NETC08 presentations - Thursday May 1

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8:30 - 9:15 am

Session Name: Personalized Startpages and Widgets
Session Number: 1044
Location: Tanglewood
Day and Time: Thursday, 8:30 - 9:15 am
Format: Presentation
Topic: Web-related technologies
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

Join us for an introductory look at personalized startpages like iGoogle, Netvibes, Pageflakes and Webwag. We will explore their features and the popular widgets they provide. How do these public portal sites compare to social networking services such as Facebook? More importantly, how might Extension leverage these services and deliver information via standardized widgets into these larger online communities?


Led By: Floyd Davenport, Information Technology Officer, Iowa State University Extension
Brian Webster


Session Name: Use of Sputnik Wireless for heterogenous networks
Session Number: 1097
Location: Pinehurst
Day and Time: Thursday, 8:30 - 9:15 am
Format: Presentation
Topic: Systems, Networking and Firewalls
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

North Carolina Cooperative Extension networks are provisioned from a bunch of different carriers. Each office network operates as an island unto itself. With this network topology we wanted a wireless system that acted as a captive portal and authenticated user ID's against the campus databases. Most wireless captive portal systems need the controllers and the gateways on the same network, which for us would mean backhauling commercial DSL and cable access through a VPN system, something way outside our budget. The Sputnik system allows us to bind the AP and authenticate users without the need to tunnel. The access points also add some extra security and flexibility not found in some other larger systems.


Led By: Nathan Snodgrass, Systems Specialist, NC State University Extension Information Technology


Links

Sputnik Wireless

DD-WRT software for APs

AP Grapher for Mac

Hyperlink Antennas

Radiator Radius Server Software

Session Name: Challenges in developing an on-line, multistate planning and reporting application
Session Number: 1013
Location: Mendenhall
Day and Time: Thursday, 8:30 - 9:15 am
Format: Presentation
Topic: Web Based Application
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

This session will give an overview of the technical and social challenges of developing the New England Planning and Reporting System (NEPRS).

NEPRS is a web-based application that enables Extension professionals to create their own reporting domain to:

  • develop logic model based plans of work
  • share outcomes and outcome indicators
  • report on progress towards outcomes (goals)
  • report time and effort
  • report on audience number, participant type, and location
  • report collaborative efforts with in-state and multi-state colleagues

allows peers and supervisors to:

  • review plans,reports, evaluation results and tools, attached articles, publications, etc.
  • collate data for federal, state, University and other internal reports
  • use data as input to faculty and staff performance review; programmatic decisions including hiring of staff and relevancy and progress of programs

and allows the public to:

  • view finalized plans of work
  • view customized reports on progress, effort, audiences reached, locations served, projects/programs, etc.


NEPRS was developed as a cooperative effort between Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont to facilitate reporting by Extension staff and the subsequent reporting by the state to the national Extension planning and reporting system (One Solution), state and county, and other stakeholders. The development effort began in 2004 and the system has been used by each state beginning with the 2007 planning year.

There are three integrated modules (planning, reporting, and reports). The system allows individuals to report directly against their planned outcomes (goals) and outputs (activities). The current system serves four different states and is highly customizable, enabling individual state administrators to set unique preferences and structure to best serve the needs of their respective state.

The public side of the application may be viewed at [1]

[Presentation slides]

[Stephen Judd]
Led By: Stephen Judd, Manager, Information Technology and Distance Education, UNH Cooperative Extension


Session Name: Instructional Design and Development Roundtable
Session Number: 1025
Location: Bellamy
Day and Time: Thursday, 8:30 - 9:15 am
Format: Roundtable
Topic: eLearning / Distance Education
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

During an August 2007 meeting of Southern Region IT Heads in Louisville, the group reflected on the seeming lack of "eLearning Specialists" on our various staffs. At the same time, as eXtension Communities of Practice have formed and began their work, we have heard the same plea from them. The question of "where do we get instructional design help" continues, as those resources within our respective institutions seem very limited, if even existent at all. Therefore, the Southern IT Heads decided that one thing it might do to address this issue is what we always do when we are in discovery mode: CONDUCT A SURVEY!!
This roundtable discussion will briefly share the results of that survey, but then turn its focus to sharing ideas about tools and methods people are using to support various eLearning projects, particularly those focusing on delivery at a distance. This discussion will close with exploring ideas for how to best build a collegial network of instructional design and development specialists.

