View source for E-consultation tests in Ireland

===Overview of Tests===
We also are running a few tests of our own on e-consultation technologies, trying out things that we couldn't do in the scope of the trial consultations.
*[[Diversity]] - linking different tools and processes.
*[[Probation office map]] - testing the usability of an online map with less literate ex-offenders.
*[[Youth e-consultations at NIYF]] - ongoing action research with young people at the [http://www.niyf.org/ NI Youth Forum].


===Purpose and Contribution of our Tests===
We were interested in designing our own tests to explore two key issues:
# Is it possible to design [http://www.e-consultation.org/technologies.html e-consultation technologies] and [http://www.e-consultation.org/guide/index.php/Processes processes] that can be used even by those with literacy difficulties who are a challenging group for both e-consultation and traditional consultations?
# How can a [http://www.e-consultation.org/technologies.html range of technologies] be used to get creative input from groups who do not normally respond to consultations, such as school children?

These tests helped us, the research team, understand two things:
# Understand the institutional factors that affected the implementation of econsultation, 
# Explore the full potential of radically new technologies and processes. 


===Further Research Needed===
Since these tests, conducted at the end of [http://wiki.e-consultation.org/ResearchProject our project’s] time frame, we can only present a demonstration of their potential. 

Further research is needed on all of these issues:
* consultations that cross the [http://www.digitaldivide.org/dd/index.html digital divide], 
* integrating technologies in innovative consultation processes, and,
* engaging youth in e-consultation.