Instructional television : a survey for future expansion of extension education programs at the University of Tennessee

This study identified the major variables indicating the readiness of Extension personnel to utilize instructional television (ITV) as a distance education medium for expanding Extension education programs at The University of Tennessee. The concept of readiness was ascertained based on three dependent variables: general attitudes toward ITV, willingness to serve expanded audiences, and desire to learn new roles and procedures. In addition, the faculty's readiness to utilize ITV was described by: current use of ITV media, availability of ITV equipment, and experience and training as an ITV teacher. The study examined the faculty's preferred media for delivering ITV programs. It also identified the demographics of Tennessee Extension faculty and independent factors influencing faculty responses about instructional television.

A product of the study was a comprehensive instrument Titled, Instructional Television, A Survey for Future Expansion of Extension Education Programs at the University of Tennessee. The survey employed a Likert-type attitudinal scale, a ranking scale, and a nominal demographic scale. The study was limited to educators at The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service. The researcher followed standard, mail questionnaire procedures. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and Duncan's Multiple Range test.

The study evidenced that Tennessee Extension faculty had a positive disposition for using ITV, but they were not ready for the introduction of a statewide ITV system.

The balance of the Tennessee Extension organization was more positive in its general attitude toward ITV than it was negative. However, faculty position and district assignment influenced the strength of these attitudes.

No significant variables influenced faculty regarding their willingness to serve expanded audiences. Therefore, it should be possible to develop a statewide system without fear that faculty in rural versus urban locations may respond differently. It could also be expected that administrators, specialists, and agents — in either youth or adult assignments — could work together in developing the instruction and curricula for these audiences.

The least positive responses encompassed the faculty's desire to learn new roles and procedures. Differences among faculty positions and district assignments were so significant that specialized training directed to the specific needs of that population would prove to be both cost effective and productive.

This study provides a research base assessing the readiness of Extension faculty to employ statewide televised instruction technologies. The researcher made no attempt to determine if ITV was the most appropriate method for expanding the Tennessee Extension audience.