Dairy Training Modules Using Extramural Delivery Approaches for Campus and Off-Campus Students
Michael Hutjens, University of Illinois
Richard Wallace, University of Illinois
Andrew Wadsworth, University of Illinois
Aaron Moore, Illinois State University
Ellen Hankes, Illinois Coalition for Animal Agriculture
A series of 35 to 40 modules for distance education and training (classroom,
extension, and agribusiness field based learning) will be developed for
synchronous learning resources. Ten experimental sessions with thirty five
modules were developed and delivered at the University of Illinois, the
spring of 1998 using six instructors from three departments. The modules
were delivered using Power Point visuals and V.O.I.C.E. interfaced by ThinIce
technology using the World Wide Web. Twenty six students completed the initial
course including veterinarians, dairy farmers, feed dealers, extension educator,
four students from Southern Illinois University, and six students from the
University of Illinois (four senior and junior undergraduates and two graduate
students).
Plan of Action:
The 1998 modules will be updated based on student feedback and instructor
comments using current research-based data. The revised instructional modules
will be available on a CD ROM diskette for the formal course content plus the
42 page instructional booklet (Feeding the Dairy Herd, North Central Publication
325), written support material, and files of all Power Point visuals. A second
series of modules will be developed for the spring of 1999 including instructors
from the University of Wisconsin (Madison and Rivers Falls) based on
sustainability and management changes needed of the midwest dairy industry
(expansion, labor management, competitiveness of dairy systems, and food safety
issues).
Program delivery system:
These modules will be available for instruction using the World Wide Web or
CD ROM delivery systems. Students can participate when their schedules allow.
Formal synchronous classroom interaction will be held on Tuesday nights using the
WWW and 800 toll-free numbers in the spring of 1999. Modules will also be
available on the University of Illinois Dairy Extension home page titled
"Dairy Net". These modules will be available to other educational institutions
(junior colleges and four year colleges). Module and supporting materials would
be appropriate to conduct a wrap-around face-to-face program with a classroom
instructor to localize and enrich the teaching module.
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