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Journal of Extension

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Eat, Grow, Lead 4-H: An Innovative Approach To Deliver Campus-Based Field Experiences To Pre-Entry Extension Educators, Penny Pennington Weeks, William G. Weeks Dec 2012

Eat, Grow, Lead 4-H: An Innovative Approach To Deliver Campus-Based Field Experiences To Pre-Entry Extension Educators, Penny Pennington Weeks, William G. Weeks

Journal of Extension

Eat, Grow, Lead 4-H Club was created as a pilot program for college students seeking to gain experience as non-formal youth educators, specifically serving pre-entry level Extension educators through a university-based 4-H club. Seventeen student volunteers contributed an estimated 630 hours of service to the club during spring 2011. The club served 23 children of students living in on-campus housing at Oklahoma State University. The primary purpose for sharing this "idea at work? is to encourage university faculty to create similar programs to serve college students seeking careers as Extension educators.

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Social Media In Diabetes Education: A Viable Option?, Julie Cooper, Jill N. Cox, Marilyn A. Corbin Dec 2012

Social Media In Diabetes Education: A Viable Option?, Julie Cooper, Jill N. Cox, Marilyn A. Corbin

Journal of Extension

As Extension educators are encouraged to implement more cost-effective and efficient means of programming, the use of Web-based social media has become a popular option. Penn State Extension implemented a social media awareness survey among participants in its community-based diabetes education program to determine familiarity with this medium, along with rates of current and future use. Results indicated a level of comfort with email and Facebook options, while many preferred more traditional methods of communication. Future research is needed to determine if this online mode of learning may be more effective in targeting a younger Dining with Diabetes population.

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Using On-Line Bulletin Boards To Gather Preliminary Information, Kathleen Kelley, Ramu Govindasamy, Jeffrey Hyde Dec 2012

Using On-Line Bulletin Boards To Gather Preliminary Information, Kathleen Kelley, Ramu Govindasamy, Jeffrey Hyde

Journal of Extension

Internet bulletin-board sessions can be used to collect preliminary, qualitative data. This method allows Extension personnel to gather responses from stakeholders about potential programming, consumer needs and desires, and preference for program delivery method without assembling participants in one location. Several other advantages exist, including time available for moderators and researchers to review participants' submissions and ability to alter questions, if needed. Disadvantages, compared to traditional face-to-face focus group session, exist; however, certain shortcomings can be overcome. Preliminary data collected can help Extension personnel identify issues to explore further including programming and opportunities for stakeholders.

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The Influence Of Extension On Team Success Of A Milk Quality Improvement Program, Kathryn J. Hohmann, Pamela L. Ruegg Oct 2012

The Influence Of Extension On Team Success Of A Milk Quality Improvement Program, Kathryn J. Hohmann, Pamela L. Ruegg

Journal of Extension

A mail survey was used to determine the influence of Extension on team success of a milk quality improvement program for Wisconsin dairy producers. Producers who did not learn about Milk Money from Extension were less likely to complete the program and reported an increased bulk milk somatic cell count at the time of survey. Producers who did not use an Extension agent as the team leader were less likely to complete Milk Money compared to teams led by Extension agents. The impact of Extension on team success of Milk Money should be considered when creating new Extension programs.

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Family Resource Management Needs Assessment In New Mexico, Fahzy Abdul-Rahman Oct 2012

Family Resource Management Needs Assessment In New Mexico, Fahzy Abdul-Rahman

Journal of Extension

New Extension state specialists face many uncertainties when beginning to work in their new position, especially when it involves a state unfamiliar to them. Literature reviews may not provide the latest and clearest picture of the needs and challenges in the state. Furthermore, the between-county variation of issues may differ greatly. The study reported here illustrates how a survey of Home Economics county agents may benefit a new Extension specialist and provide a picture of Extension Home Economics needs and challenges specific to New Mexico.

