eXtension, USU, and You Paul Hill, Extension Assistant Professor 4H, STEM Education, Community Development Kelly Kopp, Extension Specialist Turfgrass and Water Conservation

A brief history… Traditional Extension model debated 2001-Decision to transform how Extension delivers its mission and message 2002-National information technology network recommended 2003-National Extension Directors and Administrators endorse concept 2004-Extension System adopts assessment, providing project startup funds 2005-Prototype introduced 2007-Full system launched

What is eXtension? “eXtension is an interactive learning environment delivering the best, most researched knowledge from the smartest land-grant university minds across America. eXtension connects knowledge consumers with knowledge providers—experts like you who know their subject matter inside out.” -eXtension.org

What else is it? An information-based website where university content providers gather to produce new educational and information resources on specific topic areas A real-time resource to the general public, students, researchers, clinicians, county faculty, and professors A connection between knowledge consumers and knowledge providers

eXtension offers…. Credible expertise Reliable research-based answers Connections to the best minds in American universities Creative solutions to today’s complex challenges Customized answers to users’ specific needs Trustworthy, field-tested data Dynamic, relevant and timely answers

How can it do all that? More than anything, eXtension is a network Interested users (you!) contribute their unique educational backgrounds, skills and experience to a broad community You collaborate with colleagues and consumers to expand and promote your work

Resource (Content) Areas Community Disaster Issues Energy Environment Family Farm Health and Nutrition Lawn and Garden Pest management Youth

The scholarship of eXtension Ask an Expert (AaE) FAQs Content pages Developing a Community of Practice Leading a Community of Practice Annual conference participation

WCLL Community of Practice 2008-Submitted proposal 2009-Received funding –Identified core leadership team, content matter specialists and state contacts –Identified methods for team meetings and productivity –Developed and collected materials 2012-Official launch –297 information pages, 25 FAQs, 70 glossary terms,32 news articles, Facebook page, Scoop.It! Page –3 leaders, 92 members

Navigating eXtension Set-up: about.extension.org Sign-in: people.extension.org Search: search.extension.org Blog: blogs.extension.org Campus: campus.extension.org Ask an Expert: ask.extension.org Webinars: learn.extension.org

Utah State Report

Your participation…. Many hands make light work eXtension ID –people.extension.org/signup –Note your interests (areas of expertise) –Join groups –Ask an Expert

Contacting us… Paul Kelly