Education Commons^™

Extension’S Use Of Zoom To Address A Public Health Risk Among Older Adults, Dorothy P. Brandon, Ciji L. Griffin, Darlene Minniefield, Danielle D. Rudolph, Donna L. Gullatte, Nkenge C. Hyter, Pamela G. Irby, Juana I. Christian, Cynthia L. Whittaker

The Journal of Extension

Mandates that require social distancing and sheltering-in-place to stop the spread of the coronavirus have worsened an already concerning public health issue for older adults –social isolation and loneliness. Alabama Extension System at Alabama A&M University developed a program focused on helping older adults connect with family and friends. A descriptive study of 37 older adults indicated that their knowledge, ability, and comfort with implementing Zoom sessions increased significantly after completing the program. Findings show the potential use of the Zoom for Seniors program in preventing social isolation or loneliness among older adults.

4-H Summer Of Stem: A Practical Approach To Increasing Workforce Readiness, Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins, Jessica Mellon

The Journal of Extension

4-H Summer of STEM is a workforce readiness program for high school youth. The goals of the program are to increase students’ interest in STEM careers, improve college and workforce readiness, and connect youth to businesses and industries in the local community. Selected youth receive hands-on development of workforce readiness skills, are paired with a STEM mentor for job shadowing, and participate in college campus visits. Preliminary findings show that participants reported having a positive relationship between participation in 4-H youth development programs and career skills. This article introduces the 4-H Summer of STEM and offers suggestions for implementation.

Using Anchor To Create Podcasts For Youth Audiences, Rebecca Mott, Kate Preston, Heath Brandt

The Journal of Extension

The Anchor podcasting tool provides an innovative way for Extension professionals to deliver information to youth, as well as promote further engagement. This article describes the process our team followed to create a series of career podcasts for middle school students using Anchor. We discuss benefits and considerations to keep in mind if you are considering launching a podcast of your own.

Model Of Community, Local, And Regional Food Systems Extension Programming, Kim L. Niewolny, Eric Bendfeldt, Joyce Latimer, Lorien Macauley

The Journal of Extension

Community, local, and regional food systems (CLRFS) programming reflects important issues and priorities that intersect with Extension and the sustainability of our food system. CLRFS programming in Extension, however, is still developing slowly while food movements grow nationally. This article describes a CLRFS model and complementary process for conducting listening sessions with Extension professionals and community leaders to develop and enhance CLRFS programming to address critical food system needs. A recommendation for Cooperative Extension is that such a tool may aid CLRFS program potential as an integrated “food, farm, and health” approach for community-level application.

Connecting Diverse Communities Through A 4-H Urban-Rural Experience, Laurie Murrah-Hanson, Brittani Lee, Pamela Bloch

The Journal of Extension

Misconceptions regarding agricultural careers are exacerbated by increasing urbanization and are one of many differences in perspective between urban and rural communities. The One Georgia 4-H Urban-Rural Experience addresses this divide through a statewide youth exchange focusing on the agricultural sector. The program includes a multifaceted look at agricultural careers through visits to urban and rural communities. Focus group evaluations revealed the impact on youth through exposure to new careers, increased understanding of the diversity of agriculture, awareness of the interconnected nature of urban and rural communities, and a sense of belonging to a diverse group of youth.

Exploring Public Speaking Self-Efficacy In The 4-H Presentation Program, Nicole Marshall-Wheeler, Yu Meng, Steven Worker

The Journal of Extension

Strong communication skills are important in an individual’s personal and professional life; however, research regarding what influences youth’s public speaking self-efficacy is limited. To address this gap, we surveyed youth who participated in a statewide presentation event about their self-efficacy and sources of that self-efficacy. Results show mastery experiences have the greatest relationship to youth’s public speaking confidence. Extension can strengthen youth’s public speaking self-efficacy by increasing the number of presentation opportunities and by removing barriers from participating in existing presentation opportunities.

