Lessons Learned from Distance Workforce Training Applications

North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) depends on the skill set and subject matter competency of its field faculty to deliver quality, credible education to North Carolina citizens. In order to maintain and enhance field faculty competency, NCCE uses distance technology to provide training to field faculty located in offices across the state. Although not the only method of training, distance training allows NCCE to maximize resources by reducing the cost of travel and protecting valuable professional time. This chapter’s case studies identify areas in which NCCE utilizes distance education to train employees for on-going competency development, crisis response, program development and implementation, and program evaluation.

Developing a Plant Clinic Database as an Educational and Predictive Tool for Master Gardener Programs

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service's New Hanover County Center provides the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic staffed by the Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener volunteers. Residents bring in samples of weeds, diseases, and insects for identification and control recommendations. After the problem is diagnosed, a record of the information is used to construct a database that includes the date, phone number, crop, diagnosis, and control for each sample submitted. Between January 1993 and December 1999, Master Gardener volunteers entered more than 4,000 entries into a searchable/sortable electronic database to identify patterns of plant disorders. The database should be a useful tool for predicting local disease and insect cycles and aiding Master Gardeners in answering questions at the clinic and over the telephone. In addition, examination of historical records and entry of data into the database are excellent learning opportunities for new Master Gardeners.

Characterization of Suburban Nitrogen Fertilizer and Water Use on Residential Turf in Cary, North Carolina

A door-to-door survey was conducted in Cary, N.C., to determine suburban fertilizer and water use characteristics. The random survey of 300 households represented 1% of Cary households. Results from the survey demonstrated that few individuals used fertilizer on their driveways and sidewalks to melt ice and snow. Almost 90% of all residents applied fertilizer or used lawn care companies. Most residents or lawn care companies failed to sweep impervious surfaces after fertilizing. Most homeowners applied nitrogen fertilizer at a rate within North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service recommendations. Water use for landscaping related directly to summer drought conditions. Households with installed sprinkler systems used about twice as much water on their lawns as did residences with moveable sprinkler systems.