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Family And Consumer Sciences Extension Agent Receptiveness To Innovative Caregiving Programming, Kristopher M. Struckmeyer, Gina Peek, Paula J. Tripp, Alex J. Bishop, Sarah R. Gordon
Family And Consumer Sciences Extension Agent Receptiveness To Innovative Caregiving Programming, Kristopher M. Struckmeyer, Gina Peek, Paula J. Tripp, Alex J. Bishop, Sarah R. Gordon
The Journal of Extension
Communities can adapt to residents' needs through innovative citizen-led initiatives. Extension can facilitate these innovation initiatives, but are Extension agents always receptive to such change? We conducted a study to examine the association between organizational change and personal factors and Extension family and consumer sciences agents' innovativeness regarding caregiving programming. Respondents rated their receptiveness to change and answered questions regarding psychosocial health factors. We found that years in current position, leadership self-efficacy, interoffice support, and social support were significant predictors of innovativeness. Results suggest that personal factors rather than organizational change factors may be the more crucial mechanisms for driving …
Remote: Office Not Required—A Book Review, Paul Hill, Andrea Schmutz
Remote: Office Not Required—A Book Review, Paul Hill, Andrea Schmutz
The Journal of Extension
Remote: Office Not Required by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson offers a novel perspective into the modern workplace practice of remote work. This book provides an outline for becoming an expert in remote work, both as a leader and as a practitioner. Fried and Hansson describe tools and methods that help practitioners find success when implementing remote work and explain how to avoid common obstacles. Although drawbacks and challenges exist, the authors maintain that remote work is likely more compatible with organizations than leaders might think, maintaining that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Adapting To Provide Innovative In-Person Extension Programming During A Pandemic, Brad Stokes, Elizabeth Lynn, Tiffany Belt
Adapting To Provide Innovative In-Person Extension Programming During A Pandemic, Brad Stokes, Elizabeth Lynn, Tiffany Belt
The Journal of Extension
The success of Extension programming is often predicated on in-person events, and numerous Extension programs are preplanned and scheduled well in advance of the anticipated programming date. In-person events help foster community, collaboration, and the human connection within our society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical for Extension to be adaptive and innovative and react proactively to worldwide, nationwide, and local authorities' and health professionals' recommendations to protect clientele, staff, and volunteers. Extension educators can tailor in-person programs to align with health professionals' recommendations by using creative, innovative, and adaptive measures. We describe two such programs.
Remote Hiring Innovation During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Melanie D. Jewkes, Jonathan J. Swinton, Shannon Cromwell, David G. Schramm, Naomi Brower
Remote Hiring Innovation During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Melanie D. Jewkes, Jonathan J. Swinton, Shannon Cromwell, David G. Schramm, Naomi Brower
The Journal of Extension
Extension's in-person hiring processes have been complicated in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent delays in hiring for three vacant county faculty positions, our search committee conducted remote interviews using a variety of innovative techniques, such as a live "we're hiring" webinar, an icebreaker session, and live and recorded candidate presentations. The results of our innovative efforts included a larger pool of applicants, relaxed web-based video interviews, and savings in time and expenses. These strategies could be considered as new and effective approaches and practices to hiring and interviewing in Extension as the pandemic continues and into the future.
Know The Land, Save The Land: Apparel Design For Extension Education, Melissa B. Hamilton, Lori Wahl, Brad Stokes
Know The Land, Save The Land: Apparel Design For Extension Education, Melissa B. Hamilton, Lori Wahl, Brad Stokes
The Journal of Extension
We leveraged collaboration by a county Extension office, apparel design undergraduate students, and university faculty to develop an innovative educational product to capture the attention of new audiences for invasive plant education programming. Nationwide press highlighted the project—titled Know the Land, Save the Land—generating national interest and sales. We achieved our goal of using innovative educational materials to reach new audiences for Extension education. As well, the project is fiscally self-sustaining and continues to support experiential student learning opportunities for apparel design students through future product releases.
Extension Needs Outreach Innovation Free From The Harms Of Social Media, Jonathan J. Swinton
Extension Needs Outreach Innovation Free From The Harms Of Social Media, Jonathan J. Swinton
The Journal of Extension
Despite the outreach-building benefits of social media for Extension, it is time for Extension professionals to find new innovative ways to reach out that do not involve social media. An increasing body of research has demonstrated the harms social media use imparts on the health and well-being of those in our communities. Our future use of social media as a primary method of outreach may perpetuate these harms, requiring our best efforts to develop new methods of outreach that do not negatively affect those we serve.
