Ever wish you, your classmates, or your students were able to contribute more in a group setting?

Take an active approach to learning - hold an electronic discussion that allows every person in attendance to voice his or her opinions, ideas, and questions while remaining completely anonymous. Don't let the outspoken ones run the class or group projects. Every person can contribute equally through simultaneous interactions with groups both large and small. Electronic meetings also provide great tools such as voting and rating, to a better understand everyone's feelings on certain ideas. With all of these benefits, it is much easier to have group meetings and get the results you want.

Why do GDC electronic meetings work?

In traditional meetings, status and personalities frequently obstruct the purpose of the meeting--jealousy and fear of "power plays" are counter-productive. Progress also can be blocked when participants have to wait for their turn to contribute.

Benefits of Electronic Meetings: Anonymity Simultaneous participation Equal voices A criticism-free discussion Efficient and effective use of time and resources

Uses of Electronic Meetings: Class Discussions Every student can have an equal voice. Anonymous and simultaneous discussion enhances student engagement. Focus Groups Gather information and opinions from a demographic or specialized group. Data is automatically compiled and easily compared against other groups. Project Brainstorming Electronic Discussions can help relieve awkward group dynamics and encourage equal group participation. Student Organizations Open up discussions to all members and increase amount of ideas for fundraisers, events, etc. Complete the all-important officer elections through an anonymous, electronic means. Electronic Voting Get a class or student organization members’ opinions on a given topic, make important decisions, or elect officers. All anonymously and electronically! Group Feedback Give/get more accurate feedback for class groups. Anonymous feedback will improve group performance and member assessment. Program Evaluation Enable students or faculty/staff members to give an accurate, anonymous evaluation of a program or event.

The GDC provides your organization with a fully-facilitated meeting environment including:

• Pre-planning session
• Meeting session led by a trained facilitator
• Review session
• Electronic and paper record of all ideas and decisions

Electronic Meetings Comments:

Comments from Concordia MIS Class:

It is a good way to get interaction among different groups of people and would be great for a business meeting setting.

People are more likely to be honest when their comments are done in confidentiality.

Some of the best interaction I've ever seen. People were able to be honest without worrying about what people will think about a comment.

I think this allows for people to communicate who usually wouldn't and it is nice for a quick meeting with no discussion.

Confidentiality Statement - All meetings and surveys are the property of the meeting/survey owners. If you have any request for meeting information please contact the meeting/survey owners directly.

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E-Mail: ndsu.gdc@ndsu.edu
www.ndsu.edu/gdc
NDSU Group Decision Center
320 Family Life Center
Department 2030
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Phone: 701.231.6414