NETC08 session 1112
From Extension Collaborative Wiki
Session Name: Extension Teaching, Virtually Speaking: Emergence of Virtual 4-H Clubs
Session Number: 1112
Location: Biltmore
Day and Time: Wednesday, 4:30 - 5:15 pm
Format: Presentation
Topic: eLearning / Distance Education
Level: Introductory
Session Abstract:
- Acknowledging the benefits of distance education in reaching Nebraska youth, the University of Nebraska, Lincoln Extension 4-H Youth Development Program has recently initiated a special interest Virtual 4-H Club that is focused on the discovery of food, specifically the scientific principles of food preparation. Using distance education to take the traditional 4-H Club experience to a new level, groups of youth interact asynchronously [ex. online discussion forums, e-mail, course management system] and synchronously [ex. virtual field trips, interactive video, live chat sessions, Web seminars] to conduct business meetings, community service projects, presentations, and much more in an online environment.
- The intended outcomes for the Virtual 4-H Club experience are two-fold. Through the special interest content that is presented throughout the club experience, youth will understand how science and technology relate to their current 4-H projects. Additionally, through their participation in the Virtual 4-H Club experience, youth will experience increased perceptions of mastery, belonging, generosity, and independence.
- Leadership for the Virtual 4-H Club on the discovery of food resides with a volunteer leader, two Extension Educators, and one Extension Specialist. By engaging in a learning experience with a UNL Extension specialist, who also teaches on the UNL Campus, it is the intent that participating youth will begin to understand how their current 4-H projects can be extended into college majors and potential careers.
- Nationally, 4-H is in an advantageous position to provide distance education opportunities for youth and volunteers. With technological resources available through land-grant universities, as well educational resources available, 4-H has numerous internal features that set us apart from other virtual clubs that could potentially begin in other youth organizations.
Led By: Tracy Pracheil, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Doug Swanson
