People often speak of the democratizing effect of the Internet, and we here at TMP are always eager to point out the ways in which technology can provide new, easier ways to connect problems and possible solutions to problem solvers. Recently, two new great uses of relatively older technology (so no, it does not involve tweeting…) have emerged that should be of particular interest to policy students.

The first — and probably most relevant for those at SIPA — is the site for the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Not only is it an easily navigable site with loads of relevant content, but it also boasts a forward-looking feature that allows all budding policy-makers to contribute to the conversation. Aptly titled “Join the Conversation,” it poses a policy question to the ether and encourages those out there with thoughts to contribute.

A mere comment board this is not — the forum is designed to be a direct link to the Committee and a disclaimer at the bottom states that material that is posted can be used in any manner deemed appropriate, “including incorporation into Committee documents.” With the word limit a familiar 1500 max, it seems a great way for a motivated student to fast-track him or herself to the debate or for a savvy professor to turn policy-paper exercises into the real thing. Consider the challenge thrown—who will be the first professor to bridge the gap between idle exercise and actual influence?

On a more local level, the website SeeClickFix provides local policy-makers with a citizen-driven tool for identifying neighborhood problems that need fixing. The concept is to create a public record on the Internet of non-emergency problems – graffiti, a broken traffic light, uncovered pothole, the need for signage – using Google maps, making it easier to connect problems with the public officials and organizations that are there to solve them. The beauty, in my mind, is that it recreates Jane Jacobs’ concept of eyes on the street in a way that increases accountability on both a personal and public level. If one saw a problem before, it would be easy to either dismiss it (surely someone else has reported this) or simply not make the effort to call 311 in the despair that it is a complaint into an unresponsive void. With SeeClickFix’s widely available public record of problems noted by concerned citizens, it becomes difficult to ignore the many clamoring voices. Problems can be more easily identified, and solution-focused dialogue can take place among those living in the affected areas.

The rampant proliferation of potential uses for technology has made both international affairs and public policy rapidly changing fields, with implications for both policy schools and governmental organizations. SIPA is already a leader in using new technology in its coursework, but mainstreaming practical use of technology in many classes, not just workshops, would be the right direction in which to go. And other governmental organizations would do well to take notice of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ new initiative – this direct link to the public is an important one. From SeeClickFix to Joining the Conversation, the Internet is providing new means of transparency in policy and changing the lines of communication with policy makers. Policy students and makers alike would be wise to take advantage.