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Consumer-Centered Extension Education Website Increases Usage, Sarah L. Francis, Peggy Martin, Kristin Taylor Oct 2012

Consumer-Centered Extension Education Website Increases Usage, Sarah L. Francis, Peggy Martin, Kristin Taylor

Journal of Extension

Concern about young families' ability to cope with rising food prices resulted in creating Spend Smart. Eat Smart (SSES), a website focused on budget-friendly nutrition information for limited resource audiences (LRA). SSES was redesigned using LRAs needs and preferences to increase use by LRAs. SSES usage increased after it was revised to incorporate interactivity and more consumer-friendly design elements.

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Extension Online: Utilizing Technology To Enhance Educational Outreach, Stephen Green Oct 2012

Extension Online: Utilizing Technology To Enhance Educational Outreach, Stephen Green

Journal of Extension

Extension Online is an Internet-based online course platform that enables the Texas AgriLife Extension Service's Family Development and Resource Management (FDRM) unit to reach tens of thousands of users across the U.S. annually with research-based information. This article introduces readers to Extension Online by describing the history of its development, outcomes achieved over a 5-year period, system features, and the strategies that have led to the growth of the online system. In 2011, over 77,000 online courses were completed through Extension Online, demonstrating that technology can be successfully used to dramatically enhance Extension's outreach capabilities.

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Eating Green: Coverage Of The Locavore Movement, Amanda Ruth-Mcswain Oct 2012

Eating Green: Coverage Of The Locavore Movement, Amanda Ruth-Mcswain

Journal of Extension

Various environmental, health, and food safety concerns have affected the purchasing decision of consumers and contributed to the growing demand for local produce and products, all of which can be found at local farmers markets. The research reported here adds knowledge about the media coverage regarding the role of farmers markets in local food consumption. Through a framing analysis of newspapers from eight different U.S. cities, the study revealed that four frames describe the coverage on the farmers markets and the buying local trend. Suggestions for Extension outreach efforts based on the locavore movement are offered.

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Responding To Health Care Reform: Mobilizing Extension, Bonnie Braun Oct 2012

Responding To Health Care Reform: Mobilizing Extension, Bonnie Braun

Journal of Extension

The 2010 Affordable Care Act provides an opportunity for Extension. Research shows that most Americans do not understand the law's provisions and are not comfortable making health insurance purchase decisions. By January 2014, nearly 30 million Americans will be making enrollment decisions; an estimated 180 million will be reenrolling in health plans. We have a teachable moment to both educate and measure the impact of that education. At issue is the question of the extent to which we in Extension are willing and able to mobilize to address the opportunity.

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Mobile Applications For Extension, Sabrina L. Drill Oct 2012

Mobile Applications For Extension, Sabrina L. Drill

Journal of Extension

Mobile computing devices (smart phones, tablets, etc.) are rapidly becoming the dominant means of communication worldwide and are increasingly being used for scientific investigation. This technology can further our Extension mission by increasing our power for data collection, information dissemination, and informed decision-making. Mobile computing applications (apps) with relevance for Extension can be divided loosely into three categories—information delivery, collaborative research/participatory sensing, and self-assessment. Examples can be found in all Extension fields of inquiry, from agricultural production, pest management, natural resources management to youth science literacy and managing nutrition and fitness.

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Testing A New Generation: Implementing Clickers As An Extension Data Collection Tool, Sondra M. Parmer, Greg Parmer, Barb Struempler Oct 2012

Testing A New Generation: Implementing Clickers As An Extension Data Collection Tool, Sondra M. Parmer, Greg Parmer, Barb Struempler

Journal of Extension

Using clickers to gauge student understanding in large classrooms is well documented. Less well known is the effectiveness of using clickers with youth for test taking in large-scale Extension programs. This article describes the benefits and challenges of collecting evaluation data using clickers with a third-grade population participating in a childhood obesity prevention program.

