Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Keyword
-
- 4-H (5)
- GIS (5)
- Geospatial technologies (5)
- Extension and geospatial technologies (4)
- Engineering (3)
-
- Geographic information system (GIS) (3)
- Geographic information systems (3)
- Geospatial (3)
- Google Earth (3)
- Mapping (3)
- Robotics (3)
- STEM (3)
- Community development (2)
- GPS (2)
- Geographic Information System (2)
- Geospatial technology (2)
- Internet GIS (2)
- Misrepresentation in GIS use (2)
- Remote sensing (2)
- Science (2)
- Technology (2)
- Training (2)
- (STEM) (1)
- 4-H SET (1)
- Active delivery style (1)
- Active transportation (1)
- Aerial photography (1)
- Aerial sketch-mapping (1)
- After-school science and engineering (1)
- Agro-environmental sciences (1)
Articles 1 - 30 of 40
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Using Geographic Information System Technology To Identify Environmental Education Field Sites, Whitney Morgan, Rebecca Barlow
Using Geographic Information System Technology To Identify Environmental Education Field Sites, Whitney Morgan, Rebecca Barlow
The Journal of Extension
Natural resources Extension educators use outdoor environmental education sites to increase public knowledge of environmental issues, but locating appropriate sites can be time-consuming. Geographic information system (GIS) software and geospatial data can help Extension professionals choose such sites more efficiently. We describe our use of GIS technology to select a natural resources field day site in Tuskegee National Forest in Alabama. We used site characteristics such as forest type, road access, and slope to narrow potential sites from 94 possibilities to the two best options. Sources of free and low-cost geospatial data also are discussed.
(Mis)Communicating With Geographic Information System Mapping: Part 2—Determining Data Cutoffs, Rodrigo Cantarero, Maria Rosario De Guzman, Sarah Taylor, Soo-Young Hong, Jeong-Kyun Choi
(Mis)Communicating With Geographic Information System Mapping: Part 2—Determining Data Cutoffs, Rodrigo Cantarero, Maria Rosario De Guzman, Sarah Taylor, Soo-Young Hong, Jeong-Kyun Choi
The Journal of Extension
The increasing use of geographic information system (GIS) technology in various fields suggests the need for professionals, including those in Extension, to be mindful of communicating data accurately and effectively. This article examines approaches to creating classes or groupings within data as well as the weaknesses of each approach. Data break units discussed in the article include equal intervals, quantiles, and units resulting from natural breaks. Ideal situations for each type of data break are presented. The article emphasizes the need for Extension professionals to consider the effects of data grouping to avoid miscommunication when using GIS mapping.
Interactive Online Tool For Educating The Public About Landscape Conservation, R. Daniel Hanks, Robert F. Baldwin, Paul B. Leonard, Gillian B. Bee
Interactive Online Tool For Educating The Public About Landscape Conservation, R. Daniel Hanks, Robert F. Baldwin, Paul B. Leonard, Gillian B. Bee
The Journal of Extension
Landscape-scale conservation planning performed in a systematic and transparent manner is becoming more common as it is increasingly evident that ecological processes are being affected at large spatial scales. The Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative undertook a 15-state landscape conservation planning project, resulting in a landscape conservation design called NatureScape. To facilitate NatureScape's implementation by groups and individuals participating in on-the-ground landscape conservation, we developed an online decision support tool. This tool has the potential to assist Extension services in delivering research-based information to varied stakeholders as they make land use decisions.
Wooden Planks: A Tool For Youth Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math Exploration, Harriet Shaklee, Diane Demarest
Wooden Planks: A Tool For Youth Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math Exploration, Harriet Shaklee, Diane Demarest
The Journal of Extension
Wooden planks are a tool for developing youth skills through science, technology, engineering, and math exploration. These are small planks that can be stacked to create complex structures as youths explore math and physical relationships in an applied context. Building with wooden planks also cultivates planning, reasoning, and team skills as youths design and build structures. We developed an event in which adult and youth teams competed to build structures from wooden planks. Our Building Challenge proved to be effective in cultivating youth–adult engagement and expanding Extension's reach to new audiences while also raising funds for youth programs.