Links


Led By: Lawrence Lippke, Coordinator, Internal Communities of Practice, eXtension


9:30 - 10:15 am

Session Name: Analyzing blogs--methods for counting news feeds
Session Number: 1077
Location: Tanglewood
Day and Time: Thursday, 9:30 - 10:15 am
Format: Panel
Topic: Web analytics
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

We will discuss different methods for evaluating use of feeds from blogs. Because syndication feeds are read outside of the web page from which it was generated, other methods for analyzing the number of "readers" of the blog is needed. . Various applications for evaluating blogs and how much posts and links are utilized will be presented. The discussions will include how these various applications are used to evaluate feed popularity and advantages and disadvantages of these various applications.


Led By: Anne Adrian, Associate Director, IT, Auburn University-ACES
Jonathan Davis; Kevin Gamble; Steve Judd; Brian Webster


Session Name: How Flex Builder is Useful for Rapid Application Development
Session Number: 1064
Location: Pinehurst
Day and Time: Thursday, 9:30 - 10:15 am
Format: Presentation
Topic: Web-related technologies
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

Application developers are constantly under pressure to deliver more with less time. To build a quick, rich application with limited or no Flash knowledge is possible using Flex Builder.
The Adobe application development environment 'Flex Builder' (Flex Framework) is a very friendly tool to work with. The output of the Flex application is a Flash file. Flash has become hard to learn, but using the drag and drop features using the Flex 2 development environment it makes the developer's life much easier. As a rich internet application, Flex Builder offers Ajax enhancements with 'eye candy' output.
In this presentation, I will present how a simple Flex application is built in a very short time, and integrated in to your web site. I will compare the components in other development environments with the Flex components that support similar features. Also I will explain more advanced features like communication with database applications and other environments like ASP.net via XML web services. Prototyping with the Adobe Flex 2 application will be an entertaining experience.


Led By: Gamage Dissanayake, Programmer/Analyst, Kansas State University


Session Name: Second Life - Advanced Texturing and Building Techniques
Session Number: 1058
Location: Mendenhall
Day and Time: Thursday, 9:30 - 10:15 am
Format: Presentation
Topic: Web 2.0 Technologies
Level: Advanced

Session Abstract:

Second Life is an online 3-D virtual world entirely created by its Residents. Within Second Life the user/resident has the ability to create 3-Dimensional items including buildings, clothing, etc. These items can be textured according to the way they look in real life or the items may be created and textured in such a way that they could only exist within this virtual environment. This session will showcase methods for creating items and architecture within Second Life as well as texturing for those items. It will also cover some external tools that can be used to create objects to be used in this environment.


Led By: Neal Wollenberg, Computer Information Specialist - Web Developer, Kansas State University
Larry Havenstein


Session Name: SMARTcomputing: University-level Procurement
Session Number: 1096
Location: Bellamy
Day and Time: Thursday, 9:30 - 10:15 am
Format: Panel
Topic: Other
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

In 1999, Agriculture Information Technology (AgIT) began a leasing program for its direct users, including all county Extension offices. The lease program was designed to provide the highest computing power and reliability at least costs. Additionally, it was intended to provide a flat, annual fee that would enable county CES offices and Governments to plan accurately for computing expenditures.
Over time, discussions began with Purdue University and various units about creating a similar initiative at the university-level in 2006. The end result was the creation of SMARTcomputing. SMARTcomputing is a collaborative university-wide systems provisioning and management initiative intended to establish a program to better leverage technology resources for hardware and software and to reduce the total cost of ownership for systems procurement, provisioning, and management by standardizing platforms, configuration management, patch management, and software distribution.
Join us as we highlight SMARTcomputing's timeline, efforts and current status of the program which ordered its first machine in the summer of 2007. The discussion will also include details of AgIT's merge into the program, taking advantage of the 'buying power.'


