Insights Gained from Implementing an Online Course for

Insights Gained from Implementing an Online Course for Extension Staff Becky Harrington, University of Minnesota Pat Mc. Glaughlin, University of Illinois Steve Mc. Kinley, Purdue University Kandi O’Neil, University of Wisconsin Kari Robideau, University of Minnesota Rachelle Vettern, North Dakota State University 1

Presenters Becky Harrington, University of Minnesota Pat Mc. Glaughlin, University of Illinois Steve Mc. Kinley, Purdue University Kari Robideau, University of Minnesota Kandi O’Neil, University of Wisconsin Rachelle Vettern, North Dakota State University

Course Overview Online Cohort Course for Extension Professionals Designed to: • Build staff and organizational capacity around volunteer management and development • Increase volunteer management competencies • Build knowledge and skills to identify, recruit, select, and support volunteers • Learn current volunteer trends and how they may impact programming • Understand the organization’s philosophy related to volunteerism and develop own 3

Course Participants More than 370 Extension professionals Pilot 16 States 12 North Central Region & FL, NC, ME, OR Multiple Program Areas FCS, Community Vitality, 4 -H YD, Ag. , Horticulture, Master Naturalist 4

Course Views: Designed for Engagement

Team Approach to Development • Project manager • Educational designers • Content experts • Evaluation team rtise e p x E s Focu Time

Being on a Writing Team: Content Expert: Lead Author Content Expert: Writing Team Member Educational Designer Evaluation Specialist

Design Team Lessons Learned Keep your audience in mind Focus on content Create clearning objectives Provide practical tools and knowledge 8

Design Team Lessons Learned Include promising practices Vary presentation styles Be prepared for a design marathon 9

Assessing Impact Ongoing Staff Follow- up “Most useful professional development experience. ” Scenario Based 10

Course Facilitation Schedule time for course Prepare for webinars Develop mentorship for facilitators

Course Facilitation Maintain content and keep it fresh Give positive encouragement Ask good, thought provoking questions Provide additional resources Stay connected with participants Encourage interaction from all

Feedback from Course Participants John Orick Purdue University Jackie Krieger Ohio State University

Promising Practices Research-based Cross discipline “There is value in multidisciplinary cohorts. ” Administrative Support 14

Participant Quotes “Such a worthwhile course!! I am looking forward to utilizing the lessons in my career. ” “I felt engaged in the course even though it was online. Best online course experience!”

Discussion: Your Questions?

References • North Central Region 4 -H Volunteer Development web site: http: //fyi. uwex. edu/ncrvd/achieving-thevolunteer-mission-course/ • Robideau, K. , & Vogel, E. (2014). Development Strategies for Online Volunteer Training Modules: A Team Approach. Journal of Extension, 52(1), n 1. • Robideau, K. , & Santl, K. (2011). Strengthening 4 -H Program Communication through Technology. Journal of Extension, 49(6), n 6.