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SHIFTING STRATEGIES DUE TO COVID-19: FROM TRADITIONAL EXTENSION AGENTS TO SCIENCE-BASED VIDEO PRODUCERS

Extension Education

Francisco Rivera-Melendez
Small Farm Agent
IFAS/UF
Seffner

Abstract

Situation: Access to science-based information by minority Hispanic populations in Florida has historically been difficult. COVID-19 has made it even more challenging to devise traditional in-person educational programs for clientele and communities. In Florida, access to critical information provided by Extension educators to underserved communities has typically been complicated due to cultural and language barriers. Methods: To comply with our mission to provide quality, relevant education, and science-based expertise to solve Floridian’s problems, Extension educators have created, edited, and released educational videos in Spanish and English. Videos averaging 20 minutes long were developed with experts in different fields such as livestock production, natural resources management, and 4-H youth development, among other areas. Results: Through the YouTube video series agents have created 65 videos in English and Spanish. From March 30th to October 1st, the videos reached more than 3,512 views and 124 hours of watch time. The work of Extension Agents and specialist have an incalculable value. Otherwise, the cost of opportunity increases the online educational content and reduces video cost of production, savings over $744,000, and Spanish speakers expert in agriculture around $12,400 (Total savings 756,400 dollars). Conclusion: Access the UF/IFAS CAFE-Latino video series at: https://bit.ly/2GkNdXZ. Utilizing innovative approaches and tools to remotely assist and educate Floridians creates resilient Extension agents that can still positively impact communities and advance the mission and initiatives of UF/IFAS during the COVID 19 pandemic in Florida and among other countries.

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.

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Authors: F. P. Rivera-Melendez, Bosques Jonael, Vanessa Campoverde E., Sandoya German, Blanco Victor, Bittar Jao, Gonella-Diaza Angella, Gonzales Daniel, Marrero Edrick, Diaz John
  1. Rivera-Melendez, F. Small Farm Agent, IFAS/UF, Florida, 33584
  2. Jonael, B. Agriculture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 33873
  3. E., V. Commercial Agriculture/Ornamentals, UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 33030
  4. German, S. Assistant Professor, Horticultural Sciences, Everglades Research & Education Center Wedgworth Lab., Florida, 33430
  5. Victor, B. Florida Sea Grant Agent, UF/IFAS SEA Grant, Florida, 32348
  6. Jao, B. Assistant Professor Of Beef Cattle Extension, UF Veterinary Hospital, Florida, 32608
  7. Angella, G. Assistant Professor Beef Cattle Reproduction, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32466
  8. Daniel, G. Youth Development 4-H, UF/IFAS Extension Agent, 33845
  9. Edrick, M. State Agronomist, USDA/NRCS, 00682
  10. John, D. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Park Road Plant City,, 33565