Led By: Patrick Smoker, Department Head; Director, Purdue University/Agriculture Information Technology


Session Name: Using A New MultiMedia Conferencing System
Session Number: 1063
Location: Hope
Day and Time: Thursday, 9:30 - 10:15 am
Format: Panel
Topic: Web Conferencing
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

This session will describe and demonstrate Meeting Place, new state-of-the-art audio/video/data conferencing system purchased by the University of Illinois from Cisco. This new system will enable a multipoint video conference (with sites that have the necessary bandwidth), and can connect rural (bandwidth-challenged) sites to link to the same conference via telephone lines for audio, and Internet–linked computers for still-visuals.
This system will be available to other land grant university users on a cost-plus basis.
IMPROVED DISTANCE LEARNING INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN
The data conference system especially offers a number of unique Instructional Design features available to conference leaders. Some notable features include: Instant Message/Chat space, Whiteboard, Polling, Breakout Sessions, Automatic Q&A sequencing, and immediate playback/download of the flash-based meeting recording
ENHANCED AUDIO CONFERENCING
The base event setup is a self-scheduled audio conference. Callers may receive audio via any continental United States telephone by dialing an 800 number. The system is connected to the Internet, and callers may also receive audio via Voice over IP (VoIP) telephones; for example, SIP phones, Skype, Personal Communicator, Vonage, or Insight-2. VoIP could result in long-distance cost-savings, especially for International callers in a conference.
WEB CONFERENCING
Every audio conference can be automatically matched with a data conference, sometimes called Internet/Web/E-conferencing. Still-visuals are transmitted over the Internet. Usually this means Power Point slides, Excel spread-sheets, or MSWord text documents. Interactive web sites may also be shown in real time...for example, an interactive page where entering inputs shows immediate results.
VIDEO CONFERENCING
Video conferences are scheduled on the same system. Video/Audio/Data conferences may be mixed in the same meeting. The conference server is capable of handling High Definition television signals as HD becomes more common in educational sites.


Led By: James Hamilton, Distance Learning, University of Illinois
Tom Ward, University of Illinois Extension


Session Name: Missouri Uses Distance Learning to Implement a 4-H Community Mapping Program
Session Number: 1066
Location: Biltmore
Day and Time: Thursday, 9:30 - 10:15 am
Format: Panel
Topic: eLearning / Distance Education
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

The University of Missouri Extension team is using a dozen remote learning sites to organize and educate youth, their leaders and the GIS community on the opportunities through community mapping. The initial focus will be on emergency management, preparedness and response. Each site will work with local youth that will participate in educational events in the state-wide virtual 4-H club. These youth and their GIS community partners select the mapping need they will complete. This paper will be a report on these efforts. The basic program includes classes on the following topics: Community Mapping Concepts and Process, Understanding Geographic Information Systems, Understanding and Using Global Positioning Systems, and Community Mapping Resources. The training will also include guidance on working with community leaders. Participants learn how to implement these model projects - Disaster Preparedness, Water Quality (Stream Teams), Community Health and Wellness (Safe Walking and Wheeling Routes), Tourism (Agritourism) and apply those techniques to their project.


Led By: Frank Wideman, Natural Resources Engineer, University of Missouri Extension
Tom Tate, USDA CREES; Herbert (Keith) Crumley, MU Extension TCRC Coordinator

10:45 - 11:30 am

Session Name: Digital Imaging Processes for the Web Using Photoshop
Session Number: 1056
Location: Tanglewood
Day and Time: Thursday, 10:45 - 11:30 am
Format: Presentation
Topic: Web-related technologies
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

Photoshop is a powerful tool for digital imaging. Harnessing the power of photoshop, however, isn't always easy. In this session you will learn how to optimize your digital images, utilize some of photoshops menu tools to do batch processing and also how to create flash galleries right from the Photoshop application. Basic knowledge of Photoshop is a plus, but not required.


Led By: Neal Wollenberg, Computer Information Specialist - Web Developer, Kansas State University


Session Name: Reshaping IT Technical Support
Session Number: 1022
Location: Pinehurst
Day and Time: Thursday, 10:45 - 11:30 am
Format: Presentation
Topic: Technical Support
Level: Advanced

Session Abstract:

In 1998 the technical support we were able to provide to our county offices began to suffer. The exponential growth in the number of computers in the field, the growth in web-based applications, and the loss of support positions made it essential that we come up with a new way of providing support to our end-users.
As of 2005 we had two District Trainers for the entire state who were constantly on the road to help counties with their computer problems. Sometimes counties would have to wait weeks for a support person to help them. We had no central place for end-users to call about problems, so sometimes they fell by the wayside.
This led to a proposal by Nina Boston, our IT Director, that we create a call center which would be the central hub for all our tech support activities. We formed an internal committee to come with recommendations on how to accomplish this.
In the fall of 2005 a proposal was made to Administration that we create the Call Center in what had been our computer training lab. We would make better use of the Network Streaming (now Bomgar) appliance, which we had already been using, and we would acquire helpdesk software which would allow us to track calls, observe trends that might call for end-user training, and keep a database of common problems and solutions.
The proposal was accepted and promoted to the faculty and staff at Faculty and District Conferences. Our dry run began in May, 2006 when the District Trainers were required to report to the State Office everyday and travel to the counties would only be allowed in extreme cases where an onsite trip was the only alternative.
The Call Center officially launched in October, 2006 and has been a great success, even being nominated for an Extension Excellence Award.
The purpose of this presentation is to share our experience in making this very drastic change to the way we provide support.
Our center has been a success, but not without many bumps along the way. Hopefully by sharing our experiences other IT Departments who find themselves in similar circumstances might be learn from them and have a smoother transition.


Led By: Ed Erwin, Technical Support Manager, Univ. of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service
Nina Boston, Director of Information Technology, Univ. of Arkansas, Coop. Ext. Service


Session Name: .Net it is worth looking at for your Web-based Application Development
Session Number: 1041
Location: Mendenhall
Day and Time: Thursday, 10:45 - 11:30 am
Format: Presentation
Topic: Web Based Applications
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

Applications development using the World Wide Web as the conduit for the flow of information has been beneficial for both application developers and users. There have been many different languages and development environments over the years. Some have come and some have gone. .Net from Microsoft is a popular web-development technology. I will explore the reasons that I believe .Net is worth considering for a web-based application development environment. I will enumerate some of the features of .Net that make it attractive, and I will try to contrast it with other web-based application development technologies.


Led By: Martin Rodriguez, Assistant Computer Specialist, Texas Agrilife Extension


Session Name: Reaching Listeners with a Narrative Podcast
Session Number: 1023
Location: Bellamy
Day and Time: Thursday, 10:45 - 11:00 am
Format: Showcase
Topic: Web-related technologies
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

In recent years podcasting has become an integral part of many University Extension programs. This growing media is being tapped for its ease of access, favor with wired and younger audiences, and multimedia versatility. There are many different types of podcasts, however, each with its own strengths. In this showcase we will share our experiences producing the narrative audio program InsectaPod Cast at Michigan State University. InsectaPod Cast mixes field recordings, interview, and theme to create a narrative audio program similar to a news segment on National Public Radio. This method of podcasting challenges the producer's planning and technical skills, subject-matter expertise, and sense of audience accessibility. In return, the narrative nature of the program offers popular media appeal and the opportunity to reach new listeners. Here, we discuss our choice of the narrative podcast format when prompted to create an extension podcast for the Michigan State University Dept. of Entomology. A careful consideration of the audience we hoped to reach played a role in this decision, and data suggest this choice was effective. We believe the narrative style is an often overlooked podcast format that has great potential to extend the voice of Extension and reach new listeners.


Led By: Jacob McCarthy, , Michigan State University
Ms. Anna Fiedler. Michigan State University.


Session Name: Embedding Snappy and Drillable Graphics Into Your Web Documents
Session Number: 1036
Location: Bellamy
Day and Time: Thursday, 11:00 - 11:15 am
Format: Showcase
Topic: Web Based Applications
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

Producing documents in different formats is now commonplace in web page development. Oftentimes, line drawings, static graphics, and even Flash files are used to add customer appeal to otherwise boring pages. However, when dealing with administrative reports, executive and legislative summaries, those adornments are not welcome if they do not contribute to the clarification of the contents. What if you can add attention-grabbing, customizable graphics that not only simplify the understanding of the contents but also has drillable feature to boot? What if you can do it by using your browser without the need to go back to the server for further processing? Harnessing the power of Java applets and Active X control, SAS makes it possible to embed graphs with modifiable bar and background colors (scheme-driven), bar shape (block, cylinder, hexagon, prism, star), chart type (pie, horizontal, vertical), axis (horizontal, vertical), legend, grids, label placement, lighting, and many more. What is amazing is that all these changes can be made on the user's end "on-the-fly". This presentation would demonstrate the ease and simplicity of embedding customizable graphs to add pizzazz to your web pages.