Exploring Producer Innovation Adoption Using An Extension-Led Trialing Program, Brittany A. Bowman, Marina D. Denny, Amanda E. Stone
Exploring Producer Innovation Adoption Using An Extension-Led Trialing Program, Brittany A. Bowman, Marina D. Denny, Amanda E. Stone
The Journal of Extension
On-farm bacteriologic culturing (OFBC) provides quick and inexpensive mastitis diagnosis, but commercial adoption of this innovation has been low in Mississippi. We implemented an Extension-led trialing program to identify reasons for producers' lack of OFBC adoption, explore change in producers' knowledge and perceptions of OFBC, and assess the effectiveness of the program relative to OFBC adoption. Most producers were unaware of OFBC initially but identified several benefits after trialing it for 30 days. The methodology for designing and implementing a trialing program based on Rogers's diffusion of innovation framework was effective and could be replicated easily in other contexts.
How To Use Crowdfunding In Extension: A Relationship Education Example, J. Kale Monk, Amber V. Vennum, Jeremy B. Kanter
How To Use Crowdfunding In Extension: A Relationship Education Example, J. Kale Monk, Amber V. Vennum, Jeremy B. Kanter
The Journal of Extension
Crowdfunding is a resource that allows individuals or groups to raise funds while simultaneously engaging relevant communities and, thus, is an important tool for Extension specialists. We provide recommended steps for successful crowdfunding, including tips for identifying a website, developing or refining a proposal, and crafting a marketing and campaign strategy. We use the successful crowdfunding of a relationship education program as an example.
Leveraging Cooperative Extension's Competitive Advantages For Success In 2019 And Beyond, Karl J. Martin
Leveraging Cooperative Extension's Competitive Advantages For Success In 2019 And Beyond, Karl J. Martin
The Journal of Extension
Many academic institutions of higher education are experiencing fluctuating or declining levels of public support and funding. One approach to framing potential solutions is identifying the competitive advantages academic institutions have in the marketplace. The advantages for Extension can be described in the context of increasing effectiveness, efficiency, and long-term impact. As an organization, we can focus on 10 competitive advantages related to brand, product, impact, leveraged resources, relevance, objectivity, approach, networks, trust, and unique expertise. The future success of Extension will require that we capitalize on these competitive advantages in visionary and innovative ways to maintain our niche in …
Examining The Entrepreneurial Leadership Propensities Of Extension Educators, Ashley Jeffers-Sample, Matthew M. Mars, Amber H. Rice, Robert M. Torres
Examining The Entrepreneurial Leadership Propensities Of Extension Educators, Ashley Jeffers-Sample, Matthew M. Mars, Amber H. Rice, Robert M. Torres
The Journal of Extension
Innovation and entrepreneurship are integral to the development and vitality of contemporary communities and economies. Accordingly, entrepreneurial leadership is directly relevant to the Extension education mission. Yet research examining the entrepreneurial leadership propensities of Extension educators is scant. We applied a survey design to analyze the entrepreneurial leadership propensities of Extension educators throughout Arizona using two constructs: innovation and entrepreneurial strategy. The data revealed modest levels of entrepreneurial leadership propensities across the sample. Recommendations aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurial leadership propensities of Extension educators are provided.
Augmented Reality: Exploring Its Potential For Extension, Heather S. Wallace
Augmented Reality: Exploring Its Potential For Extension, Heather S. Wallace
The Journal of Extension
Augmented reality (AR) is quickly becoming commonplace in our daily lives and in many information-sharing fields. This article addresses how Extension is exploring its application and utility for our consumers. In the article, I provide a clear definition of AR and an explanation of how it differs from virtual reality, followed by examples of AR applications within and external to Extension. I describe the origin of, development process for, and lessons learned from an eXtension Foundation–funded AR project in the hope of offering a roadmap to others. Additionally, I present findings from a statewide survey of Extension professionals about AR's …
Informing Innovations Through Deeper Insight On Strategic Priorities And Expansive Ideas, Christine Geith, Margaret C. Immendorf, Ashley Griffin, C. Theodor Stiegler
Informing Innovations Through Deeper Insight On Strategic Priorities And Expansive Ideas, Christine Geith, Margaret C. Immendorf, Ashley Griffin, C. Theodor Stiegler
The Journal of Extension
Recent national Extension initiatives and reports provide insight into innovation trends and issues. In response to questions from participants in eXtension Impact Collaborative events, we adapted two business frameworks to provide deeper insight about innovation. The adapted frameworks are helpful for identifying strategic areas of focus for innovation and prompting expanded thinking about potential types of innovation.
