Tuesday, November 14, 2006
145-4
Crop Adviser Institute (CAI).
Jesse Drew, Iowa State Univ, 2206 Agronomy Hall, Ames, IA 50011-1010
With advances in technology and economic development there is an increased demand for continuing education (McIsaac & Gunawardena, 2001). There is growing pressure for many workers to increase their knowledge base and technology skills to survive professionally. Providing learning opportunities to current and future adult workers is an area of increased priority for both higher education institutions and businesses. The mission of the Crop Adviser Institute (CAI) is to provide high quality, interactive, computer-based, learning modules designed for the continuing education of agricultural professionals. Currently, the CAI has 28 continuing education learning modules and provides 24/7 access to them. The impact of the CAI program has been to increase the number and diversity of CEU computer modules; increase the quality of Distance Education CEU courses; and provide Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) alternatives to traveling for CEU courses. The landscape of education in general has changed dramatically in the last 30 years. This change is most evident in the need and growing demand for distance education, especially in Agriculture. Providing high-quality continuing education offerings for Certified Crop Advisers and other CAI participants is a goal the CAI will continually strive to meet.