Challenges Experienced By Aquaponic Hobbyists, Producers, And Educators, D Allen Pattillo, David J. Cline, Janelle V. Hager, Luke A. Roy, Terrill R. Hanson

The Journal of Extension

We used an online survey to document challenges experienced by aquaponic hobbyists (n = 81), producers (n = 117), and educators (n = 75). Responses were distilled into the following categories: 1) operations and management; 2) facilities, location, and system design; 3) knowledge and educational resources; 4) funding; 5) economic viability; 6) plant culture; 7) marketing and distribution; 8) fish culture; 9) human factors; 10) regulations and certifications. Training and research in these areas are needed to advance the aquaponics industry.

The Effects Of Active Shootings On 4-H Youth And Families, Melinda Garcia, Elizabeth Gangwer

The Journal of Extension

The effects of active shootings should be a priority to provide needed assistance to 4-H youth and families in coping with their social-emotional well-being. Exposure to such violence can lead to lasting impacts on youth that can affect behavior. Addressing this sensitive topic is crucial in ensuring that Extension professionals are prepared to meet the needs of youth and families. Higher rates of depression, aggression, to name a few, are a result of having witnessed such events as a shooting. Providing training for Extension personnel can aid in reducing the amount of PTSD and other social-emotional trauma.

Cooperative Extension’S Capacity To Address Food Insecurity By Supporting Food Recovery Organizations, H. Lester Schonberger, Lily L. Yang, Melissa Chase, Tiffany Drape, Sarah Misyak, Renee Boyer

The Journal of Extension

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) educators are uniquely positioned to support the food recovery organizations (FROs) which address hunger-related needs resulting from food insecurity. Based on an online survey to measure how VCE educators have engaged with FROs and their experiences, respondents who previously supported FROs did so across multiple programming areas, and those who had not indicated an interest while also experiencing barriers. Respondents also reported the need for context- and audience-specific resources particular to the spectrum of food recovery. Addressing barriers and resource needs through a transdisciplinary eXtension Food Recovery Community of Practice may support educators in doing this …

Audience Segmentation In Extension Horticultural Programs, Katie M. Wagner, Lendel K. Narine, Rebecca Hales

The Journal of Extension

Cluster analysis was used to segment horticulture clientele using data from a needs assessment. Gardeners were segmented into two groups based on their horticulture practices. These groups were described using several factors including age and time spent maintaining different garden areas. Results from this study indicate the importance of considering the target audience prior to design and implementation of a gardening certificate program.

Minnesota Cottage Food Industry: Insights From Extension Food Safety Education, Morrine Omolo, Regina Mcgoff, Suzanne Driessen, Katherine Brandt, Joanne Slavin, Michael Schmitt

The Journal of Extension

The cottage food industry has become a significant part of the food supply in Minnesota, most likely as a result of the growing consumer demand for locally produced, minimally processed and value-added foods. Using post-training evaluations, we characterized the cottage food producers in Minnesota and assessed the impact of our food safety course. The results showed that the producers are mostly white women (71%), producing and selling a variety of products. The learners gained knowledge to safely produce and handle homemade food products for direct sale to consumers. Majority (80%) of the learners were satisfied with the course.

Participatory Evaluation And Needs Assessment Tools For Cooperative Extension In A Virtual Environment, Karen A. Vines

The Journal of Extension

The Cooperative Extension organization could be categorized as a participatory organization because of our focus on local needs in driving our work. The pandemic moved a lot of our work to online platforms. This article reflects on use of online tools for program evaluation and needs assessment. Online focus groups were successful in gathering high quality data from a diverse and geographically dispersed population for program evaluation and as part of a needs assessment process. Coupling the focus groups with a modified World Café approach allowed us to go beyond identification of needs to prioritization and development of potential solutions.

