one of the most popular. The positive response to these Social Cafes in general - and what we learned from participants via in-webinar polling - also confirmed that social technologies are of great interest to those working in Cooperative Extension, but that training, resources, examples, and guidance are needed. We hope that future publications will contain sections exploring other social media platforms. Another question in the survey asked respondents what kind of content they’d like to see in publications. Many respondents indicated that they’d like practical information, including how -to guides and case studies. Others indicated they’d like to see video content. Some said they’d like to read Q&As. We have done our best to include all of these things.
Technology is evolving and changing quickly, as are the needs of Cooperative Extension. COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of technology in Cooperative Extension education and programming. Cooperative Extension organizations have risen in marvelous ways to this new virtual environment we find ourselves in. But there is much more to do and we can learn from one another.
There are clearly gaps in what we’v e curated. Any errors, omissions, or failings are opportunities for new information in future versions of this kind of publication. This is a starting place - not an ending point.
How to Use Connect Extension As part of this project, we used the Extension Foundation’s Connect Extension social intranet platform as a way to gather, curate, and share information. In addition, we present the platform as a case study later in this publication. You may want to learn about using a specific technology in a program that you are starting or implementing. Or you may want to know how others in Cooperative Extension are incorporating technology in their work. Maybe you’re thinking about what the future may hold and what technological approaches may be needed. You have come to the right place! This site is designed to give you quick access to information, experts, training, and resources that can help you in your work. We encourage you to set up an account on Connect Extension (if you don ’ t already have one). It ’ s easy to do, and having an account provides access to resources, virtual events, a national peer network, and more. Among the resources are the Technology in Extension Education (TEE) subgroup, a place where you can find many resources about digital technologies. Connect Extension also has a video resource library with tutorials and webinars about digital technologies.
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