Integrating Web Technology with Traditional Teaching of Plant Propagation©

INTRODUCTION The University of Florida (UF) has 13 satellite programs where various undergraduate degrees are offered in the agricultural fi elds. The development of these programs is part of an overall strategy to reach students who are place-bound due to jobs, families, or other community responsibilities. While development of degree programs at off campus research and education centers does pose challenges, it is generally agreed that such programs provide needed education opportunities for place-bound students, while strengthening enrollment in agriculture (Tignor and Wilson, 1999; Klock-Moore et al., 2000; Wirth and Thornsbury, 2001). Advantages to earning a degree off-campus include smaller classes, a personalized mentoring learning environment, and programs located in the heart of major agricultural areas of the state where industry support and fi eld experiences may be more plentiful. The disadvantages to attending class off-campus include limited exposure to campus life, library resources, diversity among students and disciplines, as well as academic diversity. The development of web technologies and interactive video has created an opportunity to now merge the satellite programs and the main campus. While distance education has been utilized in one form or another for many years (Jackson, 1995), the University of Florida is pioneering a concept of bringing students, faculty, and expertise together utilizing videoconferencing or satellite in combination with computer technologies. The objectives of this paper are to describe the integration of these technologies in development of a statewide plant propagation course for delivery via interactive video via multiple locations. Integrating Web Technology with Traditional Teaching of Plant Propagation