Technology

Many of PSC’s clients wish to engage a broad set of stakeholders as part of their project. To that end, PSC often utilizes a set of electronic communications mechanisms to augment the work of the project as a whole. These electronic mechanisms—including websites, e-mail listservs, conference calls, and moderated discussions through teleconferences, e-mail, or Web-based technologies—have been deployed by PSC to both develop consensus as well as publicize results of processes.

PSC believes, however, that all of these electronic mechanisms are secondary to the larger project; that is, they should always further the project goal. In this regard, PSC is uniquely situated among information services providers in that we are not primarily a computer or information technology consulting firm—and we strive not to become one. We believe our strength lies in integrating technology with public purposes and public policy.

In prior projects, we have:

• Connected early childhood caregivers in a statewide electronic network to share information
• Designed, constructed, and maintained websites as the communication vehicle for dialogues on public policy issues, in order to assure broad participation in problem solving by all sectors
• Allowed grant seekers to apply online for funds, while simultaneously allowing the grant reviewers to view the applications electronically prior to face-to-face meetings
• Helped associations of K–12 school administrators understand how applied information technology can deliver services more efficiently to members
• Annually surveyed members of the public to determine attitudes toward technology and public—as well as private—life

In short, we understand that technology represents the means to an end for our clients, not the end itself.

Websites

PSC has created websites to provide information about a project, announce upcoming events, provide reports and publications to stakeholders, and offer the public opportunities to comment on policy issues.

In addition to traditional, public, or stakeholder-focused websites, PSC has used internal websites as a resource for steering committees to communicate with board members, disseminate information, and review grant requests. Successful results were also generated as part of another project, which used an internal website to help a diverse group of early childhood education providers develop a strategic framework for a countywide program.

E-mail

In addition to using e-mail for general communications, PSC has used special e-mail accounts or e-mail listservs to gather information. Listservs can be either one-way—for example, as a mechanism for project staff to disseminate meeting announcements, questions, and information to members of the project—or interactive, where e-mail is used to stimulate discussion or receive comments on proposed courses of action.

Conference Calls and Moderated Discussions

In addition to computer-based communications pathways, PSC uses conference calls to minimize meeting expenses and maximize participation of the project teams. In many cases, conference calls can be made more effective by distributing material ahead of time via e-mail, or by reviewing material on a common website in real time as part of the discussion.

Moderated discussions—whether by telephone or via e-mail—are another mechanism PSC uses to facilitate projects. In a moderated discussion, a larger group is asked for comment or reaction to a document, based on a series of focused questions from a moderator. At each step, the moderator synthesizes all responses and poses a set of “next level” questions.

PSC’s principals and project managers have extensive experience in combining these tools to best serve the project. In many cases, these same activities occur as part of any good face-to-face meeting; PSC’s skill lies in translating these processes into an electronic environment.

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