The Integration of Distance Delivered Technology in Aquaculture Extension Education Programs Dr. Jerry D. Gibson Extension Specialists, Program and Staff Development Virginia Cooperative Extension

Introduction 1.The success of any Extension program is based upon the delivery system. 2.The success is based on the curriculum. 3.The success is based on the Teaching learning process of transfer of information.

How Do We Integrate Distance Education into the Extension Aquaculture Program? 1. Look at the needs of the clientele by conducting a situation analysis. 2. Design and implement the program. 3. Evaluate the program. 4. Utilize volunteers

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History of Extension We must look at where we have been before we can know where to go.

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1.What is a Program? 2.What is Programming? 3.What is Program Planning? 4.What is an Activity?

VCE PROGRAMMING MODEL VT Virginia Tech

What is a “Program ”? Program refers to the product resulting from all activities in which a professional educator and learner are involved (Boyle 1981). VT Virginia Tech

What is Program Planning or Programming ? Program Planning is a process designed to bring about effective programming. VT Virginia Tech

SHEEEP FACTORS Mustian, Liles, & Pettitt 1988 Extension exist around these 6 factor: 1. Social 2. Historical 3. Economical 4. Educational 5. Emotional 6. Political

What is the Role of an Extension Specialist in Designing and Implementing Programs? 1. Serve as a Resource to the Agent 2. Both Technical and Educational Process 3. Va Tech and Virginia State VT Virginia Tech

VCE Situation Analysis Module Overview The Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) situation analysis module is organized in the following major sections: Introduction – Highlights the importance of situation analysis as a process for cooperatively determining programs in an environment of heightened external accountability and scarce resources.

Four basic steps for conducting situation analysis. Step 1: 1.Organize for Action – Organizing for action involves reviewing the role and importance of situation analysis in the Extension programming process, identifying the Extension Leadership Council’s (ELC) roles and responsibilities in the process, and preparing a time and task table for conducting the situation analysis.

Step 2: 2. Develop a Unit Profile – The unit profile is a descriptive piece that is developed based on data gathered from a variety of sources. It provides a snapshot of the unit for program planners and residents indicating current baseline data to gauge the effectiveness of Extension educational programs.

Step 3: 3. Assess Needs from a Community and Resident Perspective – After completing a unit profile, the next step is to assess peoples’ knowledge, attitudes, and other perspectives on what issues and problems they think impact their lives both positively and negatively. Suggested methods to collect this type of data include issue forums, focus groups, key informant interviews, and community surveys.

Step 4: 4. Interpret Data and Decide on Program Direction – Once the ELC has developed a unit profile and assessed needs from a community and resident perspective, the final step is to interpret the data and decide on the direction in which Extension’s educational efforts will be focused.

Summary The following questions drive this step: 1) What are the issues identified in the situation analysis?, 2) What is Extension presently doing?, 3) What issues are of priority interest to the ELC?, and 4) What renewed direction should Extension programs take?

Program Design and Implementation VT Virginia Tech

Pre-test Name the 6 steps in the Design and Implementation phase of the VCE Programming Model:

D&I Six Step Process 1. Developing Goals and Objectives. 2. Understanding the Dynamics of the Learners. 3. Designing the Extension Program. 4. Developing a Marketing Plan and Strategy. 5. Developing a Program Plan and Strategy. 6. Implementing the Extension Educational Program Plan.

D&I Six Step Process 1. Developing Goals and Objectives. a. Goal: A broad Statement b. Objective: Specific VT Virginia Tech

D&I Six Step Process 2. Understanding the Dynamics of the Learners. A. Teaching Learning Process: –1. Pedagogy: Teacher Center Approach –2. Andragogy: Learner Center Approach B. Learning Styles, Multiple Intelligence, Teaching Methods.

D&I Six Step Process 3. Designing the Extension Program. a. Structuring A series of learning Activities or events. b. Events need to be structure to learning styles and resources available.

