2008 MM Technology
From Extension Collaborative Wiki
10. How does your state utilize technology in training?
Oklahoma
Both Centra and PolyCom are being heavily utilized for in-service training and committee meetings, etc.
I expect to see an increase in the use of both systems in future years.
Arkansas
Centra and Educator are still being used to reduce travel.
Virginia
Adobe Breeze has been used for classes and training information. Adobe Connect is being promoted for computer conferencing.
Florida
We have tried to reduce travel expenses by using technologies such as SharePoint, TurningPoint, Elluminate and interactive video (Polycom) to train our faculty and staff.
We have produced “virtual” field days for the benefit of the public and our agents. These virtual field days emulate site visits to demonstrate new crops and technologies.
Georgia
We continue to utilize web modules to cover the basic parts of our foundation trainings. Special update needs have been covered utilizing Live Classroom technology and video conferencing. District meetings with County Coordinators have utilized Go To Meeting technology to minimize travel needs. Administrative meetings at the district and state level are increasingly using video conferencing to minimize travel costs. Various committee functions and performance evaluations are also conducted via video.
Alabama
We have 43 off-campus video conference sites and ScopiaDesktop (web-based desktop client) that can be integrated with video conferencing for those offices that do not have Polycom equipment and T-1 connections.
We have 3 options for web conferencing: Scopia Desktop, Adobe Connect, and Horizon Wimba. Agents and specialists can schedule conferencing through the ACES-AG IT department. We also maintain virtual rooms assigned to various teams and departments so they can do their own scheduling. Additional temporary rooms are available on request.
We have utilized streaming and web and video conferencing for different kinds of training and clientele workshops.
Kentucky
We are routinely using interactive video conferencing to do interviewing, and trainings of agents. Centra, phone conferencing, and blackboard are used for agent trainings and committee work. Beginning to use share point for working on documents and committee work.
North Carolina
North Carolina has recently began to use Elluminate a PC web conferencing tool for some agent training. Initial indications show it as being very useful and specialists are being trained and encourage to use the tool for additional trainings. With limited travel funds this is a very efficient way to save travel costs. Other technologies used include: phone conferencing, and video conferencing.
Texas AgriLife Extension
On-line training modules, centra sessions and TTVN conferences are utilized to provide new employee training as well as subject-matter training for all agents.
LSU AgCenter
Increased technology training began August to explore ways to cut down on travel.
Tennessee Extension
We use Centra extensively for COunty director meetings, planning meetings and multicounty programming. We have several training sessions on Blackboard. We have recently started having phone conferences on SKYPE
