View Poster Application

SICK PLANTS IN A HUNGRY WORLD

Extension Education

Pam Bennett
State Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, ANR Educator
Ohio State Univeristy Extension
SPRINGFIELD

Abstract

What was the future in teaching and learning is now the reality. Online courses can now be found on any topic and are not just for those seeking college degrees, but also for those dedicated to lifelong learning. One group who falls under the latter category are the Master Gardener volunteers; these are individuals from all over the United States that specialize in horticultural topics and are required to earn continuing education credits each year. With this in mind, a collaborative effort between The Department of Plant Pathology and the Ohio Master Gardener Volunteers took shape. The department took an online course currently offered asynchronously to Ohio State students and transformed it into an online course specific to Master Gardener Volunteers. The non-credit course entitled Sick Plants and a Hungry World is offered through the free course management system Moodle and covers topics ranging from the history of plant diseases to global issues in plant pathology. Ten modules make up the content of the course where little involvement from the instructor is needed. Students register through the Office of Continuing Education at Ohio State and have ten weeks to complete the self-paced course. Self-assessments allow students to test themselves on the material. Cost of the course is $35. Over 200 individuals from 16 states have registered for the course since its launch in March 2009. Those completing the course receive a certificate of completion from the department. Profits from this course will be used for developing additional modules.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

Click to view Poster

Authors: P. Bennett, S.D. Ellis, M.J. Boehm
  1. Bennett, P. Ohio State University Extension State Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45502
  2. Ellis, S. Graduate Asistant, Ohio State Univeristy Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio, 43210
  3. Boehm, M. Department Chair, Ohio State University Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio, 43210