AGRICULTURAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM
Projects Funded 06/00
1. University of California
EatFit: Nutrition and Fitness Online Teacher Training Pilot
Principal Investigators: Marilyn S. Townsend, Karen L. Berke & Gary Beall, University of California Partners: University of California, DQ University, University of New Mexico
Abstract: Our goal is to develop an EatFit teacher training manual, also adapted to an online version, for middle school teachers, volunteer leaders, students and their parents, and youth in organizations. We will have developed a hardcopy of the EatFit teacher training manual for web based instruction, an online version for web based instruction which will be pilot tested with teachers, and a prototype of the online interactive dietary analysis program for middle school students. We hypothesize that the online teacher training manual is at least as effective as the in person training, and the online dietary analysis software delivered via the EatFit.net website is a feasible education method with middle school students.
2. University of California
On-Line Market Cattle Food Safety Education
Principal Investigators: Dale A. Moore, Michael A. Payne, & Donald J. Klingborg, Robert W. Sams, & John H. Kirk, University of California; Franklyn B. Garry, Colorado State University; Dean E. Falk, University of Idaho; Jan R. Busboom, Washington State University
Partners: Academy of Dairy Veterinary Consultants, University of Arizona, University of California, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Colorado State University, University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University
Abstract: New demands of meat packers, as a result of HACCP implementation, will focus attention on the quality of incoming cattle. Because cull dairy cattle are a major source of beef programs to educate producers about food safety are critical. The purpose of this project is to adapt and evaluate a newly-created market cattle food safety curriculum for distance delivery to dairy veterinarians and farm advisors. The program will consist of discrete learning modules delivered asynchronously over the Internet. The program will impact veterinarians and farm advisors by increasing knowledge and services and will impact producers by providing farm-specific programs in food safety to maintain markets, comply with regulations and meet packer needs.
3. Colorado State University
On-Line Farm Risk Assessment: Manual and Modules
Principal Investigators: Jerry B. Eckert & Norman L. Dalsted, Colorado State University
Partners: Colorado State University, Farm Credit Services of Colorado Springs, Montana State University, University of Wyoming, Western Farm Management Committee
Abstract: This project, targeted at agricultural producers, loan officers, and Cooperative Extension agents, will deliver distance teaching and management tools for the agricultural community via the Internet. Research between Colorado State University, Farm Credit Services of Colorado Springs, and university cooperators in Montana and Wyoming, will develop a database of farm risk profiles, risk behaviors and risk/profit relationships which will be coupled with objective probability estimates of price and yield events drawn from regional historic patterns. Deliverables include on-line study guides, supplemental readings and calculation templates. Expected outcomes include interaction from a base of shared analytic tools and data bases, enhanced agricultural profitability, and research-based, learning made available as in-service training at locations, and times beyond reach of on-campus teaching personnel.
4. Cornell University
Collaborative Development of Horticultural Distance Learning Modules
Principal Investigators: Kenneth W. Mudge, Cornell University; William B. Head, State University of New York at Morrissville; Joan K. Wissert, Alfred State College
Partners: Alabama A&M University, Alfred State College, Cornell University, State University of New York at Alfred, State University of New York at Delphi, State University of New York at Morrisville
Abstract: The objective of this project by the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at Cornell University, the SUNY Agricultural and Technology Universities and Community Colleges, and Alabama A&M University is to extend offerings in the horticultural sciences to undergraduate students through a series of horticulture-related distance learning modules involving asynchronous Web/CD-based modules stressing horticultural content, student interaction in discussion and group projects, and hands-on instruction in horticultural skills as well as synchronous video conferencing. Students at these cooperating institutions will gain access to a broader range of horticultural expertise than is currently available at any single institution.
