Knowledge in the Public Interest likes to work with Open Source technologies wherever possible.
We customize these tools and platforms to meet our specific needs.
Our primary tool is Polilogue, a Moodle platform that we have customized and souped-up for JAM’s; turning it into a great venue for digital engagement, conversation and immersion.
When we begin planning for a Jam we set up a private office workspace where the entire JAM planning team can gather, share tasks and co-ordinate, to make sure everyone is on the same page and on deadline.
STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
As we develop the overall Jam strategy we build mindmaps, use wikis, and conduct pre-JAM surveys. We execute our JAM invitation strategy by tapping into a range of social media that works for the audience. At the same time we begin compiling and bookmarking resources that will be useful and interesting to Jammers.
Participants first register and then receive an invitation link to Polilogue. Upon arrival, new Jammers might opt to view a short video that frames the JAM, visit the Café to meet others in an informal setting or scan the Book to review resources. Or a new Jammer can simply dive right into the discussion.
DIGITAL LIBRARIANS
KPI digital librarians are present throughout the JAM, reviewing the dialogue in real-time, selecting appropriate resources that are organized and tagged for later reference. The curating and authoritative tagging of documents, videos, website references, etc., is a vital outcome of a JAM – and complements the JAM Analysis.
COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY
We are proud of our JAM Reports but also recognize that knowledge must be consumed to serve a purpose. Therefore, we are equally dedicated to translating JAM’s using a range of techniques, notably data visualization. When it makes sense we situate the JAM in a communications strategy or into a social media engagement plan.
A JAM uncovers a range of issues and, in almost every case, suggests an action plan. This action plan, in turn, takes collaboration to affect the world at large. This is what an eCommunity can do.