by David N. Bengston and Robert L. Olson
Abstract
Text-based asynchronous online conferencing involves structured online discussion and
deliberation among multiple participants from multiple sites in which there is a delay in interaction
between contributors. This method has been widely used for a variety of purposes in higher education
and other settings, but has not been commonly used in futures research. This paper describes an
asynchronous online foresight panel process. The method is illustrated with the case of a recent
foresight panel on the future of wildland fire management.