Using webinars to extend the reach of soil learning in New South Wales: A first look. (12th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jenkins, Abigail; Beange, Luke; Morris, Stephen
• Editors: Goss, Michael
• Other Names: Lobry de Bruyn Lisa guestEditor.; Ingram Julie guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Soil use and management. Volume 35:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 52
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2019-04-12
• Subjects: knowledge network -- knowledge sharing -- soil webinars -- soil communication; Soil management -- Periodicals; 631.4
• DOI: 10.1111/sum.12445
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-0032

Abstract

Abstract: Increasingly knowledge is shared using new web‐based channels. The use of these channels is relatively new in the realm of soil science. However, they may prove to be very useful for connecting time‐poor, geographically dispersed audiences in an efficient and cost‐effective way. There has been limited study of this form of knowledge sharing for natural science (let alone soil science). In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) has coordinated the Soil Network of Knowledge (SNoK) monthly webinar over 3 years, with over 40 webinars targeting an audience of next users of soil information. Aggregated data collected from these webinars indicated that the majority of information is used for professional development by participants. Whether this will eventually lead to on‐ground practice change because of the improved professional and technical knowledge of participants is still a moot point and will require further investigation over time. The information collected on attendance and participation showed that webinars are a good way to connect with some target audiences such as other government bodies that have a historical relationship with NSW DPI. However, other target audiences that NSW DPI has always found difficulty in engaging, such as private advisers, require more active overtures to drive participation. The growing subscriber base is encouraging.