Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Journal of Extension

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year
File Type

Articles 421 - 450 of 1210

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Should Physical Activity Be Included In Nutrition Education? A Comparison Of Nutrition Outcomes With And Without In-Class Activities, Debra M. Palmer-Keenan, Kirsten Corda Aug 2014

Should Physical Activity Be Included In Nutrition Education? A Comparison Of Nutrition Outcomes With And Without In-Class Activities, Debra M. Palmer-Keenan, Kirsten Corda

Journal of Extension

Limited-resource adults' dietary intakes and nutrition behaviors improve as a result of Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) participation; however, physical activity education is needed for improved health. The experimental study reported here assessed if spending time doing physical activity education affected dietary impact results and activity among participants. Standard dietary assessments showed no significant differences between groups, and interviews showed greater physical activity improvements/intentions by the experimental group, which suggests that nutrition education can be shortened 15-20 minutes for physical activity demonstrations to improve activity behaviors without adversely affecting nutrition-related behavioral improvements outcomes.

Go to article

Improving Food Safety Knowledge Through An Online Training Program, Rebecca S. Dittmar, Jenna Anding, Stephen Green Aug 2014

Improving Food Safety Knowledge Through An Online Training Program, Rebecca S. Dittmar, Jenna Anding, Stephen Green

Journal of Extension

Foodborne illness is a major public health concern in the U.S. The CDC estimates that approximately 48 million Americans become ill, 128,000 hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne illnesses annually. Most of these illnesses are attributed to improper food handling. To meet the growing demand for food safety training, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service developed an online course to educate food handlers in food safety best practices. Since 2008, over 7,200 food service workers have completed the online course, demonstrating that such a tool can be can used to expand Extension's outreach to this important audience.

Go to article

The Role Of Evaluation In Determining The Public Value Of Extension, Nancy K. Franz Dr., Mary Arnold, Sarah Baughman Aug 2014

The Role Of Evaluation In Determining The Public Value Of Extension, Nancy K. Franz Dr., Mary Arnold, Sarah Baughman

Journal of Extension

Extension has developed a strong evaluation culture across the system for the last 15 years. Yet measures are still limited to the private value of programs, looking at problems in a linear way and at isolated efforts. Across the country, Extension evaluators and administrators need to step up to help answer the "so what?" question about complex issues and related programming through stronger evaluation that leads to articulating the public value of Extension work.

Go to article

Moving Beyond The Program: Incorporating Healthy Living Behaviors Throughout 4-H, Karen L. Franck, Joseph L. Donaldson, John Toman, Teresa Moody Aug 2014

Moving Beyond The Program: Incorporating Healthy Living Behaviors Throughout 4-H, Karen L. Franck, Joseph L. Donaldson, John Toman, Teresa Moody

Journal of Extension

A recent national needs assessment of 4-H professionals and volunteers described the need to incorporate a holistic view of healthy living throughout all 4-H programs, thereby promoting healthy lifestyles in all clubs, camps, conferences, projects, events, etc. This commentary issues a challenge to optimize the 4-H environment for healthy living and provides practical ideas to achieve that greater vision, for better living.

Go to article

U.S. Dietary And Physical Activity Guideline Knowledge And Corresponding Behaviors Among 4th And 5th Grade Students: A Multi-Site Pilot Study, Jennifer W. Bea, Stephanie Martinez, Traci Armstrong-Florian, Vanessa Farrell, Cathy L. Martinez, Evelyn Whitmer, Vern Hartz, Samuel Blake, Ariana Nicolini, Scottie Misner Jun 2014

U.S. Dietary And Physical Activity Guideline Knowledge And Corresponding Behaviors Among 4th And 5th Grade Students: A Multi-Site Pilot Study, Jennifer W. Bea, Stephanie Martinez, Traci Armstrong-Florian, Vanessa Farrell, Cathy L. Martinez, Evelyn Whitmer, Vern Hartz, Samuel Blake, Ariana Nicolini, Scottie Misner

