191 Equine Extension Program Delivery Methods. (30th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brady, Colleen
• Is Part Of: Journal of animal science. Volume 98(2020)Supplement 3
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2020-11-30
• Subjects: Livestock -- Periodicals; Livestock; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 636.005
• DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa054.038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8812

Abstract

Abstract: Equine Extension programs have existed since the beginning of extension. Although traditionally programs have been delivered through face to face meetings, workshops, camps and fact sheets, in the 21st century the clientele are seeking information in the traditional ways, as well as through other outlets. Electronic and digital methods of delivery are becoming increasingly used, and popular for delivery of equine extension programs. These range from the use of social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, to the development and dissemination of online courses and seminars that are targeted to equine audiences. The national group Extension Horses, Inc., has used all of these methods to increase their reach and impact to national, and international, horse extension audiences. As of November, 2019, Extension Horses, Inc. had 11, 059 likes on Facebook, with a reach of 125, 478 for the week the report was generated, and engagement of 10, 120. YouTube has been a very successful delivery method for the group, with 14, 532 followers, 8.436 million views, and over 148, 000 minutes of video watched. Webinars are frequently used to conduct equine extension programs, and Pulec, et al (2016), showed that they were an effective tool for reaching horse owner audiences. One of the advantages of using digital methods to conduct equine extension programs is that they allow the audience to access the programs 24/7/365. This is especially important in areas where there may not be enough clientele in a geographical area to justify a face to face event. In this presentation, we will discuss best practices for development of digitally based equine extension delivery, as well as educational theoretical frameworks to assist in the assessment of the effectiveness of these programs.