A New Regional Model For Increasing Extension's Capacity To Reach Metropolitan Audiences, Brad Gaolach, Fe Moncloa, Rebecca Sero, Dayna Emmons
A New Regional Model For Increasing Extension's Capacity To Reach Metropolitan Audiences, Brad Gaolach, Fe Moncloa, Rebecca Sero, Dayna Emmons
The Journal of Extension
Six western Extension organizations founded the Western Center for Metropolitan Extension and Research (WCMER) to increase the internal capacity of Extension to address metropolitan issues and elevate the value of Extension to external metropolitan audiences. In this article, we present a case study of WCMER. We describe the inception of the center and results of an analysis of its functionality. Those results include findings related to the advisory board’s ability to build social capital and leverage power networks, WCMER’s originating within a culture of innovation and being modeled after other innovative centers, and the concurrent formation of WCMER and the …
Innovate Extension Events: Creating Space For Innovation In Extension, Danae Wolfe, Jamie Seger, Brian Raison, Joshua Dallin, Amelia Doll, Brooke Edmunds, Paul Hill, Dave Francis, Bob Bertsch
Innovate Extension Events: Creating Space For Innovation In Extension, Danae Wolfe, Jamie Seger, Brian Raison, Joshua Dallin, Amelia Doll, Brooke Edmunds, Paul Hill, Dave Francis, Bob Bertsch
The Journal of Extension
Extension professionals are being challenged to innovate their work, yet day-to-day responsibilities do not always allow time or space for creativity and innovation. In early 2016, Ohio State University Extension held its inaugural Innovate Extension event, a hackathon-style gathering focused on creative collaboration during which teams competed for grant funds by developing an idea, plan, and pitch over the course of a day. Turnout exceeded expectations, and participants gave high marks to the experience. Due to the event's success, additional Innovate Extension events have been hosted at North Dakota State University, Utah State University, and Oregon State University. This article …
Coming To Grips With The Way The World Works, Karen Ballard, Kelly Nix
Coming To Grips With The Way The World Works, Karen Ballard, Kelly Nix
The Journal of Extension
Extension finds itself in a cultural phenomenon known as disruptive change. Clientele increasingly access products and services digitally and in real time. This digital revolution challenges historical methods that have served Extension for over 100 years. Extension's response going forward may stem or even reverse current organizational decline. The Joint Council of Extension Professionals responded to member feedback in 2017 by hosting a virtual town hall meeting (VTHM), initiating a national conversation on innovation and change. The VTHM produced provocative discussions regarding the potential use of digital tools to increase Extension's relevance and value. In this commentary, we reflect on …
A National Framework For Urban Extension, Julie M. Fox, Marie A. Ruemenapp, Patrick Proden, Brad Gaolach
A National Framework For Urban Extension, Julie M. Fox, Marie A. Ruemenapp, Patrick Proden, Brad Gaolach
The Journal of Extension
To help ensure Extension's relevance and accessibility to an increasingly diverse population, the National Urban Extension Leaders group created a framework based on historical and emerging developments. Themes focus on programs, personnel, partnership, and the positioning of Extension at local, state, and national levels. For Extension to be a vibrant and resilient 21st-century system, it must build on best practices, leverage regional and national networks, and invest in innovative strategies that engage people living and working in metropolitan communities. A robust urban Extension presence contributes to building strong connectivity among urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Building And Managing Makerspaces In Extension, Dave Francis, Paul Hill, Dallin Graham, Emy Swadley, Kaleb Esplin
Building And Managing Makerspaces In Extension, Dave Francis, Paul Hill, Dallin Graham, Emy Swadley, Kaleb Esplin
The Journal of Extension
As traditional face-to-face Extension office interactions are supplanted by online education options, the makerspace offers a venue for authentic engagement between Extension and the community. In makerspaces, learners make and learn from one another in a cooperative learning environment. Through involvement in the maker movement, Extension has an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge of land-grant educators and Extension volunteers in a new and meaningful way. Creating and supporting makerspaces will increase Extension's visibility and allow for the delivery of content to a new audience. Such efforts will assist Extension in staying relevant in the 21st century.
