Reflections and Advice from a 30 Year Higher Ed IT Veteran

With 30 years of service to Georgia higher education, take this opportunity to hear some reflections, advice and guidance to newcomers and mid-career professional straight from the fountain of experience. 

Travis Zetterower - Associate Director of the Office of Information Technology
University of Georgia

Motivate Your Mind with Healthy Habits in the Workplace

This session will provide practical tools for IT professionals who spend most of their workday sitting at a sedentary workspace. Immobility & poor dietary habits can increase your risk of chronic diseases, obesity, back pain, & depression. Fortunately, there are many practical techniques that can be implemented at work to help to prevent these ailments. Learn tools & tips that can be incorporated into a normal sedentary work week to improve diet, mood, physical health, & overall productivity.

Molly Jameson, Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems Agent
UF/IFAS
Amy Mullins, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
UF/IFAS

When Words Are More Than Words

People don't care who we are; they care about how we can help them solve a problem. Extension has a problem talking about problems, and that's a problem if you're a digital content creator. The words we choose matter to the success of motivating people to do what we want them to do: donate, volunteer, join, participate, lead, read, watch, register. Get templates to better engage audiences and build trust with longtime Extension partners, stakeholders, legislators, donors, and participants. 

Judy Mae Bingam, Communications Advisor and Web Content Strategist
University of Illinois

Extension Online Presentation

Extension Online, from the creators of 4-H Online, is a product made to handle all volunteer and youth based programs within a University or University Extension.  Each program is managed autonomously while certain aspects, such as reporting, are centralized across Extension.  One system to manage 4-H, Master Gardener, Camps, Events and any other programs run through Extension.

James Yougblood, Co-Founder
RegistrationMax LLC

Making your Digital Presentations more accessible

Much of the programming provided by Extension staff includes PowerPoint or similar presentations. We will look at ways to make this content more accessible to Extension consumers as well as suggestions for ways to improve your presentation.

Dan Horn, Extension IT Technology Trainer
University of Illinois

Who needs Extension?! I'll just ask ChatGPT. AI and its impact on and role in Extension.

What impact will Artificial Intelligence (AI) have on the educational programming offered by Extension? 

Through facilitated discussion and small group conversation, participants will leave the session with a better understanding of what Artificial Intelligence is, its potential (or current) application in the development and delivery of Extension programs, along with drawbacks or concerns that should be considered if AI is to be used in Extension. 

Greg Johll, Director of Educational Technology Support
University of Wisconsin

Quit Writing Emails No One Reads

One-third of all work emails that require attention go unread. Only 5% of readers make it to the end of an email, so all the things you think people are learning; they're not. The average reader spends 12 seconds on each email. Let's change that. Bad things happen when people don't follow your IT instructions, but it's not all their fault. Quit writing ineffective emails and begin using a tested template I promise will get your message heard. Everyone will benefit from this session.

Judy Bingman, Communications Advisor and Web Content Strategist
University of Illinois

Zoom Accessibility Considerations for Fostering Equity 

Do your learners flee at the words “breakout room?”Have you ever had to scrabble to fulfill a reasonable accommodation request on Zoom? Or perhaps you just want to think through how some common Zoom activities might be creating unintentional barriers for your learners. We will cover a laundry list of potentially inaccessible Zoom learning strategies and how they might be modified. Reframing accessibility from “have to” to “get to” Break out room dropout Spotlight vs Pinning To read or not to read.

Megan Wecker, Teaching and Learning Consultant
UW-Madison Division of Extension

Trends impacting Extension

What is the impact of ChatGPT and other AI trends in Extension? How does this connect with current trends in demography? This session will tie not only technology but also trends in society and how they impact Extension's role in technology over the next five years. Topics include: -the role of remote work in Extension -the impacts of artificial intelligence -what it means for our changing demographics -how current economic trends impact Extension policy.

Jerold Thomas, Associate Professor & Field Specialist, Community Development, Department of Extension
Ohio State University

Leadership - Why is it so bleeping hard?

People are messy. Work is more complex. Our work environment is changing and the line between personal and work is blurry. So how do you create a recipe for leaders to be successful? You don't, but you can work on the the quality of the ingredients! This session will focus on the skills leaders can focus on to become a better leader. 

Edward Zuech, Director of Information Technology
Penn State University

What's in your software toolbox?

What software do you use in your technology stack? Join us for an open discussion on the tools you use in your organization.

Karen DiCicco, Assitant Director of Information Technology
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning is a scientific framework for providing flexibility in ways audiences engage with, demonstrate, and receive new information. Think of it as going beyond accommodation to true inclusion.  What does this mean for Ed Tech? Plenty!  This session will provide an overview of UDL and how educators and IT folks can use these principles to support accessibility, parity, DEI, and better outcomes for all.

Christine Rybak, Teaching and Learning Consultant
University of Wisconsin

IoT: What is it and what do we do with it?

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are becoming increasingly popular but there are no real standards surrounding them.  As our users find new and exciting devices to use for research and teaching, we must be prepared to support them.  This is our approach to allowing these devices to function on our network in a secure manner.

Travis Waltz, Systems Administrator
Penn St. University

What is your CrashPlan? - In case you need to RESTORE your data!

Secure your data and protect your research by backing up your endpoint with CrashPlan. Don’t expose yourself to data loss by assuming a collaboration solution, like OneDrive or Box, can replace a dedicated backup solution.

Justin Masek, Vice President, Public Sector
CrashPlan

Edit Like a Pro in Camtasia

This session will take a quick dip into the robust video editing software, Camtasia, and how it can be used to create clean professional videos. We will also cover tips and tricks that can be used in any video editing software.

