eXtension Communities of Practice: Virtually Engaging Global Audiences.

eXtension – http://www.extension.org – is an Internet-based educational partnership of the Land-Grant university system designed to help people improve their lives by providing access to objective research-based information and learning opportunities.  It is built on the firsthand knowledge and practice of experts in a particular field of study.  The more experts who participate, the more robust and comprehensive eXtensionÕs Communities of Practice become. Then, when someone gathering knowledge or looking for answers to a particular problem or life question log onto eXtension they can use a number of customized tools to locate the information they need. 

* Basic Information – includes a brief explanation of a specific topic, or a complete publication that pulls together the best-of-the-best information from across the land-grant university system; may also include learning modules featuring additional, detailed information

* News & Calendar – provide timely updates as well as current Communities of Practice Hot Topics

* Frequently Asked Questions/Ask an Expert – enables searches by keyword or by typing specific questions; if a satisfactory answer cannot be found, users can ask real-life, in –the-field experts for additional help

* Distance Diagnostics – helps users identify and diagnose location-specific problems including plan and animal diseases, if available

* Discussion & Chat – experts will host periodic online chats for their clientele on hot topics or to provide general information

* Decision Tools – interactive user questions help generate the most appropriate, precise answer to questions on various topics

* Conferencing/Streaming Videos – conferences and instructional videos are broadcast via video and other learning devices to enhance the user experience

* Certificate Courses – will facilitate user enrollment, testing and tracking of fully credited certifications

Join us to learn how eXtension Communities of Practice work together to serve the educational and informational needs of Cooperative Extension audiences.