Journal of Extension

Knowledge of U.S. dietary and physical activity recommendations and corresponding behaviors were surveyed among 4th and 5th graders in five Arizona counties to determine the need for related education in SNAP-Ed eligible schools. A

Go to article

Experiential Learning For Extension Professionals: A Cross-Cultural Immersion Program, Jenna B. Daniel, Dennis Duncan, Maria Navarro, Nick Fuhrman Jun 2014

Experiential Learning For Extension Professionals: A Cross-Cultural Immersion Program, Jenna B. Daniel, Dennis Duncan, Maria Navarro, Nick Fuhrman

Journal of Extension

As the U.S. population becomes more diverse, Extension is called upon to modify its programming to meet the needs of its changing constituency. Georgia Extension created a professional development curriculum to assist Extension professionals in crafting effective programming for the rapidly growing Latino population. The study reported here explores qualitatively how Extension professionals in Georgia experienced their Cross-Cultural Immersion Program (CCIP). Through an interview-based study, three themes emerged from the data. Extension participants experienced: (1) diverse familial relations in Latino populations, (2) obstacles during programming, and (3) greater personal over professional gains through the CCIP.

Go to article

Strengthening 4-H By Analyzing Enrollment Data, Stephen F. Hamilton, Angela Northern, Robert Neff Jun 2014

Strengthening 4-H By Analyzing Enrollment Data, Stephen F. Hamilton, Angela Northern, Robert Neff

Journal of Extension

The study reported here used data from the ACCESS 4-H Enrollment System to gain insight into strengthening New York State's 4-H programming. Member enrollment lists from 2009 to 2012 were analyzed using Microsoft Excel to determine trends and dropout rates. The descriptive data indicate declining 4-H enrollment in recent years and peak enrollment at grade 5. New members are more likely to drop out than members who have been involved for more than a year. New members who are high school students drop out at the highest rate. Returning members who are high school students drop out at the lowest …

Go to article

Using Ipads For Extension Presentations, Kevin W. Zobrist Jun 2014

Using Ipads For Extension Presentations, Kevin W. Zobrist

Journal of Extension

Tablet computers like the iPad have numerous potential applications for Extension, one of which is as a wireless device for delivering presentations. The iPad can connect to a projector via a cable or wirelessly through a laptop or directly to a wifi-enabled projector. Using an iPad allows an Extension educator to control the presentation, view notes, and incorporate on-screen annotations. Depending on the presenter's teaching style, these capabilities can both enhance or diminish presentation quality.

Go to article

Google Search Mastery Basics, Paul Hill, Stacey Macarthur, Nick Read Jun 2014

Google Search Mastery Basics, Paul Hill, Stacey Macarthur, Nick Read

Journal of Extension

Effective Internet search skills are essential with the continually increasing amount of information available on the Web. Extension personnel are required to find information to answer client questions and to conduct research on programs. Unfortunately, many lack the skills necessary to effectively navigate the Internet and locate needed information. Basic search skills are outlined as well as application to Extension.

Go to article

Baleage Decision Tool For Beef Cattle Producers, J Ross Pruitt, R Curt Lacy Jun 2014

Baleage Decision Tool For Beef Cattle Producers, J Ross Pruitt, R Curt Lacy

Journal of Extension

This article describes a bale-wrapping decision tool designed for use by Extension educators, lenders, and beef cattle producers. Use of bale-wrapping machines reduces storage losses and increases nutritional content of stored forages. This software tool allows users to estimate costs of production associated with purchase of a bale-wrapping machine and how the purchase decision affects the potential cost savings for the cattle operation. It is available to interested users in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

Go to article

Impact Of Education On Grandparents’ Actions In Raising Grandchildren, Diana Doggett, Dory M. Marken, Diana J. Caldwell Jun 2014

Impact Of Education On Grandparents’ Actions In Raising Grandchildren, Diana Doggett, Dory M. Marken, Diana J. Caldwell

Journal of Extension

Grandparents raising grandchildren represent a population of adults who confront complex interpersonal and environmental challenges. The intent of this case study was to gather and interpret evaluative data to better understand the impact of a 1-day community education program for grandparents who raise their grandchildren. Extension's philosophy of systematic program evaluation to improve supports for families and communities furnished the framework for the project. Elements felt to be essential for a well-designed, 1-day grandparent education program have been extracted from past evaluation cycles and offered here as recommendations.