5. Georgia State University
FSMOD: Internet-delivery of Context-specific Food Safety Modules
Principal Investigators: Mildred M. Cody, Georgia State University; Mary E. Kunkel, Clemson University
Partners: Black River Technical College; East Carolina University; Florida International University; Fort Valley State University; University of Georgia; Harding University; University of Kentucky; Lipscomb University; Louisiana State University; Louisiana Technical University; The University of Memphis; Murray State University; University of Southern Mississippi; South Carolina State University; Tennessee Technical University; Virginia State University
Abstract: The purpose is to develop, evaluate, and disseminate food-safety modules via the Internet for infusion into nutrition and food service management courses. The modules will be used in undergraduate dietetics programs.
6. Michigan State University
Institute for Food Laws and Regulations
Principal Investigators: Thomas P. Wilson & P. Vincent Hegarty, Michigan State University
Partners: University of Washington; University of Reading, England; Tokyo University of Agriculture; University of Zimbabwe; University of Guelph; University of Hong Kong; Hanyang University, Korea; University College Cork, Ireland; ITESM, Mexico; Zayed University, United Arab Emirates; University of New South Wales, Australia
Abstract: A comprehensive knowledge of state, local and international food laws is critical to U.S. food companies. The Institute for Food Laws and Regulations will meet this need through its International Food Law Distance Education Program by making credit based, graduate level education available to food and allied industry professionals, food lawyers, government officials and academics. The program will comprise a network of key domestic and international food law experts including attorneys, academics and government officials linked with region specific courses taught over the Internet, using real time access to instructors, hyperlinks to relevant legal data bases, and audio/video teaching technologies. The courses will provide the legal information necessary to initiate and maintain business relationships with expanding international markets.
7. University of Minnesota - National Technology Enhanced Pesticide Education and Training, Phase 2
Principal Investigators: Larry D. Coyle & Dean Herzfeld, University of Minnesota; Carol A. Ramsay, Washington State University, Paul Baker, University of Arizona; Mike Weaver, Virginia Tech
Partners: University of Maryland; Pesticide Safety Education Institute; American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators
Abstract: The ultimate goal for the entire project is to develop an accepted national system for technology-enhanced pesticide education and certification. This Phase 2 will establish workable partnerships to reach the critical mass for making the national system organizationally, structurally, and financially viable. It will add one new national curriculum module, select and implement the enabling technology structure, and evaluate the functionality, usability, and feasibility of the system. The primary audience includes agricultural professionals, producers, Extension educators, and PAT coordinators. The outcomes will be better and more efficient national use of training and educational expertise and the environmental benefits obtained through improved training and education of pesticide applicators.
8. University of Nebraska - Crop Genetics and the Food System: Diversifying a Library of Internet Lessons
Principal Investigators: Don J. Lee, Nancy Lewis, Deana M. Namuth, & Patricia Hain University of Nebraska at Lincoln; Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, University of Nebraska Panhandle Learning Center; Andrea C. Engebretson, American Society of Agronomy
Partners: Colorado State University; Colorado Wheat Board; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture; Kansas State University; Mead Nebraska Public High School; Nebraska Ag Science Teachers; Nebraska Corn Board; Nebraska Dietetics Association; Oregon State University
Abstract: This project facilitates the wide distribution of online lessons that effectively teach crop genetic engineering and related food safety topics to agricultural and nutrition professionals, extension educators, high school teachers, and international educators. Objectives are to develop new lessons regarding the environmental impacts, food safety and ethical concerns of genetically engineered crops, and to investigate ways to increase the effectiveness and use of these lessons.
9. North Carolina State University
Licensure in Education for Agricultural Professionals (LEAP) Principal Investigators: Gary E. Moore, North Carolina State University; Patricia S. Barber, University of Delaware; James E. Dyer, University of Missouri; James A. Knight Jr., University of Arizona; Gary R. Morrison, Wayne State University; Curtis Borne, Fort Valley State University
Partners: National FFA Organization; National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAEE)
Abstract: The primary objective for this project is to develop and implement a lateral-entry teacher preparation program using web, videotape, CD-ROM, and network conferencing technologies, and to increase the supply of teachers in agricultural education. A total of five courses will be developed for distance delivery. Successful students will receive a North Carolina teaching license.
