How the Q&A System Works
(from student perspective)
The Q&A System allows students to ask questions of
electro-technology professionals. These electro-technology
professionals have volunteered their time to give responses to
questions directed at them. These professionals are not
"on-line" at all times so responses may take a while.
Our volunteers are endeavoring to respond within 24 hours.
In the sections that follow, the basic system flow followed by a detailed
discussion of the system flow will be presented. At the very bottom of this
page, the terms used within the system are defined.
Basic Flow
This system is essentially a discussion forum with custom
rules and presentation formats. The system allows students to
direct questions to electro-technology professionals who give a
response. The student then is able to "accept" the
answer or ask a follow-up question. If a follow-up question is
asked, the professional will give a final response which the
student will read. After the question/answer exchange is
complete, the professional will create a summary of the session
for others to read. The summary will be formatted as a single
question and answer for a broader audience and without
identifying the original question submitter.
Additionally, the student can read past sessions and
biographies of professionals.
More Detailed Flow
- Student directs a question to a particular professional
(respondent) and notes the "reference code"
that is given to identify the session.
- Respondent replies to question. (There is usually a time
delay before the response is given.)
- If the student has an e-mail address, a message stating
that a response is available is sent to this e-mail
address.
- Student views response and either accepts it (ending the
session) or submits a follow-up question.
- If a follow-up question is submitted, the respondent
replies (and e-mail is sent if possible).
- If a follow-up question was submitted, the student reads
the response and either starts a final follow-up cycle or
closes the session.
- Respondent summarizes the session into a single question
and answer for general viewing (presently sorted by
respondent and by "categories" selected by the
respondent.)
Basic Terms
- Respondent
- Electro-technology professional who has volunteered to
respond to questions
- Active Respondent
- A respondent who is presently accepting questions
- Inactive Respondent
- A respondent whose volunteer term is completed (summaries
of past sessions are available)
- Question
- Initial submission (question) submitted by a student
- Answer
- Response by respondent (electro-technology professional)
- Follow-Up Question
- Question by student to seek clarification of response
given by respondent
- Session
- A "cycle" consisting of question, answer, and
possibly a follow-up question and answer
- Summary
- A "question" and "answer" reflecting
the "essence" of a session without
"personal" information created by the
respondent or Q&A System administrator after a
session is completed.
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This project is supported by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers, Inc. and the Sloan Foundation.
Last updated: 10/29/97 dgg