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Evaluation Of A Cooperative Extension Service Curriculum On Empowering Older Adults With Assistive Technology To Grocery Shop, Prepare Food, And Eat, Janice R. Hermann, Jan. H. Johnston, Whitney A. Brosi, Linda Jaco Oct 2012

Evaluation Of A Cooperative Extension Service Curriculum On Empowering Older Adults With Assistive Technology To Grocery Shop, Prepare Food, And Eat, Janice R. Hermann, Jan. H. Johnston, Whitney A. Brosi, Linda Jaco

Journal of Extension

The Empowering Older Adults with Assistive Technology to Shop, Cook and Eat curriculum was designed to provide education about concepts of empowerment and assistive technology for grocery shopping, preparing food, and eating. The curriculum included examples and hands-on demonstrations of assistive technology devices for grocery shopping, food preparation, and eating. Results of post-then-pre evaluation with 100 participants revealed significant increases in awareness and comfort using assistive technology devices. Evaluation indicated education and hands-on demonstrations increased awareness of the importance of older adult nutrition and older adult empowerment through use of assistive technologies designed to facilitate independent living.

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Grazing Schools Improve The Sustainability Of Pasture-Based Livestock Enterprises, Dennis W. Hancock Oct 2012

Grazing Schools Improve The Sustainability Of Pasture-Based Livestock Enterprises, Dennis W. Hancock

Journal of Extension

Implementing intensive grazing management can improve the three primary aspects of sustainability of enhancing profitability, natural resource stewardship, and quality of life. Participants in Georgia Grazing Schools (GGS) held between 2007-2010 were surveyed to assess near-term (six-42 month post-meeting) impact of the workshops on these aspects of sustainability. Respondents reported increased profitability, with nearly 18.9% and 18.9% reporting an increase in net returns of 20-30% and over 30%, respectively. Respondents also highly rated principles learned and experiences gained at the GGS as aiding them in meeting goals of improved natural resource stewardship and quality of life on their farms.

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Converting Face-To-Face Curricula For Online Delivery: Lessons Learned From A Biomass Harvesting Guidelines Curriculum, Diomy S. Zamora, Charles R. Blinn, Dave T. Chura, Eli S. Sagor, Larry D. Coyle, Grant M. Domke Oct 2012

Converting Face-To-Face Curricula For Online Delivery: Lessons Learned From A Biomass Harvesting Guidelines Curriculum, Diomy S. Zamora, Charles R. Blinn, Dave T. Chura, Eli S. Sagor, Larry D. Coyle, Grant M. Domke

Journal of Extension

With shrinking budgets, staff reductions, and increased availability and access to digital technologies, Extension educators will be seeking ways to convert face-to-face programs to alternate formats. When converting Minnesota's biomass harvesting guidelines for online delivery, we learned many lessons while planning, developing, and testing our curriculum that can help others through a similar process.

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The Role Of Extension Nutrition Education In Student Achievement Of Nutrition Standards In Grades K - 3: A Descriptive Evaluation Of A School-Based Program, Mary E. Arnold, Debera Screiber Aug 2012

The Role Of Extension Nutrition Education In Student Achievement Of Nutrition Standards In Grades K - 3: A Descriptive Evaluation Of A School-Based Program, Mary E. Arnold, Debera Screiber

Journal of Extension

This article reports the results of a descriptive evaluation of the impact of an in-school Extension nutrition education program in a small, very rural county. The evaluation focused on understanding the nature of the role the Extension educator plays in delivering nutrition education, the impact of the program on student learning and achievement of nutritional benchmarks, and the value of the collaboration between the schools and Extension. Results indicate that the Extension nutrition program is a valuable resource for schools in the county and that the program supports student achievement of nutrition education standards.

