took control of their learning by working as a team to build a federal budget. Results Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

9.  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

10.  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

11.  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

12.  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

13. Delivery MethodReal TimeFace-to-faceOn-site Moderator Traditional Yes Site-to-site Yes No PC-to-PC YesNo Threaded Discussion No Electronic Methods Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

14.  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

15. Electronic Scorecard Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

16. Electronic Scorecard Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

17. Electronic Scorecard Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

18. Electronic Scorecard Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

19.  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

20. Video Conferencing Delivery Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

21. Video Conferencing Delivery Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

22.  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

23. PC to PC Delivery to Desktop Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

24. PC to PC Delivery to Desktop Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

25.  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

26.  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

27. Asynchronous Delivery Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

28.  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

29.  “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

30.  “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

31.  “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

32.  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

33.  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

34.  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

35.  Participants also expressed satisfaction with the use of the technology. Research Results Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices

36. 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

37.  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

38.  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

39.  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

40.  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

41.  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

42. Q & A Voice, Video and Data requirements for An Exercise in Hard Choices