A feasibility study for specialized training of farm business and production management students at Western Wisconsin Technical College

File(s)
Date
2001Author
Brendel, William J.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin--Stout
Department
Training and Development
Advisor(s)
Benkowski, Joseph
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the interest and potential effectiveness of distance education delivery methods for specialized training for farm production workers in the Western Wisconsin Technical College (WWTC) District. The agricultural sector has a long tradition of using different forms of distance learning. As technologies such as Web-based learning and Interactive Television have evolved, distance learning is a more viable alternative for training. The research shows that distance learning if delivered effectively is equal in effectiveness to traditional delivery methods. It is important that the student have ready access to the proper computer hardware and software to utilize web-based learning. Over fifty percent of farm production units in Wisconsin have a computer and access to the Internet. The method used to determine both the interest and the skills and tools that potential students of distance education initiative possessed, the 310 students of the WWTC Farm Business and Production Management (FBPM) program were surveyed. They were polled on their interest in specialized training, what skills related to distance learning they possessed, and how would they accept distance education delivery methods. The survey was sent to all 310 FBPM students enrolled at WWTC during the 2000 – 01 school year. Ninety-four surveys were completed and returned resulting in a 30 per cent return rate. Fifty nine percent of the respondents indicated an interest in additional specialized training and agreed that continued training is important to their future success. The highest rated training interests were traditional farm production topics such as dairy and crops and management topics, for example farm management and personnel management. Three fourths of the respondents have access to the Internet but these same individuals rated interest in interactive television low. If distance education is to be used for this desired specialized training, computer based delivery may be the best alternative. Traditional farm production topics will have the most acceptance by the largest number of individuals, while specialized topics may be the most efficiently delivered because of the smaller number of potential participants spread over a wider geographic area. Because of the interest and need in additional specialized training, distance education should be considered. An action research approach for determining the delivery method’s effectiveness could be implemented. Both traditional farm production topics and specialized topics could be initiated to determine the viability of each.
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/39859Type
Thesis
Description
Plan B