Go to article

Thinking Collectively: Using A Food Systems Approach To Improve Public Health, Kathleen T. Morgan, Nurgul Fitzgerald Jun 2014

Thinking Collectively: Using A Food Systems Approach To Improve Public Health, Kathleen T. Morgan, Nurgul Fitzgerald

Journal of Extension

A nation can only be as healthy as its people. The daily news reminds us that we are overweight and obese and are suffering from preventable chronic diseases and that our country cannot sustain the level of health care costs through the next few decades. Extension professionals have the knowledge and experience to examine our food system closely and carry the momentum to promote healthy sustainable food systems aligned with our national guidelines. The goal is to create linkages among food systems, public health, and sustainable agriculture in order to achieve healthier eating and healthier communities.

Go to article

Family & Consumer Sciences And Cooperative Extension In A Diverse World, Jorge H. Atiles, Gina E. Eubanks Jun 2014

Family & Consumer Sciences And Cooperative Extension In A Diverse World, Jorge H. Atiles, Gina E. Eubanks

Journal of Extension

The role of Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) as a program area in Extension dates back before the Smith Lever Act of 1914. As we celebrate 100 years, reaching a new set of audiences poses a challenge to Extension. These audiences include new Americans, new family structures, urban populations, new occupations, and virtual clients from around the world. This commentary examines the role that FCS will play in the next 100 years to face these challenges.

Go to article

Engaging Learners Through Collaborative Learning: Leadership Development Of County Extension Directors And Lessons Learned, Patricia Sobrero, Ksu Jayaratne Apr 2014

Engaging Learners Through Collaborative Learning: Leadership Development Of County Extension Directors And Lessons Learned, Patricia Sobrero, Ksu Jayaratne

Journal of Extension

The leadership institute, targeting new and aspiring county Extension directors, was completely revised to reflect face-to-face and online constructivist learning theory and practice. New co-learning and engagement methods were incorporated, and all facilitators and teachers/presenters were trained and coached to use the new methods and philosophy. Five competency area outcomes were expected and then evaluated to determine level of competency development. The events, teachers, and activities of each of the four workshops were also evaluated to determine participants' satisfaction level. The results of the study showed that learning and application of practices occurred in all five competency areas.

Go to article

Growing Pains Or Opportunities? A Customer Survey Of Three Farmers' Markets In One Rural Community, Randall K. Wilson, Paul A. Di Salvo, Claire Quinn, Suzanne T. Englot, Julia P. Mitchell Apr 2014

Growing Pains Or Opportunities? A Customer Survey Of Three Farmers' Markets In One Rural Community, Randall K. Wilson, Paul A. Di Salvo, Claire Quinn, Suzanne T. Englot, Julia P. Mitchell

Journal of Extension

The continued growth of farmers' markets is presenting new challenges to Extension. As the number of markets expands, how can Extension help those in the same community work together for mutual benefit? The study reported here examined similarities and differences among customers attending three different farmers' markets within a single locality in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Based on 370 customer surveys, study results underscore the diversity of markets operating within the same community and provide insights into ways Extension might assist markets to work together to expand their shared customer base, increase revenues, and better serve local residents.

