Economic globalization has resulted in funding cuts and a commercial orientation in university extension. Resistance to this agenda involves both looking inward at the survival of extension work and outward at community efforts to combat attempts to cut social programs. (SK)

Discusses three worldwide policy trends--privatization, revitalization, and decentralization--and their impact on economic development and extension education. (SK)

This study compared student ratings of graduate teacher education courses given either on campus or off campus through distance learning technology. Overall, course, instructor, and general ratings were similar for the course given regardless of setting or delivery format. Discussion focuses on appropriate applications of distance learning…

Fathers Reading Every Day is a 4-week extension program in Texas in which fathers spend 15-30 minutes per day reading to their children to stimulate early literacy development. Modifications for fathers who were physically absent included reading over the phone, recording on audio or videotapes, and using other male role models. (SK)

Study compared whether on- or off-campus education had an impact on National Alcohol/Drug Counselor Certification Examination (NCE) scores obtained by individuals seeking certification as alcohol/drug counselors. The study also determined if level of education had an effect on NCE scores. Results found that site of education did not have an impact…

Examines the effectiveness of the Cooperative Extension Service effort in financial planning and management. Results show that the home economics extension programs on family financial management had a substantial impact on participants. (JOW)

Presents three articles that examine Extension's role in supporting and empowering women. Looks at historical and current trends in appointing women to Extension management positions; examines an Extension program aimed at women in business; and takes a global view of opportunities for Extension to empower women within Extension and as a special…

This review of library services for distance education concludes that (1) better marketing is needed; (2) library staff should be more involved in program development; (3) faculty should promote library use in their courses; and (4) many distance learners lack independent learning skills, including use of library resources and information. (SK)

Presents survey responses of 71 family life extension specialists concerning academic preparation, job description, salaries, work responsibilities and time demands, and work rewards. Discusses the results in terms of employment opportunities for graduate students in human services. Contains 15 references. (SV)

From sample of 599, 276 adult participants in Ohio Cooperative Extension Service (OCES) programs completed questionnaire that revealed five influences on decision to participate: anticipated quality of information, social involvement, difficulties with arrangements, commitment to OCES, and internal motivation. They were most satisfied when they…

Research shows that farmers are the most important influence on the adoption of new methods by other farmers. Results reaffirm the importance of targeting beyond actual participants in designing and evaluating extension programs. (JOW)

This article discusses a variety of programing and operational challenges facing one area of home economics extension, family life extension, as it makes the transition into the 21st century. (JOW)

Reviews past extension reporting systems--Extension Management Information System, Narrative Accomplishments Reporting System, and Program Planning and Reporting System--and the mandates of the new Government Performance and Results Act. Highlights potential conflicts among the information needs and quality indicators of local, state, and federal…

Of three extension models--top-down technology transfer, farmers-first approach, and participatory research--the latter extends elements of the other two into a more comprehensive analysis of a problem and specification of solution strategies. An Australian integrated pest management (IPM) example illustrates how structured workshops are a useful…

Interviews with 10 principals of schools collaborating with cooperative extension on at-risk youth programs suggested the following elements of successful collaborations: local support from extension, elementary school targeting, community partners, little impact on budgets, flexibility to meet individual school needs, and schools having…