Usage and Impact of the Internet for Appalachian Chambers of Commerce

The use of various Internet applications has opened the door for businesses in isolated areas to participate in a global economy. But has this new tool penetrated Appalachia Ohio, and can Extension help community and economic development professionals better use the Internet to achieve greater success? Chambers of Commerce throughout rural America are important stakeholders and clientele of Extension. A study using a descriptive survey method assessed the perceptions of Chamber of Commerce Executive Directors in Appalachia Ohio regarding the Internet. The study found relatively few significant barriers that limit access to the Internet and that proficiency in basic Internet skills is associated with higher perceived job success factors

Lessons from the Draft Horse Industry in East Texas

The purpose of the study reported here was to determine and understand the variables responsible for the revival of the draft horse industry in East Texas. The draft horse industry can provide viable employment for rural entrepreneurs. The authors suggest universities and Extension rethink their traditional roles of supporting and providing resources for rural entrepreneurs engaged in agricultural enterprises that utilize relic technologies

Extension and Outreach: Not a Question of If, but How

In this article, the authors develop a conceptual framework for effective extension and outreach. Based on both our experiences and research and those of leading scholars and practitioners in the field, we offer the following ten ideas for thought, debate, discussion, and implementation. Effective extension systems must: be institutionalized, well-defined, and well-funded; address important/contemporary issues/problems; be sufficiently nimble and flexible in order to address emerging issues; be a credible and unbiased source for information/education and solutions/research; understand the needs of its customers; embrace participatory and integrated approaches; recognize that little happens in isolation and create regional/global sustainable partnership/linkages with governments, NGOs, researchers and educators; be excellent stewards of resources acquired; recognize that return on investment (ROI) from its research and outreach must be well-documented; and allow for decentralized decision-making and action when warranted

Communicating the Handling of Nonresponse Error in Journal of Extension Research in Brief Articles

This article reports a study designed to describe historical treatment of nonresponse error in the Journal of Extension. All Research in Brief articles (N=83) published in JOE (1995-99) were analyzed using content analysis techniques. Results showed that not mentioning nonresponse error, not controlling nonresponse error, or not citing the literature were the norm and not the exception. It is recommended that Extension researchers address nonresponse error when it is a threat to the external validity of their study. Recommendations for additional study and adoption of methods for handling nonresponse are provided

Student Perceptions of WebCT in a Web-Supported Instructional Environment: Distance Education Technologies for the Classroom

Web-supported instruction is becoming more commonplace in today\u27s colleges and universities (Lindner, Dooley, & Murphy, 2001). This paper explores student perceptions of the use of WebCT to support instructional objectives in a Web-supported environment. Data for the study were collected with a survey instrument using WebCT on-line testing tools. The results show WebCT contributed to students\u27 ability to accomplish the course objectives. Students, however, continued to rely on print-based course materials and did not create student-centered on-line learning environments

Community Service Versus Service-Learning: Which Is Best for 4-H?

In 1999, the National 4-H Council (2000) reported that some 271,146 4-H members participated in service activities to their communities. These activities were categorized as volunteerism, community service, and service-learning--three distinctly different activities. To examine which activity is best in teaching leadership life skills, a randomized post-test only control group experiment utilizing a control group and two treatment groups was conducted to determine the effects of service-learning. This article distinguishes service service-learning from the other two activities, presents the results of the study, and discusses the implications of service learning for Extension

An Examination of Georgia Young Farmer Program Participants’ Learning Style Preferences

This study was designed to describe Georgia Young Farmer Program participants’ learning style preferences. Using survey research methods, a questionnaire was designed to collect data related to the purpose of the study. The population for this study included active members in the program. Study findings showed that participants had a preference for kinesthetic learning over visual and auditory learning. While participants indicated a preference for kinesthetic learning, all three learning styles were deemed effective. Preferences for learning styles and perception of effectiveness did not differ by personal characteristics. Recommendations include taking learning style preferences into account when designing and delivering programming, training for teachers, and continuing to assess learners’ preferences

Texas 4-H Members’ Sense of Community Engagement and Attachment

Previous researchers found that youth in 4-H were four times more likely to actively contribute to their communities, two times more likely to be civically active, and five times more likely to graduate from college than non-4- H members. In addition, youth who were more actively involved in community engagement tended to perform at an increased academic achievement level and were more likely to go to college, according to previous studies. The results of the research reported here described participants’ community service and engagement activities both in and outside of 4-H and their attachment to their home communities. Respondents were mostly residents of rural areas, farms, or small towns and cities. They were satisfied with where they lived, and they reported that contributing to their community was important to them and believed it made a positive influence on their life. Most participants also indicated that the community in which they lived and the people closest to them were important parts of their lives and contributed positively to their development. By determining current 4-H members’ level of community attachment, Extension professionals can better understand the influence a community and its stakeholders have in a young person’s leadership development and aspirations

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An Examination of Trinidadian Officer\u27s Behavioral Beliefs and Intent to Participate in an International Extension Experience

Participation in an international extension experience empowers extension professionals to meet the needs of diverse clientele in an increasingly global world. A survey of governmental extension workers in Trinidad was conducted to understand how their behavioral beliefs about an international extension experience influenced their intention to participate in such an experience. Behavioral beliefs can be positively or negatively modified based on an individual’s perceptions of the components (time, location, activities) of a specific international extension experience, so manipulating the components should cause corresponding changes in behavioral beliefs and ultimately intent to participate. This study found positive behavioral beliefs about international extension experience participation are held by Trinidadian extension officers. They are willing to travel to a wide variety of locations and are most interested in acquiring hands-on experience and working one-on-one with another extension professional. The most desirable locations and activities should be integrated into international extension experiences in order to positively influence behavioral beliefs, and thereby intent to participate. Future research is needed to more closely examine the impact of participation on extension officers in Trinidad