The Internet Of Things And Big Data: A Litmus Test For Extension?, Paul Hill, Jeff Hino
The Internet Of Things And Big Data: A Litmus Test For Extension?, Paul Hill, Jeff Hino
The Journal of Extension
The Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data are radically changing the face of human activity, from driving our cars to preparing our food to managing our health. Billions of connections between machines and people will be directly tied to areas of life skills that Extension cares about. Can Extension gauge the impact of IoT and Big Data? How will Extension respond to the challenge of these technologies? What new skills should be included in Extension position descriptions? What organizational policies, support, and infrastructure will be needed? Will Extension proactively develop new organizational skills and programming relevant to digitally connected …
Using Social Media To Engage And Educate Teen Parents, Kim Allen, Christina Jolly, Jenna Barnes
Using Social Media To Engage And Educate Teen Parents, Kim Allen, Christina Jolly, Jenna Barnes
The Journal of Extension
Employing social media to engage youth in real-time learning is a growing trend. Although the use of social media by youth is increasing, barriers exist for Extension educators wanting to capitalize on youth interest in social media, including a lack of information on how best to employ social media in programming. This article highlights a teen parenting program's use of asynchronous learning through a variety of social media platforms.
4-H And The Maker Movement, Paul A. Hill, Dave W. Francis, Gaelynn Peterson
4-H And The Maker Movement, Paul A. Hill, Dave W. Francis, Gaelynn Peterson
The Journal of Extension
The Maker Movement is thriving, and 4-H programs have the opportunity to get involved and keep 4-H relevant. "Making" is gaining traction as a strategy to engage young people in building their science abilities. Collectively joining the Maker Movement would accelerate 4-H's national STEM goals and initiatives while enhancing the abilities of youth as they make innovative breakthroughs.
Fish Farm Challenge Provides Stem Design Experiences For Youth, Robert L. Horton, Patty L. House
Fish Farm Challenge Provides Stem Design Experiences For Youth, Robert L. Horton, Patty L. House
The Journal of Extension
In 2014, Monsanto Corporation partnered with National 4-H Council to help inspire and develop professional skills among young agriculturalists. The Ohio State University created Fish Farm Challenge, which engaged more than 8,000 youth across eight states. Youth were taught about worldwide food insecurity and the importance of aquaculture. They were then asked to create a prototype of a fish food distribution system using standard materials within a small-group teamwork setting and guidance provided by trained teen leaders. Survey results indicate that one-third of the youth were more interested in science and agriculture after participating in the 90-minute activity.
Timberline Manifesto: Seven Concepts Linking Extension And Engagement, A Scott Reed, Louis Swanson, Fred Schlutt
Timberline Manifesto: Seven Concepts Linking Extension And Engagement, A Scott Reed, Louis Swanson, Fred Schlutt
The Journal of Extension
Though positioned within universities, Cooperative Extension Services don't have a history of linking effectively to other institutional missions. Extension's emergent role in engaging the entire university provides an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by growing a culture of engaged scholarship and involving matriculated students in Extension work. Other innovative connections can create or strengthen robust relationships between sources and applications of knowledge. This commentary reflects the views of 45 participants at an event designed to look forward toward Extension's second century.
Injecting Extension Into The American Zeitgeist, Eric T. Stafne
Injecting Extension Into The American Zeitgeist, Eric T. Stafne
The Journal of Extension
Extension is a product of times past and needs to be updated and upgraded for today's world. "Zeitgeist" is a German term that encompasses the moral, cultural, and intellectual climate that exists within a certain time and place. Defining how this relates to Extension is not easy. Extension should examine popular culture and realize that story-driven and relatable visual media, such as television and film, are what capture the public interest. Extension must tap into that to assimilate with the younger demographics. Ultimately, we in Extension are responsible for telling and being the heroes of our own story.
