EXPANDING WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS THROUGH CREATIVE NETWORKING
Agricultural Economics & Community Development
Jennifer Rhodes
Principal Agent, Agriculture & Food Systems
University of Maryland Extension
CENTREVILLE
Abstract
EXPANDING WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS THROUGH CREATIVE NETWORKING\r\n\r\nRhodes,* J.L.¹, Dill, S.P.²\r\n\r\n¹ Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Queen Anne’s County, Centreville, Maryland 21617\r\n² Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Talbot County, Easton, Maryland 21601\r\n\r\nExpanding educational programs to serve new and existing audiences is constantly a challenge. In 2010 a national women in agriculture education program, Annie’s Project, was expanded from one site to nine sites in Maryland and Delaware. This expansion was due to the outcomes, interest and passion for the program by coordinators and participants. It was imperative to bring Annie’s Project to other women in the region. Incorporating technology into the program allowed for more effective communication, the ability to reach a broader audience and still obtain successful interaction and positive results. This was a unique collaboration with facilitators and hybrid model of face to face and distance learning. Technologies included using a wiki website to communicate with facilitators and conducting the educational program through Adobe Connect, all with the help of the University of Maryland Extension’s Informational Technology team. It was of timely nature and had outstanding evaluation results. In 2010 Annie’s Project reached 144 farm women in Maryland and Delaware. It received grant funding of $40,000 and engaged 17 facilitators. End of class evaluations rate the program (1 lowest to 5 highest) 4.68 for content, 4.73 for organization and 4.49 for instruction.
Authors: Rhodes, J.L.
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Rhodes, J.L. Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources, University Of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21617