The course integrates e-mail, web browsing, word processing, spreadsheet use, data base management, presentation graphics and remote sensing and geographic information skills to solve natural resource problems. Administrative demands and legislative edicts for cost containment and cost accountability challenge those traditional means of information exchange. A time and space independent model for information exchange between researchers and the public is needed. Information transfer technologies, like multi-point video teleconferencing, offer a new paradigm for outreach and extension. North Carolina State University Extension Forestry evaluated the use of video teleconferencing to deliver workshops to seven different locations in North Carolina, targeting foresters and other natural resource professionals.
Opportunities abound for enhancing outreach and education into the community.
At Virginia Tech we have developed a new, multi faceted program for use by middle-school students. Middle school students and teachers can also interact directly with natural resource experts at Virginia Tech. A web site was constructed that provides general instructions for participation in the program, tree identification tutorials, forest biology and ecology instruction, and a section on scientific investigation of the forest community. Participating schools received a visit from undergraduate students in the CNR who explained the program and gave presentations about forest ecology, tree identification and forest products. Middle school students then investigated and identified the trees on their campuses.