We explain in this article the need for board training in rural America irrespective of industry or government sector. We discuss how an assessment of training needs has led to the launch of a new project called the National Board Basics Curriculum (NBBC) project. In this project, we have identified four key core competencies that every board…

Describes how Michigan State University extension service agents use computer technology as a teaching tool. Gives steps in applying computer programs to farm family living, financial planning, and farm management. (MF)

Describes New York State's extension experience in using the programable calculator, a portable pocket-size computer, to solve many of the problems that central computers now handle. Subscription services to programs written for the Texas Instruments TI-59 programable calculator are provided by both Cornell and Iowa State Universities. (MF)

Stating that the greatest potential impact of computer use in extension is not in providing information but in teaching how to analyze problems, the author discusses use of the computer as an educational method and offers some considerations to keep in mind when designing computerized learning packages. (MF)

With the increasing capabilities and decreasing costs of computers, the author says that extension service is approaching a crossroad in educational program delivery technology. Instead of continuing to rely on personal contact, extension agents should become familiar with the various computer network services available and learn how to use them.…