Generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems capable of generating human-like text, images, and ideas from existing data based on user-defined prompts, will inevitably impact Extension, including increasing efficiency, productivity, and performing tasks previously exclusive to humans. There are ethical and risk-related considerations surrounding the use of generative AI, including concerns about bias and unintended consequences. It is important for Extension to consider these implications and take steps to ensure that generative AI is used in a responsible and transparent manner. Extension must ensure that educators and staff have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilize and integrate this technology.
{"title":"Ensuring Responsible and Transparent Use of Generative AI in Extension","authors":"Paul Hill, Lendel Narine","doi":"10.34068/joe.61.02.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.61.02.13","url":null,"abstract":"Generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems capable of generating human-like text, images, and ideas from existing data based on user-defined prompts, will inevitably impact Extension, including increasing efficiency, productivity, and performing tasks previously exclusive to humans. There are ethical and risk-related considerations surrounding the use of generative AI, including concerns about bias and unintended consequences. It is important for Extension to consider these implications and take steps to ensure that generative AI is used in a responsible and transparent manner. Extension must ensure that educators and staff have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilize and integrate this technology.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":"27 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136373509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laura Jeuck, Ksu Jayaratne, Mitzi Stumpf-Downing, H. Edwards, Katherine E. McKee
Camps provide a substantial opportunity for youth to develop important life skills. Identifying and training staff on critical competencies are essential to achieving the desired outcomes for camp participants. The purpose of this study was to determine the most critical competencies of the 4-H residential camp staff for achieving high staff performance. The modified Delphi technique was used to achieve study objectives. The Delphi panel of this study consisted of 23 4-H camping experts from across the United States. This three-round Delphi study led to identify 15 critical competencies that will be useful in standardizing 4-H camp staff training programs.
{"title":"Critical Competencies of 4-H Camp Staff for Achieving High Performance","authors":"Laura Jeuck, Ksu Jayaratne, Mitzi Stumpf-Downing, H. Edwards, Katherine E. McKee","doi":"10.34068/joe.61.02.07","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.61.02.07","url":null,"abstract":"Camps provide a substantial opportunity for youth to develop important life skills. Identifying and training staff on critical competencies are essential to achieving the desired outcomes for camp participants. The purpose of this study was to determine the most critical competencies of the 4-H residential camp staff for achieving high staff performance. The modified Delphi technique was used to achieve study objectives. The Delphi panel of this study consisted of 23 4-H camping experts from across the United States. This three-round Delphi study led to identify 15 critical competencies that will be useful in standardizing 4-H camp staff training programs.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43717703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Peralta, G. Choque, M. Reicks, Silvia Alvarez de Davila, Darya Soltani
A family-skills program for Latino fathers and youth was implemented to prevent youth obesity. Lessons learned focused on practices to address barriers to engagement and retention among fathers and youth within the Latino community. Program development issues included selection of organizations, facilitators, language, and delivery methods. Implementation issues included timing and location. Cultural issues regarding learner needs, and teaching and implementation methods need to be considered. Using the lessons learned, Extension professionals can create impactful programs that engage and retain Latino fathers and youth.
{"title":"Lessons Learned for Engaging Latino Families in Community-based Programs","authors":"A. Peralta, G. Choque, M. Reicks, Silvia Alvarez de Davila, Darya Soltani","doi":"10.34068/joe.61.02.03","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.61.02.03","url":null,"abstract":"A family-skills program for Latino fathers and youth was implemented to prevent youth obesity. Lessons learned focused on practices to address barriers to engagement and retention among fathers and youth within the Latino community. Program development issues included selection of organizations, facilitators, language, and delivery methods. Implementation issues included timing and location. Cultural issues regarding learner needs, and teaching and implementation methods need to be considered. Using the lessons learned, Extension professionals can create impactful programs that engage and retain Latino fathers and youth.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49336629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nicole Marshall-Wheeler, Roshan Nayak, A. Iaccopucci, Steven M. Worker
Very little has been published reporting on long-term outcomes experienced by young adults (aged 19 to 34 years old) who participated in 4-H youth development programs. We adopted Gambone et al.’s (2002) framework advancing three long-term outcomes for early adulthood: economic stability, health and well-being, and community involvement. With cross-sectional survey methods, we compared long-term impacts between 693 California 4-H young adult alumni and 373 young adults in a U.S. general population sample who had not participated in 4-H. The results demonstrated that 4-H alumni report more positive long-term outcomes than the U.S. general population sample. The study contributes to the dearth of research around long-term outcomes, may be useful for marketing and funding, and will help better understanding the public value of Extension.
