A noncredit, online training module on botany was offered to participants in the Oregon Master Gardener program. The 48 participants felt the module was a useful training tool. They also noted that the convenience of completing the material at their own pace and during a time that fit into their schedule. (SK)

The Kid's Klub is a school-age child care summer program focused on building developmental assets. Extension staff, 4-H adult and youth leaders, and Master Gardeners presented projects to first- through fourth-graders. Parents (n=11) reported that their children continued developing empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills. (SK)

Learners (n=17) in the Oregon State University Extension Service's Master Gardner training program used traditional modules; 21 used an online version. Both groups performed similarly. There were correlations between experience and online course satisfaction and between convenience and satisfaction. (Contains 10 references.) (Author/JOW)

Current and preferred culture of Ohio State University Extension was assessed by 297 extension staff categorized by gender, location, program area, title, age, and years employed. Most categories selected a Clan culture type as dominant in both the current and preferred situations. The Clan culture portrays an organization that concentrates on…

A random sample of 50 percent of extension home economists in seven midwestern states was surveyed, with an 85 percent response. Results showed that the most used methods of needs assessment were advisory committees, requests, questions from clients, and program spinoffs. (JOW)

With the availability of new technologies and changes in information processing, it is imperative that Extension's leaders look ahead and identify the role Extension will play in inventing its future. (JOW)

Suggests that those planning policy for the future of extension education need to cultivate diversity in thinking and creative approaches to accommodate unexpected events. (CH)

Case studies from Dutch horticulture projects are used to evaluate the concepts of projects, planning, participation, and platforms. The artificiality of project boundaries and shortcomings of planning models and participatory approaches are addressed. Suggestions include choosing intervention boundaries that reflect reality in terms of time,…

McNamara and others describe Boston University's off-campus graduate program in rehabilitation counseling, which uses distance learning methods such as videotapes and electronic bulletin boards. The intensive individualized advising and monitoring system is serving as a model for on-campus students. Comments by Ulicny and Rubin follow the article.…

A review of the history of competition and collaboration between agricultural education and cooperative extension identified the controversies and concerns of leaders after the passage of the Smith-Lever and Smith-Hughes Acts. Agricultural and cooperative extension leaders must look at the historical memoranda of understanding to find…

Chayanov's ideas on rural development (farmer participation in agricultural evolution, increasing the scope and differentiation of extension activities, and using methods adapted to farmers' characteristics) could be usefully applied today in reforming Russian agriculture. (SK)

The Natural Resources and Environmental Management Program is designed to help people understand their relationship to the environment, practice stewardship, make informed decisions, and appreciate biodiversity. Areas of emphasis include air, land, and water quality; citizen responsibility; conflict management; approaches to land use and species…

A 3-month training program for 36 family child care providers was completed by 22, 9 of whom were members of professional associations. Quality of care was higher for affiliated caregivers, and quality of care of nonaffiliated caregivers improved after training. (SK)

Ohio State University extension administrators (n=108) acknowledge diversity as an important issue but are confused about how to communicate with and serve diverse populations. They lack a clear vision of a multicultural organization and need to recruit diverse applicants. They scored an average of 65% on a diversity knowledge test. (SK)

To ensure inclusion of all parties in issues of urbanization, focus groups, consisting of farmers, environmentalists, policymakers, and the nonfarm public were held, issues were refined, and consensus was achieved. A majority thought the process worthwhile in broadening understanding of agriculture. (SK)