ISU Group Unveils Civic Engagement Kiosk
By: Jacob Long, WMBD/WYZZ-TV
Updated: October 31, 2012
NORMAL - Students at Illinois State University have a new way to talk
about hot topics while also improving their critical thinking skills.
The American Democracy Project's campus chapter got a grant and is now installing interactive kiosks.
The first one is up and running on the main level of Fell Hall.
The internet-based kiosks ask questions regarding social issues, current events or other topics in the headlines.
Then using the touch screen, people can interact with each other by posting comments or liking other people's comments.
It works in a way that's similar to Facebook statues.
The kiosks also have a camera that will take your picture once you create a user name and profile. Using that information, you can also interact from your laptop or smartphone.
American Democracy Project Co-Chair and ISU Communications Professor Dr. Steve Hunt said Wednesday, "What we're hoping is that they're going to be more aware of the issues of the day. We'll change the question about every three or four weeks, so they're going to be more aware of the important issues effecting us locally, or it could be a national or an international issue."
Hunt said the interaction will be closely policed so data can be accurately collected.
That data will then be used to shed light on how participants feel about certain issues.
For instance, the current kiosk question asks if President Obama should be reelected. Hunt said so far, the majority of students say he deserves a second term.
There are plans to put more kiosks up at busy locations around campus.
The American Democracy Project's campus chapter got a grant and is now installing interactive kiosks.
The first one is up and running on the main level of Fell Hall.
The internet-based kiosks ask questions regarding social issues, current events or other topics in the headlines.
Then using the touch screen, people can interact with each other by posting comments or liking other people's comments.
It works in a way that's similar to Facebook statues.
The kiosks also have a camera that will take your picture once you create a user name and profile. Using that information, you can also interact from your laptop or smartphone.
American Democracy Project Co-Chair and ISU Communications Professor Dr. Steve Hunt said Wednesday, "What we're hoping is that they're going to be more aware of the issues of the day. We'll change the question about every three or four weeks, so they're going to be more aware of the important issues effecting us locally, or it could be a national or an international issue."
Hunt said the interaction will be closely policed so data can be accurately collected.
That data will then be used to shed light on how participants feel about certain issues.
For instance, the current kiosk question asks if President Obama should be reelected. Hunt said so far, the majority of students say he deserves a second term.
There are plans to put more kiosks up at busy locations around campus.