{"title":"Long-Term Outcomes of Early Adult 4-H Alumni","authors":"Nicole Marshall-Wheeler, Roshan Nayak, A. Iaccopucci, Steven M. Worker","doi":"10.34068/joe.61.02.02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.61.02.02","url":null,"abstract":"Very little has been published reporting on long-term outcomes experienced by young adults (aged 19 to 34 years old) who participated in 4-H youth development programs. We adopted Gambone et al.’s (2002) framework advancing three long-term outcomes for early adulthood: economic stability, health and well-being, and community involvement. With cross-sectional survey methods, we compared long-term impacts between 693 California 4-H young adult alumni and 373 young adults in a U.S. general population sample who had not participated in 4-H. The results demonstrated that 4-H alumni report more positive long-term outcomes than the U.S. general population sample. The study contributes to the dearth of research around long-term outcomes, may be useful for marketing and funding, and will help better understanding the public value of Extension.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41570751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In recent decades, local governments have sought to increase community engagement in collaborative governance processes, such as community visioning and strategic planning, to develop policies that are inclusive and supportive of those who live in the community. A key component of the community visioning process is the inclusion of diverse community members and stakeholders which can enhance the effectiveness and legitimacy of the process in addition to providing an opportunity for civic engagement. We review how trust was an essential component required for developing strong community engagement in a community visioning project in Tillamook County, Oregon.
{"title":"Inclusion and trust in community-engaged scholarship: A case study of a county visioning project","authors":"Ava Ryan, Mark Edwards, Dusti Linnell","doi":"10.34068/joe.61.02.04","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.61.02.04","url":null,"abstract":"In recent decades, local governments have sought to increase community engagement in collaborative governance processes, such as community visioning and strategic planning, to develop policies that are inclusive and supportive of those who live in the community. A key component of the community visioning process is the inclusion of diverse community members and stakeholders which can enhance the effectiveness and legitimacy of the process in addition to providing an opportunity for civic engagement. We review how trust was an essential component required for developing strong community engagement in a community visioning project in Tillamook County, Oregon.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44285115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christopher Sneed, Sreedhar Upendram, Clint Cummings, Janet E. Fox
Employment and training services offered through Extension are part of and continue a long tradition of policy-focused employment and job training. This paper chronicles the successes of UT Extension’s work as a third-party partner in the delivery of workforce development programming geared toward individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The paper begins with an overview of the federal program and a discussion of how Tennessee forged a state-level partnership for the delivery of workforce services. Data showing program success including number of participants served, supportive services offered, and economic impact are highlighted. Finally, lessons learned are outlined.
{"title":"Skill Up Tennessee: Job training that works","authors":"Christopher Sneed, Sreedhar Upendram, Clint Cummings, Janet E. Fox","doi":"10.34068/joe.61.02.05","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.61.02.05","url":null,"abstract":"Employment and training services offered through Extension are part of and continue a long tradition of policy-focused employment and job training. This paper chronicles the successes of UT Extension’s work as a third-party partner in the delivery of workforce development programming geared toward individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The paper begins with an overview of the federal program and a discussion of how Tennessee forged a state-level partnership for the delivery of workforce services. Data showing program success including number of participants served, supportive services offered, and economic impact are highlighted. Finally, lessons learned are outlined.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41499322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Covid-19 pandemic has been highly disruptive to Extension programming. Online programming has emerged as one of the primary approaches for maintaining engagement with the communities and populations Extension serves. Some have even suggested that it might become the default programming method, even after it is safe to return to in-person programming. In this commentary, I discuss some of the current limitations and challenges inherent in online-only programming -- ones that are often overlooked by Extension personnel. Further, I discuss key factors that Extension personnel should take into account when considering online programming for any future professional efforts.
