Current Methods of Program Delivery by Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents Fail to Meet Stakeholder Needs

C. A. Shea Porr¹, Thomas W. Broyles², R. Scott Pleasant³, Crystal E. Smith⁴, Ryan M. Brooks⁵, Rebecca K. Splan^6
(1. Hutson School of Agriculture, Murray State University, United States; 2. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University, United States; 3. Department of Large Animal Clinical Services, Virginia Tech, United States; 4. Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, United States; 5. Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, United States; 6. Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Virginia Tech, United States)

Abstract: Using online survey instruments, knowledge needs and information retrieval methods in Cooperative Extension agents and horse industry stakeholders in Virginia were assessed. Data collected included: information resources used; educational methods used by agents; and stakeholders’ preferred learning method. While over 50% of stakeholders used the Internet to find answers, only 20% of agents utilized online resources to answer stakeholder questions, and agents were more opposed to using online methods for teaching. Current delivery methods for Extension educational programs in Virginia fail to serve modern audiences. Targeted professional development programs aimed at familiarizing agents with online technology may increase their use in Extension programming.

Key words: extension education, extension, horses, program delivery