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Developing And Evaluating The Impact Of An Extension-Based Train-The-Trainer Model For Effectively Disseminating Food Safety Education To Middle School Students, Jennifer Richards, Carrie Pratt, Gary T. Skolits, Janie Burney Aug 2012

Developing And Evaluating The Impact Of An Extension-Based Train-The-Trainer Model For Effectively Disseminating Food Safety Education To Middle School Students, Jennifer Richards, Carrie Pratt, Gary T. Skolits, Janie Burney

Journal of Extension

Adolescents are an understudied, but meaningful, population when it comes to food safety education. With the proliferation of pathogenic microbes and changes in eating habits of Americans, today's youth are more at risk of contracting a foodborne illness than previous generations. Hands On: Real World Lessons for Middle School Classrooms provides effective food safety education for adolescents. However, rapid expansion of the program created the need for a train-the-trainer model of professional development. The study reported here evaluated the efficacy of a train-the-trainer model. Results indicate that the model can effectively train classroom teachers to implement the Hands On program.

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Delivering Programs At Worksites: Lessons Learned By Extension Educators, Lucile B. Bearon, Carolyn N. Bird Aug 2012

Delivering Programs At Worksites: Lessons Learned By Extension Educators, Lucile B. Bearon, Carolyn N. Bird

Journal of Extension

Worksite education has expanded to include informal education about self-help/family topics. Extension educators need information about how to access employee audiences and deliver programs in work settings. In a survey of NC Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agents, 54 shared experiences and strategies for gaining the interest of employers, preparing for contingencies, and handling sensitive topics. Recommendations include identifying a key contact, previewing curricula with decision-makers, planning for variable audience size, and creating a climate of confidentiality and support. Taken collectively, these recommendations will assist Extension educators develop advance plans for worksite programming.

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Louisiana 4-H Seeds Of Service School Gardens: A Descriptive View, Melissa Cater, Janet Fox, Bobby Fletcher Jr Aug 2012

Louisiana 4-H Seeds Of Service School Gardens: A Descriptive View, Melissa Cater, Janet Fox, Bobby Fletcher Jr

Journal of Extension

Louisiana 4-H Seeds of Service School Gardens, a K-12 Learn and Serve Grant program, provides a descriptive view of how school gardens along with classroom instruction link curriculum to outdoor classrooms. The purpose of the process evaluation was to describe curriculum implementation fidelity, reach of the gardening program to participants, use of garden product, program materials, and teacher characteristics, mediating intervention impact on study outcomes. Eighty-seven percent of classrooms planted vegetable gardens, with a focus on science and math, using the Junior Master Gardener™ curriculum. It was found that school gardens can be effective in supporting classroom curriculum.

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Fun With Foodella: A Pilot Study For Determining The Efficacy Of A 2nd Grade Nutrition And Physical Activity Curriculum, Elizabeth M. Winter, Suzanne Stluka, Karlys Wells, Howard Wey, Teresa M. Kemmer Aug 2012

Fun With Foodella: A Pilot Study For Determining The Efficacy Of A 2nd Grade Nutrition And Physical Activity Curriculum, Elizabeth M. Winter, Suzanne Stluka, Karlys Wells, Howard Wey, Teresa M. Kemmer

Journal of Extension

Fun with Foodella is a nutrition and physical activity workbook designed for elementary-aged youth. The objective was to determine if the Fun with Foodella program increased participant preference for fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and physical activity. Four intervention (53 students) and four control (68 students) schools participated. Significant results within the intervention group included a positive preference change for cucumbers, celery, pineapple, flavored milk, cheese, yogurt, and physical activity. This pilot Foodella program, coordinated by Extension professionals, demonstrates that promoting nutrition education, taste testing and physical activity in second graders results in positive change.

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Using Common Evaluation Instruments Across Multi-State Community Programs: A Pilot Study, Pamela B. Payne, Daniel A. Mcdonald Aug 2012

Using Common Evaluation Instruments Across Multi-State Community Programs: A Pilot Study, Pamela B. Payne, Daniel A. Mcdonald

Journal of Extension

In times of diminishing resources to support community programs, it is critical that Extension make every effort to show impact as collectively as possible for the variety of programs being delivered in individual counties and communities. The pilot study reported here (funded by CYFAR, NIFA, USDA award #2008-41520-04810), focused on outcomes in youth citizenship programs in four states. Key factors to consider in the selection of common instruments include length, scope, and validation of instruments. The importance of dosage, specifically intensity and duration, are highlighted in relation to program outcomes.

