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Public Opinion

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The Chicago Tribune - From Here to Excellence

The Chicago Tribune takes an in-depth look at the Illinois public education system in this multi-part series that grew into a multimedia, participatory online presentation. The Tribune attacks the issue of how to revamp the system to help Illionis students compete in a global economy. With focus on specific targets, the series used extensive database research and interactive opportunities for the public to become involved in the debate.

TWOCrowds

Based on the theory by author and The New Yorker staff writer James Surowiecki that a large crowd of people is smarter than just the smartest individuals within it, TWOCrowds tests the masses to see how well people can predict the future. Users can make predictions or view other users' predictions on a wide range of topics from sports to politics. Key words are taken from the entries and used to pull news from Yahoo! and photos from Flickr, which are then presented to users browsing the predictions.

KQED (San Francisco) -You Decide

KQED's "You Decide" invites users to become part of a debate through a critical exploration of social issues. How do you feel about Medicare? Same-sex marriage? Prayer in schools? "You Decide" asks the question then offers counter arguments to your response. See article.

New Hampshire Public Radio -Overlooking Alcohol

New Hampshire Public Radio's "Overlooking Alcohol" site collects audio and transcripts from their multi-part series on alcohol's personal and financial toll on the state and its residents. The site also includes a blog with more information about the series, related links, and a Flash movie that uses audio and pictures to show what one man's struggle with alcoholism cost him and the state.