Posted by Clay Johnson, 10/25/2011 on ExpertLabs
In the context of experts' conversations with government, the author of this post argues that tools such as IdeaScale, Google Moderator and UserVoice are useful for brainstorming but not the best method for a true dialog. These tools give government an excuse to "not" participate with people where they are. The comments on a government site, i.e. the dialogue on evolving data.gov (via IdeaScale) shouldn't replace "participating with practicitioners," which should happen where they are. (i.e. in a Jam, I.F.)
Expert Labs aims to get more people involved in order to make policy better. Expert Labs publishes reports, constantly updates their blog and has developed a tool, ThinkUp, that enables users to automatically archive data and communications across Facebook, Twitter and Google+, encouraging engagement on these networks.
A national center founded by (U.S.) Congress in 2011; funded by Dept of Ed, some start-up money, and foundation support. The center looks at the possibilities that educational technology offers. Much of the outreach work is done using Ideascale (see Grand Challenges and League tabs). See tag digital_promise for more.
Posted on Ideascale, users can submit their "thoughts, questions, and challenges" for the White House Summit on Community College, to be held October 5 2010.