COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS
INTRODUCTION
An external review team, as invited by CES and University of Alaska Fairbanks administration, conducted an in-depth external review of the Alaska 4-H Youth Development program during August 2006. The team was comprised of representatives
from Alaska and two other states.
A program review serves multiple purposes, but perhaps the greatest outcome is the process of introspection – as stakeholders in the program collect and organize information and share the story with others. Often, the highest form of evaluation is self- evaluation as stakeholders in the program reflect on inputs and outputs. (Read More)
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
Overview
Based on observations by panel members, volunteers, leaders, staff, and students, there are key areas which particularly help to shed light on technology utilization within CES’s 4-H Alaska-based program. They include:
- Enthusiasm for new media technologies
- Lack of statewide uniformity in coordinating new media messages
- Website challenges
Observations
Panel members, volunteers, leaders, staff, and students embrace utilizing new media (i.e. CD-ROMs, internet, e-mail, listservs, and DVDs). In fact, stakeholders appear more technology ready than staff in some locations. Technology is seen as providing a unique opportunity to recruit and inform. Volunteers have discussed the improved delivery of curriculum for students using the internet. Staff report awareness of the need to use new technology, and efforts are underway to improve message delivery to internet audiences. Students would like to be more aware of 4-H projects throughout Alaska and beyond. All groups recognize there is room for improvement. (Read More)