2008 Woodie Awards
A-Senate to use clickers, but concerns still linger
By: Beth Kieda
Issue date: 10/15/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Technology is supposed to make life more convenient and efficient.
The Academic Senate started using an electronic voting system this semester with that goal in mind.
But instead of being a convenience, the new system is throwing into play a debate about the group's voting method.
"I like it because it speeds up the process," said Bryan Gibson, senate secretary and psychology professor. "We don't have to wait for someone to count the votes."
In the past, the senate used paper ballots for elections.
Now senators pick up a remote clicker when they enter meetings. When the senators press the button that corresponds to their choice, a computer records and counts the votes.
There have been numerous debates and votes in the senate about when, and if, the clickers should be used.
"I think that it's a very good idea in theory, but there are a lot of kinks that need to be worked out," said Brad Sjoquist, Kingsford senior. "We've been spending more time with people voicing their questions and concerns than actually using the clickers."
In a recent election, two of four nominees were needed to be chosen for a committee. Some of the senators were concerned about what would happen if someone tried to vote for the same person twice.
"It went really well," said Todd Zakrajsek, director of Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching. "We accomplished what would have taken 20 minutes the old way, in three to four minutes."
Zakrajsek said he hopes the technology will allow the senate to accomplish the things they need to do.
With the clickers, a computer does the math, showing whether the necessary majority was reached. The candidate with the majority can be removed, allowing senators to vote a second time on the remaining candidates.
However, some senators have requested a paper ballot in place of the electronic voting.
"It's interesting to me that people see a difference between the clickers and a paper ballot," said Tim Hartshorne, senate moderator. "You probably get a bit more accuracy with the clickers."
Zakrajsek said Turning Technologies, LLC donated the 80-system set to the university for A-Senate use.
"People seem to be in love with technology for the sake of technology," said James Jones, foreign languages, literatures and cultures professor.
Another concern is the issue of private voting. The senate usually votes on whether to pass a motion by a voice vote.
"It's an interesting issue," Hartshorne said. "On one side people should be able to stand up publicly and say what they think - on the other side, some people may vote differently if the vote is private."
A secret paper ballot can be requested.
"In a democratic body, people who have been elected to represent should be forced to publicly show their vote," Jones said.
Elections have always been conducted with a private paper ballot.
news@cm-life.com
The Academic Senate started using an electronic voting system this semester with that goal in mind.
But instead of being a convenience, the new system is throwing into play a debate about the group's voting method.
"I like it because it speeds up the process," said Bryan Gibson, senate secretary and psychology professor. "We don't have to wait for someone to count the votes."
In the past, the senate used paper ballots for elections.
Now senators pick up a remote clicker when they enter meetings. When the senators press the button that corresponds to their choice, a computer records and counts the votes.
There have been numerous debates and votes in the senate about when, and if, the clickers should be used.
"I think that it's a very good idea in theory, but there are a lot of kinks that need to be worked out," said Brad Sjoquist, Kingsford senior. "We've been spending more time with people voicing their questions and concerns than actually using the clickers."
In a recent election, two of four nominees were needed to be chosen for a committee. Some of the senators were concerned about what would happen if someone tried to vote for the same person twice.
"It went really well," said Todd Zakrajsek, director of Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching. "We accomplished what would have taken 20 minutes the old way, in three to four minutes."
Zakrajsek said he hopes the technology will allow the senate to accomplish the things they need to do.
With the clickers, a computer does the math, showing whether the necessary majority was reached. The candidate with the majority can be removed, allowing senators to vote a second time on the remaining candidates.
However, some senators have requested a paper ballot in place of the electronic voting.
"It's interesting to me that people see a difference between the clickers and a paper ballot," said Tim Hartshorne, senate moderator. "You probably get a bit more accuracy with the clickers."
Zakrajsek said Turning Technologies, LLC donated the 80-system set to the university for A-Senate use.
"People seem to be in love with technology for the sake of technology," said James Jones, foreign languages, literatures and cultures professor.
Another concern is the issue of private voting. The senate usually votes on whether to pass a motion by a voice vote.
"It's an interesting issue," Hartshorne said. "On one side people should be able to stand up publicly and say what they think - on the other side, some people may vote differently if the vote is private."
A secret paper ballot can be requested.
"In a democratic body, people who have been elected to represent should be forced to publicly show their vote," Jones said.
Elections have always been conducted with a private paper ballot.
news@cm-life.com
Be the first to comment on this story