(Mis)Communicating With Geographic Information System Mapping: Part 1—Choosing Unit Of Representation, Rodrigo Cantarero, Maria Rosario De Guzman, Sarah Taylor, Soo-Young Hong, Jeong-Kyun Choi
(Mis)Communicating With Geographic Information System Mapping: Part 1—Choosing Unit Of Representation, Rodrigo Cantarero, Maria Rosario De Guzman, Sarah Taylor, Soo-Young Hong, Jeong-Kyun Choi
The Journal of Extension
Extension professionals are increasingly using geographic information system (GIS) technology to develop and inform programs and services. In this article, we use a mapping exercise to demonstrate how the unit of data can be applied and inadvertently misrepresented in GIS mapping. We contrast the use of counts, percentages, and location quotients with the same data and the resulting divergence in maps. The discussion addresses ideal circumstances for using each unit of data. Overall, the article illustrates the need for Extension professionals to be cognizant of the benefits and limitations of various units of data to avoid miscommunication when using GIS …
Connecting Generations Through Informal Geospatial And Conservation Education, Cary Chadwick, David Dickson, Chester Arnold, Laura Cisneros, John Volin, Todd Campbell, David Moss, Laura Rodriguez
Connecting Generations Through Informal Geospatial And Conservation Education, Cary Chadwick, David Dickson, Chester Arnold, Laura Cisneros, John Volin, Todd Campbell, David Moss, Laura Rodriguez
The Journal of Extension
University of Connecticut Extension educators are engaged in a new program that fosters intergenerational informal science, technology, engineering, and math learning through combining geospatial technology and conservation science. Conservation Training Partnerships (CTP) is a program that brings together adult conservation leaders and high-school-aged youths for a 2-day hands-on training that leads to community-based conservation projects. The program creates synergistic project teams that combine the adult partners' community and conservation knowledge with the youth partners' technological facility. This innovative intergenerational approach holds promise for Extension professionals in improving technology-based trainings and projects.
The National Extension Web-Mapping Tool: From Data Exploration And Discovery To Decision Making, Shane Bradt, John Mcgee
The National Extension Web-Mapping Tool: From Data Exploration And Discovery To Decision Making, Shane Bradt, John Mcgee
The Journal of Extension
The University of New Hampshire (UNH), Virginia Tech (VT), and Texas A&M University collaborated to envision and plan (all) and then create (UNH and VT) the National Extension Web-mapping Tool (NEWT) to increase the use of spatial data in planning and programming decision making throughout Extension. With NEWT, Extension professionals can access and use national Extension-relevant spatial data sets available at varied scales (county, Extension district, state) and in varied formats (maps, tables), without needing mapping experience or associated technical skills. NEWT encourages users to look past state borders and traditional administrative boundaries to discover opportunities for collaboration.
Using Geospatial Analysis To Align Little Free Library Locations With Community Literacy Needs, Marlene K. Rebori, Peter Burge
Using Geospatial Analysis To Align Little Free Library Locations With Community Literacy Needs, Marlene K. Rebori, Peter Burge
The Journal of Extension
We used geospatial analysis tools to develop community maps depicting fourth-grade reading proficiency test scores and locations of facilities offering public access to reading materials (i.e., public libraries, elementary schools, and Little Free Libraries). The maps visually highlighted areas with struggling readers and areas without adequate public access to reading materials, providing information useful for executing a strategic response to literacy issues. Community development Extension professionals can use geospatial analysis to educate, inform, and create targeted actions related to a range of social issues. Applying geospatial analysis can make data more engaging, understandable, and impactful and can assist communities in …
Web-Based Geographic Information Systems: Experience And Perspectives Of Planners And The Implications For Extension, Z. Asligül Göçmen
Web-Based Geographic Information Systems: Experience And Perspectives Of Planners And The Implications For Extension, Z. Asligül Göçmen
The Journal of Extension
Web-based geographic information system (GIS) technology, or web-based GIS, offers many opportunities for public planners and Extension educators who have limited GIS backgrounds or resources. However, investigation of its use in planning has been limited. The study described here examined the use of web-based GIS by public planning agencies. A 2013 web-based survey of 274 public planning agency staff throughout Wisconsin revealed that use of web-based GIS for planning tasks lags behind use of software-based GIS and that agency use is hampered by a number of barriers. The findings suggest that Extension professionals can help practitioners become more familiar and …
Enhancing Extension And Research Activities Through The Use Of Web Gis, Noel M. Estwick, Richard W. Griffin, Annette A. James, Samuel G. Roberson
Enhancing Extension And Research Activities Through The Use Of Web Gis, Noel M. Estwick, Richard W. Griffin, Annette A. James, Samuel G. Roberson
The Journal of Extension
There have been numerous efforts aimed at improving geographic literacy in order to address societal challenges. Extension educators can use geographic information system (GIS) technology to help their clients cultivate spatial thinking skills and solve problems. Researchers can use it to model relationships and better answer questions. A program at Prairie View A&M University involves the use of virtual, field, and story map activities associated with Web GIS (online mapping) to expose participants to plant species identification and engage them in spatial thinking. We describe that program and demonstrate the utility of Web GIS as a tool for integrating experiential …