Contributing Or Clocking In: A Study Of Work Engagement, Stacey Ellison, Amy Harder

The Journal of Extension

While organizations benefit from lower operating costs resulting from higher quality and quantity of work when employees are engaged in their work, (Risher, 2018). This study used the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (Schuafeli & Bakker, 2004) to uncover the work engagement levels of county extension agents at one University. Findings suggest Extension agents report Florida Extension agents reported possessing high levels of self-perceived work engagement. These findings were consistent with other previous research (Abbott, 2017; Weyrauch, 2010) which likewise found Extension agents often or very often report dedication.

Oneoppf: A Personal Finance Professional Development Resource, Barbara M. O'Neill, Martie Gillen, Selena Garrison, Molly C. Herndon

The Journal of Extension

This article describes personal finance programming available through the OneOp Personal Finance team (OneOpPF) for the professional development of Extension educators and military Personal Financial Managers for outreach to their clientele. Included is a brief description of six OneOpPF deliverables (webinars, blog posts, Question of the Day tweets, podcasts, social media, and newsletters) and a discussion of impact indicators such as online outreach statistics and continuing education units awarded to program participants. The article concludes with four best practices for working with military stakeholders and a description of how OneOpPF program materials can be accessed by Extension professionals.

Tiktok, Tomatoes, And Teenagers: Using New Social Media Apps To Connect Extension Education With Younger Audiences, Coleman K. Simpson, Joseph L. Donaldson

The Journal of Extension

Social media usage has precipitated changes in Cooperative Extension’s delivery of programs to amplify involvement with selected audiences and it is important that we craft relevant content for a variety of audiences. Current research tells us that social media and related content can enrich education and can create broader audiences for programming. Resources like blogs, podcasts, and geofilters have shown to be received positively by a wide range of audiences and have created greater rates of engagement.

Yet, one platform that has received limited attention is TikTok, perhaps due to TikTok’s mixed reviews in educational systems. With current trends showing …

Making Virtual Meetings Engaging: Creating Community In Virtual Settings Beyond The Pandemic, Matthew Newman, Alayne Torretta

The Journal of Extension

When in-person programs were suspended during the pandemic, Extension professionals quickly embraced virtual learning platforms to conduct programs. One of the more popular platforms was Zoom. In addition to the standard features that come equipped with Zoom, there are several other free or low-cost online resources that can be used to enhance virtual programs and create a greater sense of community virtually.

Evaluating Utah's Rural Online Initiative: Empowering Organizational Leaders Through Remote Work, Paul A. Hill, Amanda D. Ali, Lendel K. Narine, Andrea T. Schmutz, Tyson M. Riskas, Debra M. Spielmaker

The Journal of Extension

Compared to urban counties, Utah's rural counties experienced high levels of unemployment. Informed by a statewide needs assessment, Utah State University Extension developed a remote work leadership course to equip business leaders with knowledge and skills to create remote jobs as a solution to rural unemployment. This descriptive evaluation study collected data from course participants (N = 62). Findings showed short-term outcomes were achieved; participants experienced increases in knowledge and skills and had more positive intentions toward creating remote jobs and hiring employees from rural counties. Extension professionals can design and evaluate their programs using the framework in this study.

Building Volunteer Engagement In The Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program From The Ground Up, Natalie Bumgarner, Debb Wilcox, Hannah Wright, Anna Duncan, Rachel Painter, Melody T. Rose, Lee Sammons, Celeste Scott, Gregg Upchurch

The Journal of Extension

This study was designed to assess key volunteer attitudes and perceptions about local and state Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteer programs. EMG volunteers in Tennessee completed a total of 759 surveys between January 22 and March 10, 2020. Survey responses showed there was a strong positive perception of local EMG groups and the connection with the University of Tennessee system overall. When respondents were segmented, answers to key questions showed illuminating differences between volunteers with positive and neutral or negative views of the program. The variations in answers show areas of potential emphasis to support healthy local group culture and …

Towards A More Effective Leader: Planning For The Next Extension Administrator, Kenneth R. Jones

The Journal of Extension

This study was conducted to assess the level at which state Cooperative Extension systems have strategies in place for administrative leadership changes. The data revealed that institutions have succession plans ranging from those that are very robust to very limited in nature. However, only 50% reported having individuals in key positions necessary to support continuity. In addition, 75% noted that it would take a year or more to replace the current Extension director/administrator if the person left immediately. This article provides insight on the successes and challenges associated with retaining top talent and mentoring potential leaders for advancement.