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Emergency Food Programs: Untapped Opportunities For Extension?, Amy R. Mobley Aug 2012

Emergency Food Programs: Untapped Opportunities For Extension?, Amy R. Mobley

Journal of Extension

This article reports results from a questionnaire that assessed the frequency and type of nutrition questions asked at emergency food programs to determine if Extension professionals need to increase direct outreach efforts. Emergency food program workers (n=460) were recruited via mail to complete a self-administered survey. More than one-third (38.0%) of emergency food programs reported receiving nutrition questions from clients. The most common questions were related to what foods are best for medical conditions and how to cook foods provided. Untapped training opportunities by Extension professionals for emergency food program workers may exist as it relates to nutrition and health.

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Understanding Native American Women's Views Of Physical Activity To Inform Family-Based Program Development, Tersesa Jackson, Stephany Parker, Janice Hermann, Sarah Miracle, Chiquita Briley Aug 2012

Understanding Native American Women's Views Of Physical Activity To Inform Family-Based Program Development, Tersesa Jackson, Stephany Parker, Janice Hermann, Sarah Miracle, Chiquita Briley

Journal of Extension

A telephone interview was administered to explore perceptions of physical activity among Native American women with children residing in the household. Outdoor play, outdoor recreation, and sports were the most preferred physical activities. The findings are intended to provide Extension educators with insight that they can use when developing programs and materials aimed at increasing physical activity among diverse audiences, particularly Native American audiences.

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Increasing Your Productivity With Web-Based Surveys, Mary Wissman, Brittney Stone, Ellen Schuster Aug 2012

Increasing Your Productivity With Web-Based Surveys, Mary Wissman, Brittney Stone, Ellen Schuster

Journal of Extension

Web-based survey tools such as Survey Monkey can be used in many ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Extension professionals. This article describes how Survey Monkey has been used at the state and county levels to collect community and internal staff information for the purposes of program planning, administration, evaluation and planning effective training.

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Nutrition And Physical Activity Policies And Practices In Family Child Care Homes In Oregon: Baseline Findings From The Healthy Home Child Care Project, Katherine B. Gunter, Kelly R. Rice, Stewart R. Trost Jun 2012

Nutrition And Physical Activity Policies And Practices In Family Child Care Homes In Oregon: Baseline Findings From The Healthy Home Child Care Project, Katherine B. Gunter, Kelly R. Rice, Stewart R. Trost

Journal of Extension

Baseline findings from the Healthy Home Child Care Project include data from Family Child Care Providers (FCCPs) in Oregon (n=53) who completed assessments of nutrition and physical activity policies and practices and BMI data for children in the care of FCCPs (n=205). Results show that a significant percentage of FCCPs failed to meet child care standards in several areas and that 26.8% of children under the care of FCCPs were overweight or obese. These data supported the development of an Extension-delivered intervention specific to FCCPs in Oregon and highlight areas of concern that should be addressed through targeted trainings of …

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Jump Into Action, Stephen Ball, Ann Cohen, Margaret Meyer Jun 2012

Jump Into Action, Stephen Ball, Ann Cohen, Margaret Meyer

Journal of Extension

Jump Into Action (JIA) is a school-based team-taught program to help fifth-grade students make healthy food choices and be more active. The JIA team (physical education teacher, classroom teacher, school nurse, and parent) work together to provide a supportive environment as students set goals to improve food choices and increase activity. Following the program, students demonstrated increased self efficacy and knowledge of health behaviors. Students also reported, 1) drinking less soda and sugar added drinks, 2) spending more time being physically active, and 3) consuming four servings of dairy products more frequently.

