Internet Video Access Appears Difficult for Oregon Extension Master Gardeners

Abstract

<jats:p>Video clips are a type of interactive multimedia that are often incorporated in Internet based training, and recent studies have reported examples of how cooperative extension is beginning to use Internet technology, including video clips, as part of delivering educational programs online. A survey was designed to determine if Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener volunteers trained in 2001 were able to access a video clip online. Eighty percent of the recent trainees had access to or owned a computer and 93% of this group had access to the Internet. Yet, when asked to access the video clip online only 37% of the respondents were successful. This disparity suggests the need for a seamless interface between the multimedia component and the software required to access it. If the end user is unable to access the multimedia component, it is difficult to justify the additional resources required to develop these teaching tools.</jats:p>

Testing and educating on urban soil lead: A case of Chicago community gardens

“…Some websites misinterpret EPA guidelines for soil lead, erroneously reporting that the EPA has guidelines for soil and growing food in gardens. Most sites that do offer information about safety and urban gardening are completely text-based and do not use interactive multimedia, such as videos or audio clips, the use of which can increase learner knowledge (VanDerZanden & Rost, 2003). Most websites also miss the opportunity to link the public to in-depth research articles or abstracts.…”