Go to article

Using A Food-Themed Calendar To Engage The Public And Promote Extension From Field To Fork, Kayla Colgrove, Alice Henneman, Lisa Franzen-Castle Apr 2014

Using A Food-Themed Calendar To Engage The Public And Promote Extension From Field To Fork, Kayla Colgrove, Alice Henneman, Lisa Franzen-Castle

Journal of Extension

A monthly, Web-based food-themed calendar was created to provide Extension research-based information from farm to fork to consumers and multiplier groups working with consumers. It provides resources for selected national food-themed days, weeks, and months. This approach helped optimize the use of social media and search engines in promoting content, leading to visits and links to our organization's website. The calendar received 45,875+ page views. It has been linked 493 times from 186 websites, including other universities, blogs, and social media sites. The calendar was listed in the top three recommended webpages by search engines.

Go to article

What Are The Economic Costs And Benefits Of Home Vegetable Gardens?, Gail Ann Langellotto Apr 2014

What Are The Economic Costs And Benefits Of Home Vegetable Gardens?, Gail Ann Langellotto

Journal of Extension

Home vegetable gardens are often promoted as a way to cut household costs by providing low-cost access to fruits and vegetables. How much can gardeners expect to spend and recoup from their efforts? An analysis of published data suggests that home vegetable gardens are profitable, if the fair market value of garden labor is excluded from calculated costs. On average, home vegetable gardens produce $677 worth of fruits and vegetables, beyond the cost of $238 worth of materials and supplies. Local environmental conditions, gardening practices, and crop choices will influence the actual net value realized by individual gardeners.

Go to article

Development Of A University Undergraduate Course Sequence About The Extension System, Marc T. Braverman, Katherine Gunter, Robin Galloway, Karlie J. Moore, Brandi Hoel, Denise Rennekamp Apr 2014

Development Of A University Undergraduate Course Sequence About The Extension System, Marc T. Braverman, Katherine Gunter, Robin Galloway, Karlie J. Moore, Brandi Hoel, Denise Rennekamp

Journal of Extension

Many undergraduates are interested in community-based programming, but at most land-grants undergraduates have little contact with Extension. This article describes a grant project that developed two undergraduate courses about Extension and community-based, experiential education. The academic-year course incorporates lecture, discussion, guest speakers, and hands-on activities. The summer-session course takes students to visit program sites in operation. In outcome evaluations, students gained significantly in their understanding of land-grants, Extension, and community programming, and gained confidence in working collaboratively, among other findings. Recommendations note that the success of similar courses requires involvement of county Extension personnel and balancing of several key factors.

Go to article

Extension Educators' Perceptions About The Nc 10% Local Food Campaign: Impacts, Challenges, And Alternatives, Kati Ingerson, Ksu Jayaratne, Teisha Wymore, Nancy Creamer Apr 2014

Extension Educators' Perceptions About The Nc 10% Local Food Campaign: Impacts, Challenges, And Alternatives, Kati Ingerson, Ksu Jayaratne, Teisha Wymore, Nancy Creamer

Journal of Extension

This article reports on the perceptions of Extension educators who served as the Local Food Coordinators (LFCs) in promoting the North Carolina Local Food initiative. The study determined Extension agents' perceptions about the local food campaign, its impacts, campaigning partners, campaign materials, challenges, and alternatives. It was a descriptive survey research conducted with all LFCs in NC. The findings of the study support the notion that promoting local foods has positive impacts on local economies and communities, and has implications for other Extension Services to promote local food campaign as a sustainable community development initiative.

Go to article

A Food Policy Council Guide For Extension Professionals, Nurgul Fitzgerald, Kathleen Morgan Apr 2014

A Food Policy Council Guide For Extension Professionals, Nurgul Fitzgerald, Kathleen Morgan

Journal of Extension

Public interest in food systems and national prevention strategies focusing on cross-sectoral, community and systems level approaches paved the way for growing numbers of food policy councils. These councils function as organizations to discuss food-related problems, foster coordination across sectors, and influence food policies. Extension professionals can serve as "change agents," bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, form cross-sectoral collaborations, take leadership roles, and build community capacity through food policy councils. Based on expert interviews and our experiences in establishing a council, we present practice recommendations to serve as a concise how to guide for Extension professionals.