{"title":"The Future of Extension Programming Post-Pandemic: The Need for Diverse Approaches","authors":"Andrew Zimbroff","doi":"10.34068/joe.61.02.06","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.61.02.06","url":null,"abstract":"The Covid-19 pandemic has been highly disruptive to Extension programming. Online programming has emerged as one of the primary approaches for maintaining engagement with the communities and populations Extension serves. Some have even suggested that it might become the default programming method, even after it is safe to return to in-person programming. In this commentary, I discuss some of the current limitations and challenges inherent in online-only programming -- ones that are often overlooked by Extension personnel. Further, I discuss key factors that Extension personnel should take into account when considering online programming for any future professional efforts.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44753351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Harder, D. Craig, G. Israel, Matt Benge, O. Caillouet
Creating a standardized needs assessment instrument and methodology that can be shared across the Extension system can lead to increased capacity to identify the needs of our clientele. The purpose of our study was to determine if a questionnaire originally created to assess needs in Utah could be used to identify priority areas for programming as perceived by the residents of Florida. Data were obtained from individuals who opted into survey panels administered by Qualtrics. Adapting the Utah questionnaire resulted in the identification of four priority areas and saved organizational resources by decreasing the time needed for instrument development.
{"title":"Exploring the Possibilities of a Standardized Questionnaire for Assessing Residents’ Needs","authors":"A. Harder, D. Craig, G. Israel, Matt Benge, O. Caillouet","doi":"10.34068/joe.61.02.01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.61.02.01","url":null,"abstract":"Creating a standardized needs assessment instrument and methodology that can be shared across the Extension system can lead to increased capacity to identify the needs of our clientele. The purpose of our study was to determine if a questionnaire originally created to assess needs in Utah could be used to identify priority areas for programming as perceived by the residents of Florida. Data were obtained from individuals who opted into survey panels administered by Qualtrics. Adapting the Utah questionnaire resulted in the identification of four priority areas and saved organizational resources by decreasing the time needed for instrument development.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47870033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Keith Chenier, Jaden Akers, Skylar Liner, Shelby Harrier, Eric Sparks, Patrick Biber, Laura Blackmon, Jessica Kastler, Patrick Broussard
Hardened structures, such as bulkheads and seawalls, are currently the primary choice of shoreline protection for waterfront property owners. However, hardened shorelines are known to enhance erosion and often promote the loss of intertidal habitat. Living shorelines are a collection of environmentally friendly construction techniques that serve as an alternative to hardened shorelines through the incorporation of natural materials, such as native plants. To enhance extension and outreach efforts related to the promotion of living shorelines, we created a small-scale, hands-on wave tank that demonstrates the benefits of natural and living shorelines relative to hardened structures. This interactive tool allows the audience to view the differences between natural, living, and hardened shorelines for both aesthetics and wave energy reduction.
{"title":"A Small-scale Wave Tank For Living Shoreline Extension And Outreach","authors":"Keith Chenier, Jaden Akers, Skylar Liner, Shelby Harrier, Eric Sparks, Patrick Biber, Laura Blackmon, Jessica Kastler, Patrick Broussard","doi":"10.34068/joe.61.01.03","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.61.01.03","url":null,"abstract":"Hardened structures, such as bulkheads and seawalls, are currently the primary choice of shoreline protection for waterfront property owners. However, hardened shorelines are known to enhance erosion and often promote the loss of intertidal habitat. Living shorelines are a collection of environmentally friendly construction techniques that serve as an alternative to hardened shorelines through the incorporation of natural materials, such as native plants. To enhance extension and outreach efforts related to the promotion of living shorelines, we created a small-scale, hands-on wave tank that demonstrates the benefits of natural and living shorelines relative to hardened structures. This interactive tool allows the audience to view the differences between natural, living, and hardened shorelines for both aesthetics and wave energy reduction.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":"27 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136315038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Anchor podcasting tool provides an innovative way for Extension professionals to deliver information to youth, as well as promote further engagement. This article describes the process our team followed to create a series of career podcasts for middle school students using Anchor. We discuss benefits and considerations to keep in mind if you are considering launching a podcast of your own.
{"title":"Using Anchor to Create Podcasts for Youth Audiences","authors":"Rebecca Mott, Kate Preston, Heath Brandt","doi":"10.34068/joe.60.04.07","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.04.07","url":null,"abstract":"The Anchor podcasting tool provides an innovative way for Extension professionals to deliver information to youth, as well as promote further engagement. This article describes the process our team followed to create a series of career podcasts for middle school students using Anchor. We discuss benefits and considerations to keep in mind if you are considering launching a podcast of your own.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48168271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}