Unique Conference Design Showcases Small Towns, Highlights Entrepreneurs, And Strengthens Capacity, Carey Andrew Northrop Mr., Katherine M. Jamieson Mrs., Parker B. Jones, Mary A. Reilly, Tyler Augst

The Journal of Extension

Michigan State University Extension (MSUE)’s annual conference, Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC), has served as a catalyst for entrepreneurial ecosystems across Michigan since 2012. Designed by MSUE for small towns, CEC has gained national interest as evidenced by the adoption of this conference model by four other Extension services. This article outlines the unique conference design, details the partnership between Extension and host communities, and explores conference evaluation data validating the need to continue this programming. Lessons learned and successes to date are provided to ensure readers learn the value this unique conference format has in Extension entrepreneurship programming nationally.

Building Extension Capacity Through Internal Grants: Evaluation Of A Mini-Grant Program, Lendel K. Narine, Cristian Meier, Brian Higginbotham

The Journal of Extension

Acquiring external grants can seem out of reach for Extension professionals, especially early-career professionals. While Cooperative Extension provides opportunities to assist professionals in the grant writing process, Utah State University (USU) Extension facilitates an internal mini grant program to build professionals’ capacity to apply for external funds. Using survey data from USU Extension professionals, our study sought to evaluate the processes and outcomes of the internal mini grant program. Our results provided recommendations to improve the program. Our study provides insights that can assist other institutions seeking to implement their own internal mini grant program.

Lessons Learned Recruiting Comparison Elementary Schools For Impact Evaluation Of Snap-Ed Interventions, Amanda Linares, Phoebe Harpainter, Kaela Plank, Gail Woodward-Lopez

The Journal of Extension

To determine the effectiveness of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program- Education (SNAP-Ed) nutrition and physical activity programming in elementary schools, it is necessary to recruit socioeconomically similar comparison schools not receiving SNAP-Ed programming. We developed a flexible recruitment strategy to tailor our approach to each individual school district and site. Here we discuss the lessons learned during the 10-month recruitment period, including early outreach, emphasizing participation benefits, leveraging and building relationships, and visiting sites.

Transformative Partnerships: Expanding Extension’S Capacity To Support Texans With Developmental Disabilities, Andrew B. Crocker, Morgan D. Bradley, Shelby D. Vaughn, Beth Stalvey

The Journal of Extension

New partnerships to reach new audiences are key to Extension’s future (Harder, 2019). But partnership is enhanced through shared decision-making, co-creation of content, and leveraging non-overlapping expertise and experience (Bertsch et al., 2020; Israilov & Cho, 2017; Ostrom, 1996). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service partnering with the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities provides a novel approach to using statewide presence to the benefit of a partner seeking to expand its footprint (Alford, 2014; Ostrom, 1996) and is, itself, an outcome (Voorberg et al., 2015). Additionally, Texans with disabilities benefit through greater access to the education and resources the partnership produces.

Fad Diets: Professional Development Needs Among Nutrition Agents In Select Southern States, Abigail P. Mcalister, Vicky L. Green, Simone Camel, Mary C. Fontenot, Janet F. Pope

The Journal of Extension

Because FCS agents teach communities about dietary guidelines, it is important that they are aware of the latest nutrition research. This study assessed FCS agents’ knowledge of popular fad diets (low-carbohydrate, intermittent fasting, detoxes and cleanses) and their potential adverse effects, and its relationship among location, certifications, years of experience, professional association memberships, and education. Agents in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi were emailed a survey. RDN, DTR, and CHES certifications had significant associations (p = 0.03) with knowledge of adverse effects of fad diets. Agents who hold these credentials may have more knowledge about adverse effects of fad diets.