Building Teen Futures With Underwater Robotics, Michael L. Wallace, William M. Freitas
Building Teen Futures With Underwater Robotics, Michael L. Wallace, William M. Freitas
The Journal of Extension
Preparing young Americans with science and technology skills has been on the forefront of educational reform for several years, and Extension has responded. Robotics projects have become a natural fit for 4-H clubs, with members' experiences ranging from using Lego® Mindstorms® and other "purchase and assemble" robotics kits to building and programming robots from raw materials. This article addresses one such club's impacts on educational engagement, career trajectory, and life skills development. An annotated resource list for engaging youth in building underwater robots is provided in the Tools of the Trade article "Resources for Underwater Robotics Education" in this issue …
Interdisciplinary Professional Development Needs Of Cooperative Extension Field Educators, Travis Sondgerath
Interdisciplinary Professional Development Needs Of Cooperative Extension Field Educators, Travis Sondgerath
The Journal of Extension
The study discussed in this article sought to identify cross-program professional development needs of county-based Extension professionals (field educators). The study instrument was completed by 105 county-based Extension professionals. Interdisciplinary topics, such as program evaluation and volunteer management, were identified as subjects of needed professional development for the Extension professionals whose sole program area was Economic and Community Development. Extension professionals in both the Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Health and Human Sciences program areas tended not to identify topics from each other's program areas as subjects of needed professional development.
From Kickoff To Handoff: Coaching Teens To Tackle Stem Literacy, Chad Ripberger, Lydia B. Blalock
From Kickoff To Handoff: Coaching Teens To Tackle Stem Literacy, Chad Ripberger, Lydia B. Blalock
The Journal of Extension
This article discusses how intensive, content-rich, multiple-day conferences for teams of youth and their adult coaches can be used to initiate the training and planning needed for teens to successfully serve as STEM teachers. The concepts are based on three 4-H "teens as teachers" projects that included 29-36.5 hour initial training conferences. Teenagers (173) completed pre/post surveys on STEM knowledge, skills, careers, resources, and teaching ability. The teenagers exhibited increases in these areas for all three conferences. The authors discuss the common elements of these conferences, provide implementation examples and suggest resources that support this type of training.
Using Maps In Web Analytics To Evaluate The Impact Of Web-Based Extension Programs, Howard Veregin
Using Maps In Web Analytics To Evaluate The Impact Of Web-Based Extension Programs, Howard Veregin
The Journal of Extension
Maps can be a valuable addition to the Web analytics toolbox for Extension programs that use the Web to disseminate information. Extension professionals use Web analytics tools to evaluate program impacts. Maps add a unique perspective through visualization and analysis of geographic patterns and their relationships to other variables. Maps can help assess whether program goals are being met and lead to better understanding of the roadblocks to effective online information delivery. This article shows how maps can be generated using free Geographic Information System software, using the website of the Wisconsin State Cartographer's Office as a case study.
Google Earth For Landowners: Insights From Hands-On Workshops, Tristan Huff
Google Earth For Landowners: Insights From Hands-On Workshops, Tristan Huff
The Journal of Extension
Google Earth is an accessible, user-friendly GIS that can help landowners in their management planning. I offered hands-on Google Earth workshops to landowners to teach skills, including mapmaking, length and area measurement, and database management. Workshop participants were surveyed at least 6 months following workshop completion, and learning outcomes as well as landowner application of Google Earth were assessed. Participants made significant gains in Google Earth skill level immediately following workshop completion, but longer-term skill retention was variable. Most participants found Google Earth to be a valuable tool for a variety of land management purposes.
Crowdsourcing Rural Data Collection, Adeel Ahmed
Crowdsourcing Rural Data Collection, Adeel Ahmed
The Journal of Extension
The rise of geospatial information on popular websites and its comparative lack in rural areas prompted the pilot project described here to apply crowdsourcing techniques to community mapping. The 3-month project yielded many valuable lessons to apply to future endeavors, but did not yield enough point-of-interest (POI) data to merit an analysis of its accuracy. Results were disappointing in that few POIs were collected, despite participants' initial enthusiasm and hours of training. Key questions for the future are the following. Is it feasible to sustain volunteer-based community mapping efforts in rural areas? And, if so, what kind of incentives should …
Bridging Formal And Informal Learning Environments, Bradley S. Barker, Kim Larson, Michelle Krehbiel
Bridging Formal And Informal Learning Environments, Bradley S. Barker, Kim Larson, Michelle Krehbiel
The Journal of Extension
Out-of-school time programs that provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational content are promising approaches to develop skills and abilities in students. These programs may potentially inspire students with engaging hands-on, minds-on activities that encourages their natural curiosity around STEM content areas. However, it is also important to align out-of-school time learning activities with what is being taught in the formal classroom so that the experiences are congruent. Two examples of congruent programs are described in this article.