EatFit: Nutrition and Fitness Online Teacher Training Pilot
Principal Investigators: Marilyn S. Townsend, Karen L. Berke & Gary Beall, University of California Partners: University of California, DQ University, University of New Mexico
Abstract: Our goal is to develop an EatFit teacher training manual, also adapted to an online version, for middle school teachers, volunteer leaders, students and their parents, and youth in organizations. We will have developed a hardcopy of the EatFit teacher training manual for web based instruction, an online version for web based instruction which will be pilot tested with teachers, and a prototype of the online interactive dietary analysis program for middle school students. We hypothesize that the online teacher training manual is at least as effective as the in person training, and the online dietary analysis software delivered via the EatFit.net website is a feasible education method with middle school students.
2. University of California
On-Line Market Cattle Food Safety Education
Principal Investigators: Dale A. Moore, Michael A. Payne, & Donald J. Klingborg, Robert W. Sams, & John H. Kirk, University of California; Franklyn B. Garry, Colorado State University; Dean E. Falk, University of Idaho; Jan R. Busboom, Washington State University
Partners: Academy of Dairy Veterinary Consultants, University of Arizona, University of California, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Colorado State University, University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University
Abstract: New demands of meat packers, as a result of HACCP implementation, will focus attention on the quality of incoming cattle. Because cull dairy cattle are a major source of beef programs to educate producers about food safety are critical. The purpose of this project is to adapt and evaluate a newly-created market cattle food safety curriculum for distance delivery to dairy veterinarians and farm advisors. The program will consist of discrete learning modules delivered asynchronously over the Internet. The program will impact veterinarians and farm advisors by increasing knowledge and services and will impact producers by providing farm-specific programs in food safety to maintain markets, comply with regulations and meet packer needs.
3. Colorado State University
On-Line Farm Risk Assessment: Manual and Modules
Principal Investigators: Jerry B. Eckert & Norman L. Dalsted, Colorado State University
Partners: Colorado State University, Farm Credit Services of Colorado Springs, Montana State University, University of Wyoming, Western Farm Management Committee
Abstract: This project, targeted at agricultural producers, loan officers, and Cooperative Extension agents, will deliver distance teaching and management tools for the agricultural community via the Internet. Research between Colorado State University, Farm Credit Services of Colorado Springs, and university cooperators in Montana and Wyoming, will develop a database of farm risk profiles, risk behaviors and risk/profit relationships which will be coupled with objective probability estimates of price and yield events drawn from regional historic patterns. Deliverables include on-line study guides, supplemental readings and calculation templates. Expected outcomes include interaction from a base of shared analytic tools and data bases, enhanced agricultural profitability, and research-based, learning made available as in-service training at locations, and times beyond reach of on-campus teaching personnel.
4. Cornell University
Collaborative Development of Horticultural Distance Learning Modules
Principal Investigators: Kenneth W. Mudge, Cornell University; William B. Head, State University of New York at Morrissville; Joan K. Wissert, Alfred State College
Partners: Alabama A&M University, Alfred State College, Cornell University, State University of New York at Alfred, State University of New York at Delphi, State University of New York at Morrisville
Abstract: The objective of this project by the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at Cornell University, the SUNY Agricultural and Technology Universities and Community Colleges, and Alabama A&M University is to extend offerings in the horticultural sciences to undergraduate students through a series of horticulture-related distance learning modules involving asynchronous Web/CD-based modules stressing horticultural content, student interaction in discussion and group projects, and hands-on instruction in horticultural skills as well as synchronous video conferencing. Students at these cooperating institutions will gain access to a broader range of horticultural expertise than is currently available at any single institution.
