E-Learning Module: Getting Involved

 

Overview

The Center on Congress and the Close Up Foundation partnered to produce a video series in which legislators and political scientists address questions from a studio audience on some of the most urgent issues in government. This module takes the best of those programs and presents them in a Web-based, easy access format. Below is a brief summary of each video program included in this module.

 

Youth Involvement (Two Parts)
Time: Need for Greater Involvement, 3 minutes 38 seconds; Measuring Civic Involvement, 2 minutes 8 seconds

This segment has two videos: "Need for Greater Involvement" and "Measuring Civic Involvement." In the first video segment, the panel explains that the United States has the lowest voter turnout rate of any democracy except Switzerland. Peter Visclosky states that legislators have a responsibility to get young people more involved. In the second video segment, panel members describe civic involvement among young people. The number of young people who vote has declined, but volunteer activity among young people has increased.

Voting (Two Parts)
Time: Low Student Voting Rates, 4 minutes 3 seconds; Voting by Young People Matters, 3 minutes 39 seconds

This segment includes two videos: "Low Student Voting Rates" and "Voting by Young People Matters." In the first segment, panel members discuss why few young people vote and argue that public officials and candidates need to do a better job of reaching out to young people. In the second video segment, panel members explain that most young people are concerned about issues. Unfortunately candidates don't do a good job of relating the issues to young people.

Contacting Legislators Effectively (Two Parts)
Time: Some Suggestions, 3 minutes 22 seconds; Do Letters Have an Impact?, 6 minutes 15 seconds

This segment has two videos: "Some Suggestions" and "Do Letters Have an Impact?" In the first video segment, Peter Visclosky describes the many ways people can communicate with their legislators and explains that individual forms of communication are more effective than form letters and petitions. In the second video segment, Peter Visclosky explains that individual communications often do make a difference.

Your Voice vs. Special Interest
Time: Important Voice of Voter, 3 minutes 3 seconds

The panel explains why the voice of the voter is so important. Legislators pay close attention to the people who elect them—voters. The outcome of some elections may be determined by a small number of voters.

Youth Volunteering
Time: Having an Impact, 2 minutes 21 seconds

The panel discusses why the number of youth who volunteer is increasing yet the number of young people who vote is decreasing.

Getting Involved In Your Community (Two Parts)
Time: Being Engaged in Your Community, 7 minutes 24 seconds; Start Locally in Your Schools, 4 minutes 56 seconds

This segment includes two videos: "Being Engaged in Your Community" and "Start Locally in Your Schools." In the first video segment, the panel explains that people who are civically involved try to make a different their community and belong to several different organizations. In the second video, the panel describes ways young people can become involved. Young people should become involved at school or look around their community and decide what needs to be changed.

Individuals Who Made a Difference
Time: Some Specific Examples, 6 minutes 38 seconds

The panel describes individuals who have made a difference and explains that it takes a lot of work and persistence to make a difference.

Civil Disobedience
Time: Tradition of Disobeying Unjust Laws, 3 minutes 56 seconds

The panel discusses the tradition of civil disobedience in our society and reminds the audience that civil disobedience has consequences. Marcie Taylor-Thoma explains that young people need to be taught about their right to protest.

Becoming Informed (Two Parts)
Time: Good Sources of Information, 3 minutes 51 seconds; Time Pressures, 5 minutes 49 seconds

This segment includes two videos: "Good Sources of Information" and "Time Pressures." In the first segment, the panel explains that people don't have to rely on the evening news or morning newspaper for information. People have access to lots of good news resources, such as the Internet. Citizens have the responsibility to critically examine news from multiple sources. In the second video segment, the panel discusses the decline in the number of people who read a newspaper on a daily basis.

The Civic Mission of Schools (Two Parts)
Time: Are Schools Helpful, 4 minutes 46 seconds; Building Support, 2 minutes 3 seconds

This segment includes two videos: "Are Schools Helpful?" and "Building Support for Civics." In the first video segment, the panel explains that the number of civics classes the average high school student is required take has declined over the years. Marcie Taylor-Thoma explains that teachers need to integrate civics into other areas of study. In the second video, the panel talks about the various groups and organizations that support civics education.

Navigating the E-Learning Module

Navigating this e-learning module is fairly intuitive. However, if the need arises, you may refer to the step-by-step guide below.

1. When you begin this module, the introduction will automatically play. To skip the introduction, click the SKIP button.
2. A list of panel members will appear at the end of the introduction. Click CONTINUE to view a list of videos. Then select a video by clicking on the title.
3. When you select a video, a list of Key Issues and Questions will appear. To play the video, click on the arrow located to the left of the title.
4. At the end of the video, click on MAIN MENU and select a new video.

Helpful Hints

You may want to PAUSE each video and conduct a whole-class discussion to make sure that students understand the content. You can then have students discuss their reactions.