Thinking Outside The Box Of Evaluation Platforms: Adapting Qualtrics For Virtual 4-H Judging Competitions, Maria Calvert, Ty Peckman

The Journal of Extension

Competitive events represent a major component of 4-H programming. These events are typically held in person; however, unforeseen circumstances, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have required Extension professionals to adapt these programs to virtual settings. This paper outlines some unique features of Qualtrics, a web-based tool commonly used to build surveys, that led Missouri 4-H to use the platform to administer agriculture and natural resource science contests.

Water Conservation: Extension Agents’ Perceptions Of Issue Importance, Professional Abilities, And Landowner Needs, Audrey Mccrary, Leslie M. Burger, Laura Downey, Beth H. Baker

The Journal of Extension

The Extension Service is one of many agencies charged with increasing awareness and knowledge of research-based agricultural conservation practices. A regional survey of Extension agents with agriculture and natural resources responsibilities was conducted to assess the need for in-service training on 11 water resource conservation topics. The highest priority training needs were for topics related to complex interactions and drivers of agricultural water pollution. This article highlights the implications of these results and offers broader perspective on bringing the Borich model of needs assessment into the agricultural and natural resources realm of subject matter expertise.

Ready To Serve: Opportunities For Cooperative Extension To Support Military Families, Rachel A. Brauner, Andrew B. Crocker

The Journal of Extension

The issues families in the military experience have been exacerbated by 20 years of continuous war. Families in the military across all the service branches are families first, sharing similar struggles as their civilian counterparts. Like many families, families in the military have day-to-day concerns about health, financial management, parenting and building positive relationships. Cooperative Extension is positioned to bridge the gap between building support systems and providing quality education, services and care to service members and their families–but are we ready to serve?

Assessing Awareness And Competence Of Best Practices In Synchronous Online Instruction During The Covid-19 Pandemic For Clemson Cooperative Extension Professionals, Christopher J. Eck, K Dale Layfield, Catherine A. Dibenedetto, Jacqueline K. Jordan, Sarah O. Scott, Weatherly Thomas, Michelle Parisi, Thomas Dobbins

The Journal of Extension

Traditional delivery of Extension programming changed overnight in March 2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak forced switching traditional methods to virtual delivery. Extension professionals across South Carolina quickly adapted to online delivery. Concerns over instructor preparedness to use online tools, including functions to assure accessibility, did arise. Findings from this non-experimental, descriptive research study suggested Extension professionals used online tools (primarily Zoom). The majority were not comfortable using many of the features that would enhance instruction, including polling, file transfer, and live-streaming media platforms. Additionally, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint skills to assure accessibility for clientele were lacking.

Development Of Add-On Materials To Supplement Food Safety Modernization Act Trainings In The Western U.S., Jovana Kovacevic

The Journal of Extension

During the 2017 annual meeting of the Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety, 52 representatives from 15 western states/territories, regional centers funded through USDA-NIFA Food Safety Outreach Program, federal and state government agencies, and non-governmental organizations prioritized topics for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) training materials that address region-specific agricultural production and processing systems. This article describes supplemental materials or “add-ons” developed to support FSMA-related food safety trainings. Although the materials were developed for the western region stakeholders, they can be applied or adapted to other regions in or outside the U.S. to enhance food safety trainings.

Using Community Food Assessments To Improve Local Food Systems, Robin L. Maille

The Journal of Extension

Community Food Assessments (CFAs) can be used to identify resources and gaps in how food is grown and distributed in a community, and develop action plans for improvement. This article shares the process for conducting these assessments and draws lessons from CFAs conducted across Oregon. Key themes and innovative projects are highlighted to share potential programming ideas. Extension can play a role in partnership development and networking that helps create sustainable projects that improve local food systems.