Led By: J. Rey Santos, Extension Information Technologist, Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service


Session Name: Taming Invasive Plants: A Solution For Your Life
Session Number: 1009
Location: Bellamy
Day and Time: Thursday, 11:15 - 11:30 am
Format: Showcase
Topic: eLearning / Distance Education
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

A TAME Invasive Plants portal has been created to provide new avenues for educational outreach efforts for invasive plant issues currently being addressed by Extension Agents and Specialists throughout Florida. High priority invasive plants being addressed are tropical soda apple, Brazilian pepper-tree, melaleuca and old world climbing fern. Online courses have been developed for inclusion on four TAME sites: TAME Brazilian Pepper-tree, TAME Melaleuca, TAME Old World Climbing Fern and TAME Tropical Soda Apple. Online CEU courses for professional land managers tackling these invasive plants are currently available to the public through the new TAME Invasive Plants portal. These online courses are updated with new, research-based information and comply with Americans with Disabilities Act and are formatted for use via pocket PC's.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of these courses, course participants will be able to:
  1. Effectively manage high priority invasive pest plants such as Brazilian Pepper-tree, Melaleuca, Tropical Soda Apple and Old World Climbing Fern.
  2. Use herbicides in an effective manner that is safe for people and the environment.
  3. Understand the role of biological control and IPM in the management of invasive plant species.
The primary audience for this coursework includes pesticide applicators licensed through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers under F.S. Ch. 482 and Ch. 487. Members of the general public who need training to manage these invasive plants on their personal properties may also benefit from this coursework. Upon completion of the various TAME courses, participants can submit their completed coursework for grading. Students with a 70% or better will receive continuing education units (CEU's) from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services toward renewal of their Ch. 482 and Ch. 487 pesticide licenses.


Led By: Ken Gioeli, Extension Agent III / Natural Resources, University of Florida / IFAS


Session Name: Education on Wheels: Mobile Information Forestry Technology Forestry Programs for Limited Resources Landowners Project at 1890 Land Grant Institutions
Session Number: 1088
Location: Hope
Day and Time: Thursday, 10:45 - 11:30 am
Format: Presentation
Topic: eLearning / Distance Education
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

This presentation will be about how Tennessee State University initiated the Mobile Information Forestry Technology Forestry Programs for Limited Resources Landowners Project at 1890 Land Grant Institutions that provided hands-on training and extension support to farmers and woodland owners on how to get information using the mobile information technology van on site. There were eight institutions involved in this project that included: Alcorn State University; Fort Valley State University; Florida A&M University; South Carolina State University; Virginia State University; University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Alabama A&M University.
The focus of the program was to conduct educational programs using their mobile information technology and distance education capabilities across the 1890s landscape. The project used a combination of traditional landowner training workshops and on-site training using mobile internet platform.
One hundred and twenty (120) participants attended and completed the two-days workshop. Both genders were very well represented. Prior to their participation each participant was registered to the website: forestandrange.org. During the workshops each participants was able to log-in to the website and able to access a significant number of modules that have information on estate planning, forest management, agroforestry and other topics.
Through this project, collaborations in technology transfer and natural resources among faculties and staffs within the 1890 land grant system and local, state and federal agencies has been enhanced.


Led By: Jenell Sargent, Agricultural Information Technology Center, Tennessee State University
Jonell Hinsey, Instructional Design and Technology; Dr. Joshua Idassi, Asst Professor, Forestry


Session Name: Technology: Yes U Can!
Session Number: 1092
Location: Biltmore
Day and Time: Thursday, 10:45 - 11:30 am
Format: Presentation
Topic: training
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

For many individuals, a key limitation to adopting technology is exposure and apprehension. The focus of this project was to provide some initial investigation into what exposure and apprehension to technology existed within county extension offices. With the results of an initial workshop, and a committee with educational technology consultants and an extension educator, a comprehensive technology learning opportunity, via workshop and resource materials, was provided to extension directors, educators, and staff to foster assurance and confidence in everyone's ability to successfully identify, adopt, and effectively utilize technology. Most county based staff and educators had adequate exposure to technology, but were hesitant to utilize technology in their current and future programmatic efforts. By identifying training opportunities and other resources to understand technologies, county personnel were monitored in their individual efforts to incorporate technology adoption in their programs.


Led By: Robert Goodling, Extension Educator, Dairy, Penn State Cooperative Extension
Sherry Crum, Peg Shuffstall, and Jacki Weikert, Penn State Univeristy IT Group

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