Go to article

Use Of An Extension Horse Conference To Improve Profitability For The Horse Industry, Kathleen P. Anderson Apr 2014

Use Of An Extension Horse Conference To Improve Profitability For The Horse Industry, Kathleen P. Anderson

Journal of Extension

An annual horse training conference has been used to improve profitability for horse owners through providing owners an affordable opportunity to learn from high-profile equine professionals. This conference has contributed to $9,300,000 increase in value of horses over its 21-year history. Furthermore, by attracting the country's elite equine professionals and designing an annual quality even that is unmatched in the region, equine Extension and teaching programs can gain much credibility to the horse industry regionally and nationally.

Go to article

Targeted Food Marketing To Youth: Engaging Professionals In An Online Environment, Mary Jo Katras, Kelly Kunkel, Sara R. Croymans, Brianna Routh, Mary Schroeder, Carrie Ann Olson Apr 2014

Targeted Food Marketing To Youth: Engaging Professionals In An Online Environment, Mary Jo Katras, Kelly Kunkel, Sara R. Croymans, Brianna Routh, Mary Schroeder, Carrie Ann Olson

Journal of Extension

The use of technology provides unique ways to create an engaged online community of learning for professionals that can be integrated into existing and future Extension programming. The Targeted Food Marketing to Youth online professional development course uses strategies and tools to create and support an engaged online community.

Go to article

High School Harvest: Combining Food Service Training And Institutional Procurement, David Conner, Hans Estrin, Florence Becot Feb 2014

High School Harvest: Combining Food Service Training And Institutional Procurement, David Conner, Hans Estrin, Florence Becot

Journal of Extension

This article discusses High School Harvest (HSH), an Extension educator-led project in five Vermont schools to provide students with job training and food system education and to provide lightly processed produce to school lunch programs. One hundred and twenty-one students participated, logging 8,752 hours growing, harvesting, and processing nearly 33,000 pounds of local produce, helping food service increase healthy local produce on their cafeteria plates. The main lesson is that while this project can achieve educational and food service procurement goals, educators must be flexible and adapt to individual schools' assets and requirements. Key ingredients to success are discussed.

Go to article

The Communicator: Electronic Newsletter Provides Expert Support To Fcs County Educators, Harriet Shaklee, Martha Raidl, Sandra Mccurdy, Sonya Meyer Feb 2014

The Communicator: Electronic Newsletter Provides Expert Support To Fcs County Educators, Harriet Shaklee, Martha Raidl, Sandra Mccurdy, Sonya Meyer

Journal of Extension

Extension specialists are challenged to provide expert support to county faculty on an ongoing basis, particularly in geographically large states with low populations. The Communicator is a newsletter developed by University of Idaho Family and Consumer Science specialists to update county faculty on research findings as they develop programs to meet clientele needs. Survey data show that county faculty in Idaho use the newsletter effectively, reading it promptly and extensively upon arrival and applying the information in their programs. Family and Consumer Sciences professionals are invited to subscribe to The Communicator as a resource for their ongoing professional development.

Go to article

Cooperative Extension: A Century Of Innovation, Frances I. Gould, Douglas Steele, William J. Woodrum Feb 2014

Cooperative Extension: A Century Of Innovation, Frances I. Gould, Douglas Steele, William J. Woodrum

Journal of Extension

As Cooperative Extension celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2014, the Land-Grant System will be reflecting on the first century of accomplishments and preparing for a second century of education. This commentary is the first in a series of six throughout the year that will analyze the rich history of Cooperative Extension, examine its role in contemporary society, and help us collaboratively envision the future of this unique American educational endeavor.

