Although this isn’t something being used in the classroom, I really like seeing different ways technology can be used for a community purpose and to allow the community to have a voice.

Last evening, President Obama gave his State of the Union Address.  Today, I learned that anyone can visit YouTube and ask President Obama a question: http://www.youtube.com/worldview

I’m noticing people uploading questions via text, via video, and voting on their favorite questions they want to see the President answer.  And I’m seeing some quality questions.  I like this use of technology for engagement.

I’m thinking this format could also be used at a university.  Why not have students post questions for their university president, and then the president could answer in a live session?  I’m also thinking about the challenges I have getting guest speakers to campus from a distance.  Why not have students read about the work of the speaker, generate a list of questions, and then have a Skype session where the speaker can answer the questions as part of a online lecture?

Something to think about…. what could I ask?  Who could I ask?  Technology as an engagement tool – I like it!