Samantha Barker, Video Conferenceing Manager
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Thinking outside the (server) box: Leveraging an LMS for unconventional uses

What do you do when tasked with turning a critical, paperwork-heavy process into an easy-to-use digital system without a budget? Learn how the Oklahoma Department of CareerTech used the most powerful tool at their disposal — their Moodle LMS — to tame their technology center accreditation process, and how the popularity of this approach led to the development of new streamlined delivery systems for other agency divisions.

Margi Cooper, Digital Delivery Coordinator
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education

Using technology to remove marine debris after Hurricane Michael and restore marine habitat

This presentation showcases the successful use of drones and mapping technology for identifying and removing shoreline targets in an Extension response to Hurricane Michael. Drones acquired geotagged imagery that was sorted into a GIS mapping application to track removal activities. This approach saves time, increases effectiveness, reduces risks to marine resources, and streamlines funding requests and budgeting. The team recommends using this technology from the start of similar projects.

Scott Jackson, Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent IV
University of Florida - IFAS Extension Bay County

Demystifying policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines. When to use each and tips for writing them

The differences between policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines can be confusing and quite frankly, overwhelming. The purpose of this session is to breakdown each type of document, when to use which, and tips for preparing them. The process no longer has to be a mystery. 

Diana Morian, Director of IT
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Karen DiCicco, Assistant Director of IT
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

VGS Application Suite: Improving Extension Impacts Through Timesaving Technology 

Arizona Extension leads cooperative vegetation monitoring programing (CVMP) using VGS, ecosystem sampling software. CVMP assists stakeholders to collect data supporting grazing. The data improves stakeholders' ability to make science-based decisions. VGS reduces the amount of time to collect, organize, and summarize data. Impacts are made because data can be summarized in the field for immediate discussion and allow Agents to educate stakeholders on available resources in real time.  

Ashley Hall, Area Associate Agent
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

Engaging Your Audience: Web vs. Social Media

It's time to step up your online writing game! Learn the basics of translating Ph.D.-level writing into easy-to-follow content for the web and social. This session will cover: audience, SEO, usability, rich media, and more.
On average, web page users only read at most 28% of the words on a page. Therefore, writing to capture users' attention is crucial when writing on digital platforms. But how can we keep users' attention in an ever-changing webscape with all of the challenges Extension faces?

Melissa Johnson, Social Media Manager
Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service

Kristena Merritt, Digital Media Tech Writer
Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service

Hybrid Work Environment: Unmasking the Challenges We Continue to Face

This session will go over some of the challenges that we have faced in the hybrid work environment. Some topics we will discuss include building computers from home, using SharePoint and Teams/Zoom for collaboration, using PSU VoIP service remotely and even processing credit card payments off our secure network.

Ryan Marker, IT Support Specialist
Travis Waltz, System Administrator
Jacki Weikert, IT Consultant
Matthew Fultz, IT Consultant
Penn St. University

Let's Walk Florida! Leveraging Technology to Encourage an Active Lifestyle During a Shutdown

In 2020, many people were confined to their homes as COVID-19 became a pandemic. The Extension Health & Wellness Specialist re-worked an in-person, educational walking program as a 10-week virtual curriculum encouraging physical activity. Extension agents in Florida's Westernmost Panhandle counties delivered the program to increase activity and improve overall health. The agents utilized e-mail, social media, and video conferencing to maintain personal safety protocols for an engaging program.

Jill Breslawski, FCS Extension Agent
UF/IFAS Extension

Make the Most of Your Workday with Microsoft Office

In this session join us to learn tips, tricks, and productivity hacks in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and OneNote.

Karen DiCicco, Assistant Director of IT
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Samantha Barker, Video Conferencing Manager
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Harnessing Technology Tools and Teamwork to Deliver Timely, Engaging, Educational Extension Outreach

With the cancellation of in-person activities in 2020, Extension clientele questions increased as homebound people started gardening. Horticulture Agents in NW FL created Gardening in the Panhandle LIVE! to reach clientele remotely. The series uses Zoom Webinar, Facebook Live YouTube, Teams, and Qualtrics. Each episode team includes 7 agents: roles include panelists, host, Zoom tech, and moderators. 30 episodes.

Julie McConnell, Extension Agent II
University of Florida

Development of an Extension Clientele Management System and Four Key Steps to Create a Successful Application

Extension clientele data is essential to engage them with up-to-date information at their fingertips. This talk will give an overview of the recent updates on UF/IFAS clientele subscription management system and share our experiences to engage with Extension clientele. Additionally, we will present application development practices and discuss four key steps in the application development life cycle to improve the chances of creating a successful and quality application.

Jiannong Xin, Associate Director
University of Florida

Pete Vergot, District Extension Director
University of Florida

Utilizing Qualtrics Offline to Collect Program Registration Data

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture changed the process for collecting race, ethnicity, and gender data. Data must be self-reported by participants. With the offline Qualtrics add-on, the purchase of two iPads per office, and training - agents now easily collect REG data. Virginia Cooperative Extension agents have accurate data and iPads are user-friendly for participants. This workshop will teach how this technology can be adopted into your states' programming.

Kevin Cubbage, Northwest - Area Information Technologist
Virginia Tech

Making Waves with Technology: New Tools for Citizen Scientists in Scallop Restoration Efforts

A unique 10-year Florida Fish & Wildlife funded project was developed to engage scallop restoration efforts in the Florida Panhandle. Volunteers are responsible for maintaining young scallops in cages to improve spawning potential through higher survival rates of juveniles. Through lessons learned from previous years, training and reporting tools have been enhanced by technology under the direction of Marine Extension Agents with UF/IFAS & Florida Sea Grant.

Ray Bodrey, Florida Sea Grant - Gulf County Director
UF/IFAS Extension