The VoiceS project updates and complements the existing German and Spanish VoicE Internet platforms with the objective of promoting a dialogue between citizens from European regions and “their” regional policy makers in the European Parliament.
The three S
VoiceS is a project that integrates semantics, social software and serious games into eParticipation.
Semantic Search
In the framework of VoiceS, the existing VoicE platform will be complemented by a semantic ontology. This enables
- Intelligent search instead of keyword based search
- Query answering instead of information retrieval
- Exchange of documents between different domains with ontology mapping, and
- Definition or personalised views of documents.
Social Software
Accounts for the VoicE project have been created in various social
networks. Awareness and usage of the platform will thus be increased
among the general public. Visit us on our German and Spanish Facebook profiles or follow us on Twitter.
Serious Game
If citizens have only a limited knowledge of the complex system and mechanisms of EU decision-making, they can broaden their understanding by playing the serious game on the VoiceS platform. This game lets users explore the realms of EU legislation in a playful, interactive and entertaining manner. By stepping into the role of an MEP, lobbyist, EU Commissioner or Council member, the player goes through the whole legislative process and is repeatedly confronted with political challenges.
Toolkit
Apart from new functions, VoiceS will also offer services to help other regions set up similar initiatives of their own. These will be integrated in a toolkit for regional eParticipation initiatives, which will be made available at the end of the project runtime (i.e. late 2010).
The toolkit will comprise the results of the eParticipation projects VoicE and VoiceS as well as a “lessons learned” section and various tools designed to support other regions wishing to implement eParticipation initiatives. The VoicE and VoiceS projects will thus have a sustainable impact and generate added value.
|
The projects VoicE & VoiceS are co-financed within the eParticipation
2007 & 2008 programmes of the European Commission. 