E-extension


This module is for extension practitioners who want to use electronic approaches to complement their physical face-to-face activities and paper-based approaches. This module will help you understand how electronic approaches can benefit both you and your farmers. It outlines what is involved and the advantages and disadvantages of several e-tools that you can use straight away.

These e-extension tools are especially helpful in overcoming the limits of physical distancing imposed as a result of COVID-19. This module has ideas and suggestions that will help you to embrace new and unfamiliar technologies, and includes guidelines and case studies that give examples of how these technologies have been used in various situations. The module covers both low-tech and high-tech solutions, so if you do not have stable internet connectivity, there is still something here that will be useful to you.

Module outcomes

After completing this module, you will be able to:

  1. Explain the concept of e-extension as a core skill for extension professionals:
    • Provide a definition of e-extension;
    • Describe the evolution of e-extension over time.
  2. Outline the purpose and major functions of e-extension:
    • Explain various online alternatives to face-to-face extension delivery
    • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of e-extension
  3. Detail what is involved in undertaking e-extension activities:
    • Moving from physical to online activities
    • Developing an e-extension strategy
  4. Outline the different key e-extension tools (both synchronous and asynchronous)
    • Describe the difference between synchronous and asynchronous tools
    • Compare and contrast the key synchronous e-extension tools
      1. Telephone
      2. Radio
      3. Web meetings
      4. Online polling
    • Compare and contrast the key asynchronous e-extension tool
      1. Social media
      2. Direct messaging
      3. Mobile apps
      4. Short videos
      5. Podcasts
      6. Blogs
      7. Online document collaboration
      8. Online surveys
      9. eBulletins
  5. Describe best practice case studies in e-extension
    • Understand e-extension experiences during COVID-19
    • Be familiar with e-extension case studies and experiences during COVID-19.
  6. Outline the steps to success with e-extension in the real-world.

Click on the button below to start the module:

Introduction

Study unit outcomes

After completing this study unit, you should be able to:

  • Explain the relevance of e-extension in the context of AIS
  • Describe the definition and evolution of e-extension
  • Discuss the purpose and major functions of e-extension
  • List the advantages/disadvantages of e-extension

Study unit overview

This study unit will help you understand how e-extension is relevant to extension practitioners and can help improve your performance. You will be introduced to the purpose of e-extension and its advantages and disadvantages.

Click on the button below to start the lesson for Study Unit 1:

Study Unit 1

Click the button below to download the Study Unit 1 Self Test. Note: This test can be used to determine how well you know the content. It is for your own purpose and will not be marked.

Study Unit 1 Self Test

Study unit outcomes

After completing this study unit, you should be able to:

  • Discuss the trend of extension professionals moving from physical to online activities;
  • Explain the importance of developing an e-extension strategy;
  • Explain the difference between synchronous and asynchronous tools;
  • Compare and contrast the key synchronous e-extension tools; and
  • Compare and contrast the key asynchronous e-extension tools

Study unit overview

This study unit will help you understand how to carry out e-extension activities and why it is important to work strategically. You will be introduced to synchronous and asynchronous communication, and a range of key e-extension tools for both types of communication.

Click on the button below to start the lesson for Study Unit 2:

Study Unit 2

Click the button below to download the Study Unit 2 Self Test. Note: This test can be used to determine how well you know the content. It is for your own purpose and will not be marked.

Study Unit 2 Self Test

Study unit outcomes

After completing this study unit, you should be able to:

  • Describe several real-life applications of e-extension, and how they were used to achieve the desired project outcomes:
    • Explain the different challenges and solutions that were used to overcome them; and
    • Outline several COVID-19 challenges and how the wise use of e-extension tools helped overcome them.

Study unit overview

This study unit illustrates how e-extension has been used in different situations in different countries around the world. It will give you an insight how COVID-19 has affected the wellbeing of communities and changed the way extension practitioners engage with their target audiences.

Click on the button below to start the lesson for Study Unit 3:

Study Unit 3

Click the button below to download the Study Unit 3 Self Test. Note: This test can be used to determine how well you know the content. It is for your own purpose and will not be marked.

Study Unit 3 Self Test

Study unit outcomes

After completing this study unit, you should be able to:

  • Describe the kind of mindset required for success;
  • Explain the importance of frequent practice;
  • Outline way of successfully using a community of practice; and
  • Understand the importance of being brave

Study unit overview

This study unit will help you understand how e-extension is best applied in real life and the best-fit functions and conditions required.

Click on the button below to start the lesson for Study Unit 4:

Study Unit 4

Click the button below to download the Study Unit 4 Self Test. Note: This test can be used to determine how well you know the content. It is for your own purpose and will not be marked.

Study Unit 4 Self Test