NACAA

DIFFUSION OF INNOVATION: ARE INTERNET AND WEBSITES USEFUL TOOLS FOR 4-H LEADERS?

Schmidt,* J.L.¹; Ayers, C²; Berschauer, A.³; Snider, A.⁴; Verge, C.^5
1County Director and 4-H Youth Educator, Washington State University Extension Whitman County, Colfax, WA, 99111
²WSU Student, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164
³WSU Student, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164
⁴WSU Student, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164
⁵WSU Student, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164

Abstract:

With downturn in the economy and subsequent budget cuts to WSU Extension and Whitman County, postage funds were no longer available for mailing information to 4-H leaders and families. One low cost and effective solution for the dissemination of information includes the usage of electronic media, email, websites and internet. The question came up: Are email, websites and internet appropriate methods for communicating and transferring information to the 4-H audience? In cooperation with the WSU Center for Civic Engagement and Communication Studies 475, a group of students volunteered to survey leaders as a class project. The survey was written and field tested by a few willing volunteers. Modifications were made and then it was distributed through the leader email list; hardcopies were shared at the Annual 4-H Achievement Program and available in the Extension office for those who preferred this format. After the second reminder, we had a 40% response rate. With support from WSU Division of Governmental Studies data from the survey were analyzed and shared with the students. The survey concluded that a well designed website is an effective method to communicate and disseminate information to the 4-H audience. However, it is important to note that many 4-H families are on dial up therefore the website should be simple in format and easy to navigate. Due to age demographics and lack of web access, information should continue to be mailed to the small percentage of families that request it.