British census and survey data show that at least one-third to one-half of farmers have further or higher education qualifications. Better-educated farmers tend to use more information sources, perceive a need for change, and be receptive to training and responsive to economic demands. (SK)

A safe drinking water program was delivered by satellite as well as the live speaker program. Responses from 230 traditional and 161 satellite participants showed the satellite program met objectives, was cheaper, and required less specialist time although it attracted a smaller audience and allowed limited interaction. The cost per attendee for…

After 38 pork producers were introduced to eight distance educational media, most were willing to try all media except chatrooms and multimedia kits; 86% preferred face-to-face to distance education although 87% believed distance education is the future for information access. Limited distance education use may be due to limited exposure rather…

The career paths of four women directors in the Cooperative State Research Extension Education Service (CSREES) were examined to determine what factors enabled or impeded them. Four major themes that influenced the attainment of executive positions by women emerged: organizational factors, building of networks and relationships, recognition of…

A Delphi panel of 15 identified 5 critical elements of an internationalized extension system: (1) understanding of global and national interdependence; (2) emphasis on the impact of international forces on agriculture; (3) international perspectives in ongoing activities; (4) extension agents' awareness of the relationship between international…

In response to the 1990 Farm Act mandating financial training for farm borrowers, Penn State University conducted financial management workshops at 18 sites using distance learning (satellites and videotapes). The combined methods were cost- effective and the 30-hour training improved knowledge of basic financial concepts. (SK)

In collaboration with juvenile court, a county extension agent developed an alternative program for 10 first-time offenders ages 11-15, including classes and community service. Evaluation data from youth, parents, and court staff showed that small class size, personal attention, and appropriate class topics led to satisfactory completion and no…

Leaders of ad hoc teams lack traditional influence tools to exchange for cooperation. Transformative leadership is not based on exchange but on individualized consideration, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and idealized influence. A survey of 10 leaders and 47 team members found that these qualities have a very strong positive…

North Carolina farmers growing barley (n=20) tested 3 self-directed information delivery methods: fact sheets, fact sheets plus audiocassettes, and an extension bulletin/pamphlet. The fact sheet/cassette was preferred by 17 of 20; they achieved significant knowledge gains with self-directed methods. The fact sheet/cassette was considered…

Survey responses from 402 Virginia extension personnel showed that secretaries and younger staff had the lowest computer anxiety, technicians and older staff the highest. Time spent using computers, age, and years of employment were somewhat associated with anxiety. Training recommendations were made. (SK)

A qualitative study of 14 adolescents teaching younger children identified 10 elements of program success: dedicated adult supporters, active recruitment, strong curriculum, initial training, ongoing training and support, attention to details, recognition and reward, team building, ensuring success experiences, and feedback and evaluation. (SK)

A Web-based, self-scoring version of the Family Assessment Device was tested with 25 adults in parent education. Results indicated that participants increased their level of family functioning with respect to problem solving, communication, affective involvement, affective responsiveness, roles, behavior control, and general functioning. The…

Since the passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914, Cooperative Extension has worked with faith-based organizations, such as congregations, to promote community renewal. Both Extension and congregations share a deep commitment to building community and social capital. (23 references) (SK)

Extension educators can extend and accelerate the community-shaping process by using action research processes like Appreciative Inquiry, which helps a community design and work toward an ideal future. One adaptation, the Porch Cookie Project, helped a community create new knowledge and shape its culture. (SK)

The Teens Teaching Internet Skills Pilot Project engaged youth from 4-H Technology Teams in training senior citizens to obtain information from the Medicare website. The teens perceived an improvement in working with seniors, project management, teaching, public speaking, and leadership. The workshops had a positive effect on seniors' comfort and…