Cooperative Extension produces public value through educational programming that benefits the greater community. Forests provide numerous valuable benefits to society through the provision of ecosystem services. Cooperative Extension educational programming positively affects forest owners, who, in turn, conduct actions that enhance ecosystem…

The Cooperative Extension System is at a crossroads regarding educational program delivery and clientele relationships in a digital age. To "help prepare counties for a future that demands increased use of technology for improving work efficiencies and expanding audience outreach," an assessment team was appointed to conduct a case study to…

eXtension was publicly launched in 2008 as an online resource; however, adoption rates have been disappointing. The research reported here measured adoption of eXtension, willingness to participate in a Community of Practice, and adoption barriers among Oklahoma Extension employees. The adoption rate was 49%, and 43% of employees were willing to…

The use of technology to deliver programming across Extension has been addressed widely; however, little research has been conducted concerning the use of Moodle[TM] as a course management system for Extension. The purpose of the study reported here was to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the use of…

Adoption resulting from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Crop Management Diagnostic Clinic (CMDC) field days was evaluated using an on-line survey. Respondents reported significant gains in skills because of CMDC, but the gains were similar across skill areas. Adoption was affected by compatibility with the cropping system, relative advantage,…

Interviews with 500 Australian extension professionals revealed fundamental differences in philosophy and objectives compared to those of California extension. Strengths and weaknesses of each model help illuminate the effects of privatization being considered in California. (SK)

Interviews with end users identified uses of the Trans Texas Videoconferencing Network: college courses (60%), continuing education, administration, outreach, scientific collaboration, and public special interest groups. Problems were also identified: scheduling difficulties, inconvenient remote facilities, teacher training, and technical support.…

A survey of 127 (of 300) Illinois swine producers found that 114 owned computers; the majority used industry magazines as sources of information about new technologies; extension newsletters were used much less by corporate farm enterprises; very small numbers used electronic mail; only about half used university specialists for information; and…

Of three extension models--top-down technology transfer, farmers-first approach, and participatory research--the latter extends elements of the other two into a more comprehensive analysis of a problem and specification of solution strategies. An Australian integrated pest management (IPM) example illustrates how structured workshops are a useful…