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Extension Newsletters And Individual Counseling: Equally Effective In Changing Worksite Wellness Participants Dietary Intakes, Kristi Chipman, Ruth Litchfield Jun 2012

Extension Newsletters And Individual Counseling: Equally Effective In Changing Worksite Wellness Participants Dietary Intakes, Kristi Chipman, Ruth Litchfield

Journal of Extension

The Affordable Care Act provides impetus for Extension efforts in worksite wellness. The study reported here examined the influence of two worksite wellness interventions, newsletters and individual counseling. Surveys examined dietary and physical activity behaviors of participants pre- and post-intervention (N=157). Descriptive statistics, paired samples t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA identified change in nutrient intakes; McNemar's Test evaluated physical activity participation. Both interventions significantly increased fruit/vegetable servings, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber while decreasing total fat, saturated fat, percent fat, and dietary cholesterol. There is opportunity for Extension in worksite wellness programming and research to strengthen evidence-based practice.

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Identifying And Measuring Food Deserts In Rural Ohio, Francis Mulangu, Jill Clark Jun 2012

Identifying And Measuring Food Deserts In Rural Ohio, Francis Mulangu, Jill Clark

Journal of Extension

The purpose of our article is twofold. First, we introduce a framework for U.S. Extension educators to measure the extent of food access at any scale when information about food carried by retailers is limited. Second, we create a baseline for the Ohio Food Policy Council so that work to increase food access in rural areas will have a benchmark to measure success. Three broad aspects of food accessibility—physical, economic, and healthful—are considered. Lack of larger supermarkets, lack of competition, and high concentrations of nearby fast food alternatives are three issues that deserve attention in rural Ohio.

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Extension Professionals' Strengths And Needs Related To Nutrition And Health Programs, Ninfa Pena-Purcell, Elaine Bowen, Virginie Zoumenou, Ellen R. Schuster Jun 2012

Extension Professionals' Strengths And Needs Related To Nutrition And Health Programs, Ninfa Pena-Purcell, Elaine Bowen, Virginie Zoumenou, Ellen R. Schuster

Journal of Extension

We report results of a Web-based nationwide survey of nutrition and health Extension specialists representing 42 states. Survey items (n = 36) assessed five areas: curriculum review, nutrition and physical activity, professional training, communication, and evaluation. An internal curriculum review was common, but few states shared their criteria or process on-line. The majority of respondents reported discussing physical activity, and over half lead physical activities. Most favored on-line professional development training and a one-stop website for sharing information and resources. Evaluation data were most commonly collected for food safety, healthy eating and physical activity, and food resource management.

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Tea Time: Raising Awareness And Support For Extension, Nancy K. Franz, Chris Fahey Jun 2012

Tea Time: Raising Awareness And Support For Extension, Nancy K. Franz, Chris Fahey

Journal of Extension

In a time of reliance on electronic media for information, chaotic programming environments, and declining public resources, Extension workers need to find unique ways to connect with stakeholders to maintain and increase support for programming. To address this need, we developed, conducted, and evaluated a series of stakeholder teas. We found this method of communicating with stakeholders builds social, political, and fiscal support for Extension programming.

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The Need For Accurate Prediction Equations For The Carcass Lean Content Of Pigs, Allan P. Schinckel, Clinton P. Rusk Jun 2012

The Need For Accurate Prediction Equations For The Carcass Lean Content Of Pigs, Allan P. Schinckel, Clinton P. Rusk

Journal of Extension

Prediction equations for pork carcass lean percentage are widely used in Extension, teaching, and research. Prediction equations using carcass or live animal measurements are used in carcass contests, live animal evaluation, and marketing. Fat–free lean gain is used to estimate the daily lysine requirements for pigs in swine nutrition guides. The use of inaccurate equations has substantial economic impact. Extension specialists must make the effort to confirm the accuracy of the equations they recommend for use. Standards of prediction accuracy and biases must be developed to assure that accurate equations are developed and recommended for industry use.

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