Electronic Networking and Use of the Internet

Once blamed for isolating people from their communities, information technologies are developing into an innovative means for community involvement and participation. On-line services enable people to give and get information when they want.

Electronic networking

Electronic networking tools can be synchronous or asynchronous:

	Asynchronous communications allow people to interact at different times and from different places, for ecample, e-mail, list-serves, electronic forums, electronic study circles, public participation GIS
	Synchronous tools provide a means for people to carry on an electronic "conversation" -- at the same time, but from different locations. These tools include chat rooms, the electronic charrette

Electronic networks are not limited to planning agencies, as local and neighborhood groups have developed their own networks for interaction.

Computer-oriented people are likely to participate, but attracting local people with the greatest stake in a project or interest in a program is difficult if they are not computer literate. As computer use continues to increase in the workplace and on-line services become more common in public libraries and through organizations, these limitations become less pronounced.

Internet websites

The Internet has revolutionized the transfer of information and have thus become an important mechanism to inform constituents by most organizations. As a result, it has become a useful tool for public participation.

An Internet website is any collection of one or more web pages - single files that can be displayed on the web. Some web pages are very short, with only a few lines of text, while others are very long.

Tips for creating an internet site.

Resources/Links:

Randolph, J. & Zahm, D., "Information Technologies and Public Participation: Enhancing Communication and Interaction." Planning in Virginia 1998: Public Participation in Planning. Midlothian, Virginia: VAPA, pp. 26-29.

The Decision Room: Many-to Many Communications:
Local Affairs, Inc., Mill Valley, CA

National Center for Geographic Information Analysis Conference papers:

Public participation GIS:

Civic Practices Network: Electronic forums:

Community Toolbox: Bringing Solutions to Light
University of Kansas Work Group on Health Promotion and Community Development in Lawrence, KS, and AHEC/Community Partners in Amherst, Massachusetts
Creating a Website for your organization:

Public Involvement: Your Source for Online Training and Services
Dolan Management, Portland, OR, 1999
Tips: