Voices WV . com

Metaphorically speaking, we’ve reached a point in time when most West Virginia families have become members of the global village. The Internet has globalized communication, giving individuals the power to connect with people around the world.

The Internet has also given the people of West Virginia the means to be better connected to other West Virginians. In theory, we should be better able to share information, solve problems and reach common goals that ever before in history. But is this happening?

Technology is not a panacea

One of the biggest hurdles is convincing people to make use of a particular type of technology. A wide variety of online collaborative software systems exists on the Web that permits the sharing of knowledge. Yet, more often that not, little use is made of these systems to solve local or statewide problems.

Today, our elected leaders are have the ability to be better connected to the citizens of the state that ever before in history. Yet, other having a website and an email address, few leaders make effective use of the interactive possibilities the Web offers.

A website that displays information is a wonderful thing, but it is limited by being only a one-way means of communication. On the other hand, an Internet message forum offers two-way communication, and could be used by elected officials to obtain input from local citizens on a wide variety of issues and concerns. Unfortunately, none of West Virginia’s leaders appear to be using Internet forums as a communications tool.

It takes (willing) people to make a village

In simple terms, communications is the sharing of information. But before people can effectively share information and ideas, they must learn to be more cooperative and less competitive. The Web is simply the global system that making information sharing available to the masses. It will takes people willing to embrace technology and open to concept of sharing information to realize the benefits of a knowledge society.

Perhaps someday here in West Virginia we (the people) will begin to use all available forms of computer-supported collaboration to interactively share information, solve problems and in-general, make the state a better place to live for everyone.

Once we accept the premise that knowledge is power, we begin to regard knowledge as a valuable resource. If we actually begin to share our collective knowledge, we will all begin to enjoy the benefits of a shared wealth, as suggested by Metcalfe’s law — the more people who use something, the more valuable it becomes.