5. Georgia State University
FSMOD: Internet-delivery of Context-specific Food Safety Modules
Principal Investigators: Mildred M. Cody, Georgia State University; Mary E. Kunkel, Clemson University
Partners: Black River Technical College; East Carolina University; Florida International University; Fort Valley State University; University of Georgia; Harding University; University of Kentucky; Lipscomb University; Louisiana State University; Louisiana Technical University; The University of Memphis; Murray State University; University of Southern Mississippi; South Carolina State University; Tennessee Technical University; Virginia State University
Abstract: The purpose is to develop, evaluate, and disseminate food-safety modules via the Internet for infusion into nutrition and food service management courses. The modules will be used in undergraduate dietetics programs.
6. Michigan State University
Institute for Food Laws and Regulations
Principal Investigators: Thomas P. Wilson & P. Vincent Hegarty, Michigan State University
Partners: University of Washington; University of Reading, England; Tokyo University of Agriculture; University of Zimbabwe; University of Guelph; University of Hong Kong; Hanyang University, Korea; University College Cork, Ireland; ITESM, Mexico; Zayed University, United Arab Emirates; University of New South Wales, Australia
Abstract: A comprehensive knowledge of state, local and international food laws is critical to U.S. food companies. The Institute for Food Laws and Regulations will meet this need through its International Food Law Distance Education Program by making credit based, graduate level education available to food and allied industry professionals, food lawyers, government officials and academics. The program will comprise a network of key domestic and international food law experts including attorneys, academics and government officials linked with region specific courses taught over the Internet, using real time access to instructors, hyperlinks to relevant legal data bases, and audio/video teaching technologies. The courses will provide the legal information necessary to initiate and maintain business relationships with expanding international markets.
7. University of Minnesota - National Technology Enhanced Pesticide Education and Training, Phase 2
Principal Investigators: Larry D. Coyle & Dean Herzfeld, University of Minnesota; Carol A. Ramsay, Washington State University, Paul Baker, University of Arizona; Mike Weaver, Virginia Tech
Partners: University of Maryland; Pesticide Safety Education Institute; American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators
Abstract: The ultimate goal for the entire project is to develop an accepted national system for technology-enhanced pesticide education and certification. This Phase 2 will establish workable partnerships to reach the critical mass for making the national system organizationally, structurally, and financially viable. It will add one new national curriculum module, select and implement the enabling technology structure, and evaluate the functionality, usability, and feasibility of the system. The primary audience includes agricultural professionals, producers, Extension educators, and PAT coordinators. The outcomes will be better and more efficient national use of training and educational expertise and the environmental benefits obtained through improved training and education of pesticide applicators.
8. University of Nebraska - Crop Genetics and the Food System: Diversifying a Library of Internet Lessons
Principal Investigators: Don J. Lee, Nancy Lewis, Deana M. Namuth, & Patricia Hain University of Nebraska at Lincoln; Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, University of Nebraska Panhandle Learning Center; Andrea C. Engebretson, American Society of Agronomy
Partners: Colorado State University; Colorado Wheat Board; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture; Kansas State University; Mead Nebraska Public High School; Nebraska Ag Science Teachers; Nebraska Corn Board; Nebraska Dietetics Association; Oregon State University
Abstract: This project facilitates the wide distribution of online lessons that effectively teach crop genetic engineering and related food safety topics to agricultural and nutrition professionals, extension educators, high school teachers, and international educators. Objectives are to develop new lessons regarding the environmental impacts, food safety and ethical concerns of genetically engineered crops, and to investigate ways to increase the effectiveness and use of these lessons.
9. North Carolina State University
Licensure in Education for Agricultural Professionals (LEAP) Principal Investigators: Gary E. Moore, North Carolina State University; Patricia S. Barber, University of Delaware; James E. Dyer, University of Missouri; James A. Knight Jr., University of Arizona; Gary R. Morrison, Wayne State University; Curtis Borne, Fort Valley State University
Partners: National FFA Organization; National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAEE)
Abstract: The primary objective for this project is to develop and implement a lateral-entry teacher preparation program using web, videotape, CD-ROM, and network conferencing technologies, and to increase the supply of teachers in agricultural education. A total of five courses will be developed for distance delivery. Successful students will receive a North Carolina teaching license.