D&I Six Step Process 4. Developing a Marketing Plan and Strategy. a. Establish strategy b. Create documents and implement

D&I Six Step Process 5. Developing a Program Plan and Strategy. a. Develop the Plan b. Identify Stakeholders

D&I Six Step Process 6. Implementing the Extension Educational Program Plan. a. Put the plan into Action. b. Begin evaluating the process.

Program Design and Implementation VT Virginia Tech

What is Evaluation? A process for bringing information to bear on decisions about programs. (Bruce, 2002)

Events in an Extension Program Necessary conditions 1. Inputs (new resources, personnel, building space, etc.) 2. Activities (newsletters, workshops, curricula, etc.) 3. People involvement (demographics) Primary changes (impact) 4. Reactions/awareness change (response to program) 5. Knowledge/skill change 6. Practice/behavior change 7. End Results change

Program Evaluation Step 1: Focus the evaluation Step 2: Collect evaluation data Step 3: Analyze data Step 4: Report results

Step 2: Collect Evaluation Data Front door approach (program planning) –objectives driven Back door approach (existing program) –How have program participants benefited? –intended and unintended (goal free evaluation) –Does the generated list validate the program’s existing objectives?

Delivering Information in a Formal or Non Formal Method 1.Formal degree programs and courses. 2.Extension non formal programs and activities.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Three Program Areas: Agricultural and Natural Resources. 4-H and Youth Development. Family and Consumer Sciences and Community Initiatives.

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Virginia Tech Formal Info Note: 1. All Extension Agents in Virginia must obtain a Masters Degree within 6 years of employment. 2. VCE will pay for tuition. 3. Agricultural and Extension Education is the designated CALS dept to assist with this endeavor.

Graduate Education 1.Extension Agents obtaining degrees follow a unique program of study. 2.The programs allows each student/agent to “taylor” make their program. 3. This includes “taylor” making their minor that includes working with a subject matter specialist on an Extension project.

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How do we accommodate agents in the field? 1.A commitment from VCE Administration and the AEE Department. 2.Utilization of Distance Delivery methods a. Web based courses b. VTEL Sites. c. ARECS and 4-H Centers d. Collaboration between subject matter departments and AEE. e. Collaboration with VSU

AEE Plan of Study 1.EDCT 5604 (required) Foundations of Career and Technical Education 2.EDCT 5684 or EDCI 5554Education and Employment for Diverse Populations or Educating Exceptional Learners Across the Lifespan may substitute 3.ALS 5074 Foundations of Agricultural and Extension Education.

Plan of study 1.AEE 5104 or EDRE 5404 (required) Research and Evaluation in Applied Settings or Foundations of Educational Research 2.EDCT 5694Career and Technical Education for Adults may substitute ALS 4884 Youth Program Management.

Plan of study 1.EDCT 5714 (required) Education and Work in a Changing Society 2.EDCT 5764 Externship in Education (EPI) 1.(possible projects with Aquaculture Specialists). 3.EDCT 6614 Evaluation in Career and Technical Education 4.AEE 5154 Community Partnerships and Volunteerism.

Plan of study 1.ALS 5044Program and Curriculum Design in Agricultural and Extension Education 2.Cognate is unique so students can work one on one with subject matter specialists 3.(min 3 hrs. outside CTE, Possible Aquaculture)

The need for Web-based courses VCE requires Extension Agents to obtain a Masters in 6 years from time of employment. As staff development I worked to establish a distance delivered Masters a grant was obtained to develop a series of courses.

New Web-based courses The first 3 courses were: 1. Program Planning and Curriculum Design in a Agricultural and Extension Education. 2. Foundations of Agricultural and Extension Education. 3. Research Applications.

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Extension Aquaculture Course (non formal or formal) We can build it! USA2003

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Summary Ways to integrate Aqua culture in a Non Formal way: 1. Use the programming model to determine needs. Look at example delivery modes to begin developing Modules Ways to integrate Aqua culture in a Formal way: 1. Determine who needs formal education. 2. Establish a network of people and technology. 3. CECP

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