This type of instruction is now possible in many areas because of the widespread availability of computers and Internet technology. Compared to other methods of distance learning such as video courses or live satellite instruction, Internet courses provide the following advantages. First, it allows for constant personal interaction between the students and instructors. Second, it allows much greater time flexibility than a televised real-time instruction where students must meet at a designated facility for scheduled instruction. The Internet approach to instruction has tremendous potential for training county Extension agents.
Agents can log-on to the computer as their schedules permits.
Internet training eliminates the need to travel to another location in a state or region, thus saving time and money. Most county Extension offices now have or are in the process of acquiring Internet access to the World Wide Web and E-mail, which makes this a very attractive training tool for many topics. Twenty-two county Extension agents from South Carolina and Georgia registered for the course and ten specialists from South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama participated in the Internet discussion. A reply to the Listserv would likewise go back to all members of the list. The Listserve is created by the university postmaster at the computer center.