Google Earth: Low-Investment Gis For Extension Professionals, Tristan Huff
Google Earth: Low-Investment Gis For Extension Professionals, Tristan Huff
The Journal of Extension
Extension professionals need geospatial and remote sensing solutions that meet their varied needs; however, training time and funding for expensive software packages can be limited. Google Earth is a freely available, user-friendly GIS that can meet many of the day-to-day needs of Extension professionals by providing high-quality current and historical aerial photography, length and area measurement tools, GPS integration, and simple mapping capabilities. Third-party add-ons can increase the somewhat limited capabilities of Google Earth. Google Earth's general accessibility also lends itself to innovative, collaborative uses with clients, youth, and the general public.
I-Walk: An Innovative Approach To Community Walkability, Christopher J. Seeger, Catherine J. Lillehoj, Alan D. Jensen, Suzy Wilson
I-Walk: An Innovative Approach To Community Walkability, Christopher J. Seeger, Catherine J. Lillehoj, Alan D. Jensen, Suzy Wilson
The Journal of Extension
One way of combating rising obesity rates and decreasing physical activity levels among children is to promote active transportation to and from schools. The award-winning I-WALK program provides a comprehensive framework for addressing community walkability and related infrastructure. The program uses a unique and innovative methodology that combines volunteer data collection workshops; classroom-based teacher tallies; and a dynamic Web-based survey that brings parents and children together to discuss school transportation issues. The program's success demonstrates the benefits of coalition-building and community-based participatory research approaches to designing healthy and safe local environments.
Fitting The Framework: The Stem Institute And The 4-H Essential Elements, Jeff Sallee, Gina G. Peek
Fitting The Framework: The Stem Institute And The 4-H Essential Elements, Jeff Sallee, Gina G. Peek
The Journal of Extension
Extension and 4-H youth development programs are addressing a shortage of scientists, engineers, and other related professionals by promoting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This case study illustrates how the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program trained youth-adult teams to design and implement STEM projects. The STEM Institute incorporated the 4-H Eight Essential Elements to structure programming. Using the Essential Elements framework helped ensure quality STEM programming, participant retention, and successful community projects lead by youth leaders. The most successful projects were youth driven and adult facilitated, used local partners, and took time to develop.
Photo-Guided Tracing: A Low-Cost Method For Monitoring Targeted Plant Species, Marc R. Horney, Michael Spiess
Photo-Guided Tracing: A Low-Cost Method For Monitoring Targeted Plant Species, Marc R. Horney, Michael Spiess
The Journal of Extension
This article describes a method of producing accurate and relatively inexpensive maps of plant distribution, used here for mapping Arundo donax in a riparian ecosystem as part of an Extension outreach and community development effort. This produced a verifiable map of the plant's distribution over 16 km for approximately $3,000. This method had modest requirements for technical skills and equipment, and produced reference imagery that could be archived for later review. This made long-term monitoring more feasible to the community and provided Extension staff opportunities for training and public education.
The Virginia Geocoin Adventure: An Experiential Geospatial Learning Activity, Laura Johnson, John Mcgee, James Campbell, Amy Hays
The Virginia Geocoin Adventure: An Experiential Geospatial Learning Activity, Laura Johnson, John Mcgee, James Campbell, Amy Hays
The Journal of Extension
Geospatial technologies have become increasingly prevalent across our society. Educators at all levels have expressed a need for additional resources that can be easily adopted to support geospatial literacy and state standards of learning, while enhancing the overall learning experience. The Virginia Geocoin Adventure supports the needs of 4-H groups and other educators, by providing a low-cost and user-friendly entry point to expose students to geospatial tools, such as GPS receivers, geographic viewers, and basic remote sensing techniques.
Gis In Public Planning Agencies: Extension Opportunities, Z Asigül Göçmen
Gis In Public Planning Agencies: Extension Opportunities, Z Asigül Göçmen
The Journal of Extension
This article examines opportunities for Extension professionals regarding GIS functions relevant to planning and applicable for public agencies. The study uses data from two surveys examining perspectives of professionals in Wisconsin's public planning agencies and educators from University of Wisconsin-Extension. The results show that the use of GIS in public planning agencies is mostly limited to routine and administrative tasks rather than more advanced functions of analysis, modeling, and alternative scenario evaluation. Extension educators and specialists could play a critical role, especially by providing training opportunities, in helping these agencies use GIS more effectively.
