Knowledge
In much of academia, we think of knowledge as something that we possess, something that can be acquired and collected. We think of knowledge as having value for its own sake. However, we live in a world where knowledge is being increasingly commoditized. There is more knowledge than ever and most of it is freely available and easily shared. You will notice many items in this roundup are about making sure people who need knowledge not only can find relevant knowledge but find it at the right time.
What are your thoughts on the relationship between knowledge and Cooperative Extension? Share your comments by tweeting @eXtension4u and using the #coopext hashtag.
News Roundup
eXtension Impact Collaborative Food Systems Fellow Applications Due June 1
The Food Systems Impact Collaborative Program Fellow is responsible for leading the formation and success of the 2017-2018 Food Systems Collaborative, working with the food systems organizing committee and the eXtension Impact Collaborative Project Manager and eXtension team. The position will follow, and improve upon, the Impact Collaborative Operations Guide. This is expected to be a one-year commitment from a professional at a Land-Grant University for .50 -.70 FTE. The person in this position reports to Issue Response Program Director. Learn more…
Coming Soon! The eXtension Impact Collaborative for Food Systems
Hundreds of Extension Professionals have already engaged in the Issue Corps experience with program ideas covering the entire spectrum of Extension. eXtension is looking to recruit more than 200 projects and 700 members for the next iteration, which will be called the Impact Collaborative for Food Systems. Get your ideas ready and watch for the call for applications coming this spring! Learn more about the upcoming call…
Reimagining Our Land Grant System as a Networked Knowledge Commons
In the fifth post of a series on Solving for Pattern, Jeff Piestrak (Cornell University Mann Library and eXtension Fellow) discusses the future of knowledge. He highlights both the complexities and the potential of a networked land grant system that is a relevant knowledge source in a world where people are increasingly consuming information in an on-demand, informal way at their convenience. Read Part 5… | Fellowship Final Report
Data Visualization – Blog Series & Webinar
It has been estimated that 90% of the world’s data has been created in the past two years alone. How can scientists and educators explain and present data in clear and concise ways amidst all this noise? Laura Thompson, University of Nebraska and eXtension fellow, offers some ideas in:
- “Data Visualization: Why Does it Matter?”
- Seven Elements of Good Data Visualization
- Data Visualization Makeover (in which she improves upon graphs from a previous presentation)
- Beyond Static Graphs: Interactive Visualizations
Laura is also presenting a webinar on data visualization on May 30 at 11 am EDT. Learn more or register for the webinar…
Urban Extension Competencies
Extension professionals who serve in urban areas know that the job can be very different than rural Extension positions. What is unique about urban Extension and what skills and competencies are needed for this type of work? Additional information on urban Extension is below:
- Journal of Human Sciences and Extension special issue on Urban Extension
- National Urban Extension Conference (It began May 8, so we realize it is too late to participate this year but is being highlighted for those that would be interested in future conferences)
eXtension Fellow Publishes Article on Citizen Science In JOE
Katie Stofer, University of Florida and eXtension Fellow recently published an article in the Journal of Extension on “Tools for Using Citizen Science in Environmental, Agricultural, and Natural Resources Extension Programs” Read the article…
Upcoming Webinars
Civil Discourse Resources
Last fall, ECOP created a rapid response team on the topic of Civil Discourse and Race Relations. The team has worked to identify existing resources and expertise in the Cooperative Extension System to create a toolbox for educators addressing these topics in their programming. The team’s final report was approved at the ECOP meeting on April 19 and a website is soon to be unveiled. A webinar is scheduled for May 17th at 2 pm EDT, which will focus on the background and need, the work of the team, and recommendations moving forward. Webinar link…
Evaluating for Program Implementation and Integrity
This webinar will explore informal and formal ways to evaluate your program during implementation. Using the Logic Model, we will explore how evaluation can address program inputs and outputs. These evaluation efforts help in the assessment of how a program is delivered, and in the improvement of planned approaches and activities. We will look at evaluation examples and give the attendees opportunities to practice and respond via the chat. The presenter is Julie Huetteman, Coordinator for Extension Strategic Initiatives at Purdue University. May 18, 2017, at 2 pm EDT. Learn more or register…
The Power of Online Maps for Outreach
Are you looking to add interactivity to your Esri Story Map? Or are you simply ready to use online maps to share information with your colleagues or your outreach audience? Esri’s ArcGIS Online is one of the most powerful tools currently available to make and share online maps (and no programming knowledge required!). You can create maps using your own data in addition to using data posted online by people and organizations throughout the world. Shane Bradt, University of New Hampshire will present on how to get started with the very popular Story Mapping tool and how to use your maps in outreach. May 23, 2017, at 2 pm EDT. Learn more or register for the webinar…
Don’t Miss These Recordings
Compassion and Security: Bridging the Gaps of the Refugee Crisis
Kayla Davis, University of Tennessee discussed the definition of the term “refugee”. She also presented on the numbers of refugees in the world today, as well as where they are and who is taking them in; humanitarian governance and the refugee camps; and the US asylum process. Watch the recording…
Instructional Design: Strategies & Best Practices for Online/Blended Learning
Gwyn Shelle, Michigan State University covered strategies and best practices for developing online and blended curriculum. She discussed content development and quality assurance. A variety of self-paced and cohort-based online courses were demonstrated including a variety of lecture types and interactive activities. Watch the recording…
Using Story Maps to Engage Your Audience
Shane Bradt, University of New Hampshire discussed a compelling way to share your message with people in person and online. Esri Story Maps offer a method for Cooperative Extension professionals to communicate information and engage their audience using a graphical and narrative approach with no coding experience needed. Watch the recording…
Webinar recordings and related resources are posted on the link for that webinar in Learn, often within 24 hours after the webinar ends.