A Call To Embrace Program Innovation, Nathan J. Meyer, Sherry P. Boyce, Rebecca L. Meyer
A Call To Embrace Program Innovation, Nathan J. Meyer, Sherry P. Boyce, Rebecca L. Meyer
The Journal of Extension
To remain vital, it is critical for Extension to embrace the innovation at the core of our birth and success. In this article, we define Extension program innovation as driven by the productive tensions among three core program planning practices: design, construction, and evaluation. Through daily, interactive tinkering in these three practices, staff strive toward stronger program impact and creatively respond to opportunities or challenges. We discuss how an innovation approach to program planning is well suited to address three contemporary Extension program development issues. We also discuss implications of innovation research to improve Extension program planning.
Google Search Mastery Techniques, Paul Hill, Stacey Macarthur, Nick Reed
Google Search Mastery Techniques, Paul Hill, Stacey Macarthur, Nick Reed
The Journal of Extension
Knowledge is no longer something we possess, it's now something we access. The Internet requires highly developed skills to access and interpret information. Relevant information is not the same as specific information. Previous articles in this series outlined basic search skills and operators that improve the relevancy of search results. Knowing how to formulate a specific query that will return a specific answer is critical in the 21st century. Expanding your understanding of Google Search and applying the search techniques in this article will serve you in your consumption and dissemination of content as an Extension professional.
A View Of Digital Scholarship In Extension, Eric T. Stafne
A View Of Digital Scholarship In Extension, Eric T. Stafne
The Journal of Extension
Methods for Extension personnel to engage clientele are developing rapidly. Social media and online content are used by eXtension members to generate information and deliver it quickly. These methods are found useful by information consumers; however, many universities fail to adequately address them in the promotion and tenure process. Engaged eXtension members understand the importance of using digital methods, yet career value of the effort is unclear. This ambiguity has caused participation issues within eXtension Communities of Practice. A new examination of how Extension content is valued by the consumer and by colleagues within the academic arena is warranted.
Extension Through A New Lens: Creativity And Innovation Now And For The Future, Karen Argabright, Jerry Mcguire, Jeff King
Extension Through A New Lens: Creativity And Innovation Now And For The Future, Karen Argabright, Jerry Mcguire, Jeff King
The Journal of Extension
"How can Extension thrive, not just survive?" This question, posited by the 2010 Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (p.1), echoes the literature addressing change within Extension. In this literature, prominent themes emerge reflecting the need for an organizational cultural transformation, aligned with an opportunity for creativity and innovation. Today's rapidly changing social and economic environments oblige Extension to re-conceive the future through creative thinking and innovative action to reduce barriers to success. Embracing the process of creativity and innovation in our everyday organizational practice will unlock a vast number of new opportunities for Extension.
Extension's Future: Time For Disruptive Innovation, Nancy K. Franz, Ronald A. Cox
Extension's Future: Time For Disruptive Innovation, Nancy K. Franz, Ronald A. Cox
The Journal of Extension
Extension has been considered change averse by some scholars and practitioners, and they claim this inhibits organizational growth and relevance. Pockets of individuals and teams across the nation have worked independently as entrepreneurs to enhance Extension's relevance by introducing organizational processes and programs that greatly differ from past practices. However, every Extension system, team, and worker has a role to play in the disruptive innovation process. This may include exploring, implementing, or evaluating disruptive organizational innovations, or removing barriers, resourcing, or supporting a culture of innovation to enhance relevance and sustainability.
A Survey Of Educational Needs And Online Training Perceptions In The Wood Products Industry, Henry J. Quesada-Pineda, Samuel S. Conn, L Scarlett Sanchez
A Survey Of Educational Needs And Online Training Perceptions In The Wood Products Industry, Henry J. Quesada-Pineda, Samuel S. Conn, L Scarlett Sanchez
The Journal of Extension
A sample of 651 wood products industries were surveyed to determine their educational needs and quantify their interest in receiving continuing education via an online format. In the survey, respondents were asked to rank, in order of priority, their educational needs. With a 15.2% response rate, survey respondents (n=99) indicated that an online course in Marketing is the primary need, followed by an online course in Business Strategy Development, given a list of 26 distinct subject areas. Moreover, 88% of members indicated that they are highly interested in receiving continuous education in a Web-based online format.