A Comparison Of Recreational- And Intermediate Survey-Grade Gps Units For Importing Data Into Gis Software Packages, Tyler A. Brown, Lawrence R. Gering, Thomas J. Straka
A Comparison Of Recreational- And Intermediate Survey-Grade Gps Units For Importing Data Into Gis Software Packages, Tyler A. Brown, Lawrence R. Gering, Thomas J. Straka
The Journal of Extension
Global positioning systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become common tools for Extension professionals. These systems vary in terms of accuracy and cost. GPS ranges from recreational-quality to survey-quality, with intermediate levels in between. As the user moves from recreational-quality to survey-quality, both accuracy and cost increase. We compare a recreational GPS unit (Garmin) and importing data into Google Earth software and an intermediate survey-grade GPS unit (Trimble Juno) and importing data into ArcMap GIS software. These represent two of the most common GIS choices available to natural resource professionals. Cost effectiveness will depend on accuracy requirements.
Improving Interactive Workshops: A Case Study Of Gis Workshops, Corina Guevara, Robert Swett, Martha C. Monroe
Improving Interactive Workshops: A Case Study Of Gis Workshops, Corina Guevara, Robert Swett, Martha C. Monroe
The Journal of Extension
Traditional training in geospatial technologies consists of lecturing for up to 45 minutes, giving a demonstration, and then assigning a hands-on software exercise. This educational approach, however, can be improved upon to increase learning and retention by adults. In this article, a more active learning design is presented that was used to improve Geographic Information System training workshops for university faculty, staff, and students.
Tools For Creating Mobile Applications For Extension, Sabrina L. Drill
Tools For Creating Mobile Applications For Extension, Sabrina L. Drill
The Journal of Extension
Considerations and tools for developing mobile applications for Extension include evaluating the topic, purpose, and audience. Different computing platforms may be used, and apps designed as modified Web pages or implicitly programmed for a particular platform. User privacy is another important consideration, especially for data collection apps. Several useful tools already exist for using mobile devices for data collection, as well as for mundane tasks like volunteer management and effort tracking.
Disaster Preparedness And The Cooperative Extension Service, Lynette Black
Disaster Preparedness And The Cooperative Extension Service, Lynette Black
The Journal of Extension
This past decade has recorded an increase in catastrophic events that have led to dramatic changes for Americans. The wake of these disasters has resulted in many lessons being learned. These lessons have been captured by Homeland Security in the First Edition of the National Preparedness Goal. Extension is uniquely positioned to assist with community disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response efforts as outlined in the National Preparedness Goal. This article captures examples of Extension's involvement in the disaster realm and encourages additional work in the many aspects of community emergency preparedness.
Starting A Robotics Program In Your County, Maria A. Habib
Starting A Robotics Program In Your County, Maria A. Habib
The Journal of Extension
This article provides information on how to begin, locate resources for, and recruit volunteers to support a robotics program targeted at middle school youth. It also presents options for program delivery (volunteer-driven and staff-supported, or staff-driven) and evaluation.
Youth Gis Partnerships In Action: Alert, Evacuate, And Shelter, Jeff Sallee, Kevin Allen
Youth Gis Partnerships In Action: Alert, Evacuate, And Shelter, Jeff Sallee, Kevin Allen
The Journal of Extension
Across the state of Oklahoma, teams of youth and adults have formed to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to help prepare their communities for potential emergencies. Oklahoma 4-H teams have selected projects ranging from locating storm sirens to distributing emergency maps. Each of these teams has partnered with a local EMS agency to address a community need while developing their geospatial skills. When conducting 4-H GIS, two goals should be kept in mind: public service and youth development. Partnerships are important to the success of youth and GIS. This program would not be as successful and effective without these partnerships.
Assisting With Ecological Land Planning: Introducing The Conservation Subdivision Ecological Design And Site Assessment Toolkit, Z Asligül Göçmen, Jing Gao
Assisting With Ecological Land Planning: Introducing The Conservation Subdivision Ecological Design And Site Assessment Toolkit, Z Asligül Göçmen, Jing Gao
The Journal of Extension
Geospatial tools can be helpful in the practice of land use and environmental planning. This article introduces an easy-to-use and cost-free geospatial toolkit that was created to help with the ecological design and evaluation of (open space) conservation subdivision proposals. The article describes the ecological design and site assessment functions and discusses how Extension educators might use it to help planning-related professionals conduct ecological planning in their communities.