Go to article

The Merits Of Separating Global Warming From Extension Education Sustainability Programs, Richard V. Tyson Feb 2014

The Merits Of Separating Global Warming From Extension Education Sustainability Programs, Richard V. Tyson

Journal of Extension

Using the rhetoric of global warming to support the adoption of sustainable practices beneficial to society limits their adoption. Climate data are about to fall outside the models used to "settle" the global warming issue. Atmospheric carbon dioxide continues to increase, while temperature, since 1998, has decreased. The science is becoming unsettling. Is it time for Extension educators to reevaluate sustainability programming and de-emphasize climate and concentrate instead on the many other beneficial aspects of moving toward a more sustainable future at all levels of Extension programming—agriculture, natural resources, the environment, health, nutrition, and housing?

Go to article

Weight ~ The Reality Series: An Extension Weight Management Program For Adults, Janet Mullins, Pam Sigler, Kimberly Miller-Spillman Feb 2014

Weight ~ The Reality Series: An Extension Weight Management Program For Adults, Janet Mullins, Pam Sigler, Kimberly Miller-Spillman

Journal of Extension

Rural U.S. residents bear a greater burden of obesity than urban residents and may have limited access to healthy foods and physical activity. Extension agents for Family and Consumer Sciences requested an adult weight management curriculum. Specialists developed Weight ~ The Reality Series (WTRS) as two curricula: Becoming Weight Wise and Becoming Body Wise. More than 7,000 Kentucky residents have participated in WTRS, with about 30% losing 5% or more of their initial body weight. Development, implementation, and evaluation of this program demonstrate the feasibility of reaching a rural audience through County Extension Offices on the topic of weight management.

Go to article

Using Web-Based Surveys To Evaluate Field Day Open Houses: The Great Tomato Tasting Evaluation, Peter Nitzsche, Nicholas Polanin Feb 2014

Using Web-Based Surveys To Evaluate Field Day Open Houses: The Great Tomato Tasting Evaluation, Peter Nitzsche, Nicholas Polanin

Journal of Extension

The Great Tomato Tasting event was developed to expose residents to Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station research and Cooperative Extension and to educate them on gardening, local agriculture, and nutrition. More than 7,400 attendees have participated in this event from 2000 to 2011. A Web-based survey of attendees was created to evaluate the impact of this event, replacing previous on-site paper evaluations. The results of the survey implemented in 2010 and 2011 revealed attendees overwhelmingly agreed the event gave them a better understanding of Extension and that they were more likely to take advantage of programs being offered.

Go to article

Food And Nutrition Practices And Education Needs In Florida's Adult Family Care Homes, Wendy J. Dahl, Amanda L. Ford, Nancy J. Gal Feb 2014

Food And Nutrition Practices And Education Needs In Florida's Adult Family Care Homes, Wendy J. Dahl, Amanda L. Ford, Nancy J. Gal

Journal of Extension

A statewide survey was carried out to determine food and nutrition practices and education needs of Florida's adult family care homes (AFCHs). The 30-item survey included questions on food and nutrition education, supplement use, and menu planning. Infrequent use of menus and nutrition supplements was reported. A strong need was indicated for education on special diets, menu planning, pureed food preparation, and the nutritional needs of the elderly. Extension programming to meet these educational needs may result in improved nutritional wellbeing of frail older adults in care.

Go to article

Ranchers Feeding Kids: A Multi-Partner Approach To Programming, Barbara Brody, Scott Jensen, Robin Galloway, Shanna Hamilton, Anna-Marie Chamberlain Feb 2014

Ranchers Feeding Kids: A Multi-Partner Approach To Programming, Barbara Brody, Scott Jensen, Robin Galloway, Shanna Hamilton, Anna-Marie Chamberlain

Journal of Extension

School districts face challenges to balance budgets and provide healthy meals. Oregon State University Extension agents joined with community partners to form Ranchers Feeding Kids (RFK). The program started with ranchers donating cattle that were harvested and processed for local schools' lunch programs. An educational event taught youth about livestock production, its importance to the local economy, and beef's health benefits. In 4 years, the program has grown to include 32 schools in 13 different school districts, providing over 5,500 students with meals. Forty donated cattle, with a value of over $40,000, have provided 30,000 pounds of beef to schools.

Go to article

First Prev Next Last