Forestry Extension in Tennessee: Comparing Traditional and Web-Based Program Delivery Methods

As the traditional forestry Extension clientele in Tennessee changes, Extension professionals need to adapt and deliver programs in such a way as to reach the maximum audience while ensuring the educational benefit of the program and remaining within budget. The development of the Internet and associated web-based programs presents a new tool by which Extension professionals can develop and deliver educational programs to clientele.

This study compared two Extension program delivery methods, web-based and traditional field-based. A series of field workshops were held and participants were surveyed. From these field workshops, a web-based program was developed and was marketed to a similar audience; these participants were also surveyed. Demographic information, learning preferences, and other measures of program preference were collected.

Ninety-seven percent of participants in the field-based program and 68% of the web-based sample preferred a field program over a web-based program. If only a web-based program was made available to participants, at least 50% of each sample would be interested.

Educational level was the only demographic characteristic that was significantly different between those who chose a web-based program and those who chose a field-based program. Participants with higher educational levels were more likely to choose a web-based program. Educational level was positively correlated with income level, computer ownership, and Internet access. Educational level was negatively correlated with age.

Knowledge gain was significantly higher in the field-based sample. Web-based participants showed average knowledge gain of 12.2 to 28.7% whereas the knowledge gain for people attending the traditional field day program averaged 16.5 to 46.1%.

Level of computer ownership was high in both samples as was the use of the computer on a regular basis. Internet access was high in both groups. The web-based sample had significantly higher levels of high-speed access. Those with high-speed connections were more likely to choose a web-based program, although both groups used the computer/Internet regularly for gathering information.

Current forestry Extension clientele preferred a field-based program delivery method. Some clientele, though, preferred web-based programming and these types of programs should be offered when suitable. Using a variety of delivery methods, Extension can adapt programs to a wide range of learning styles to reach new audiences, including younger generations who are more comfortable with Internet learning.