Augmenting Face-to-Face Communication: Using Technology to Build Relationships, Create Individualized Education Programs and Resolve Disputes
with
James C. Melamed, J.D., CEO of Mediate.com
Personal History
- AFM - 1987-93
- Mediate.com - 1996 - present
- Online Resolution - 1999
- CADRE
Beyond Dichotomous Thinking
Modalities:
- Text
- Image
- Audio
- Video
The Joy of Asynchrony
Most valuable when:
- Low dispute value - predictable issues
- Costs and difficulties of getting together are high
- Lots of Participants
- Late Joiners / Archive
A few examples:
- ICANN Domain Disputes
- E-bay / Squaretrade
- School Location Mediation
- Divorce Mediation
- Contemplated CADRE Pilot
The Challenge: Best Integrating the Internet with Face-to-Face - Range of Options
- Distribution of Information
- Draft Plans and Agreements - Track Changes
- Confirming Progress
- Ongoing Communication
- Resources and Empowerment
- "Digital Accountability"
- Unique Qualities of Textual and other modalities of communication
- Security
- Confidentiality
Specific Issues Re: Using the Internet for Special Ed IEP and Dispute Resolution
- What do you see as the benefits and potentials?
- What do you see as the barriers and challenges?
If done, how best done?
- Who should be involved?
- What should be included?
- Role of the facilitator?
- Helpful protocols?
Mediate.com MeetingSpace - Beta
www.mediate.com/MeetingSpace
MeetingSpace includes:
- case management
- secure communication (SSL encyrption plus individual id/pw)
- unlimited participants and groups
- easy control over access rights
- notification options
- lawyer, counselor, mediator, facilitator & arbitrator model spaces
- create and clone your own model spaces
- unlimited joint & caucus pages, resources, forms and discussions
- polling, solution evaluation & agreement creation
- group and sub-group calendars
- individual space, professional subscription & enterprise licensing
- one year archive
Issues of Interest
- modalities of communication
- potential for miscommunication
- confidentiality and security
- "legality"
- digital accountability - archiving - preference for oral
- keeping info current
- diff capacities & digital divide
- documentation - follow up
- voluntary – mandatory
- spam headaches - tech support
- grandparents, etc.
- getting parent participation in training
