Posted on No Comments on THIS IS MARKETING

THIS IS MARKETING

Seth Godin bookAs an extension educator with quality needed programing, I was confronted with low program participation.  I question, is it the program topic or the marketing of the program?

Seth Godin is an author, entrepreneur, and a teacher. Through his renowned writing and speaking, Seth has launched one of the most popular blogs in the world.

What I respected most about this book, is it challenged me to think differently about my educational program design. Seth made me realize that my job is to create meetings and programs that encourage and support meaningful participation for every participant.

However, getting the participants in is he first step .

By: Bonnie Collins.  Bonnie is Ag Program Leader for CCE Madison County and  the  the Professional Development Chair for the ESP Lambda Chapter.

Posted on No Comments on National ESP Hosts Webinars the last Tuesday of the month at 1pm ET

National ESP Hosts Webinars the last Tuesday of the month at 1pm ET

Visit the ESP website to register for the webinars. https://espnational.org/Webinars

MAY 25, 1:00 PM ET: Innovative Methods to Evaluate Higher Learning by Youth
Presented by: Cindy Kinder, Theta Chapter, Idaho
New evaluation methods show Extension programs have impact on higher levels of learning. Presenters will explain evaluation methods of Group Mapping and TAPPS Video Methods including how to structure programs to facilitate participants ability to apply knowledge learned.

JUNE 29, 1:00 PM ET: Health Insurance Options for Farmers and Small Businesses
Presented by: Jesse Ketterman, Tau Chapter, Maryland
With high costs of health care and the negative impacts of COVID-19 with some farmers losing off-farm employment, farmers and small business owners struggle to identify reasonably cost health insurance. This workshop discusses various options and explores considerations when purchasing insurance.

JULY 27, 1:00 PM ET: Smoking and Grilling Foods
Presented by: Surine Greenway, Theta Chapter, Idaho
A cross-discipline, hands-on “Smoking and Grilling Foods” workshop was developed and implemented in Idaho. Co-taught by Family & Consumer Sciences and Agriculture Extension Educators, this two-part workshop focuses on meat science and selection, keeping food safe, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meat quality grades, and cooking methods.

AUGUST 31, 1:00 PM ET: Impacting Food Insecurity: Extension’s ‘Grow & Give’ Modern Victory Garden work
Presented by: Katie Dunker, Zeta Chapter, Colorado
CSU’s Grow & Give project sets the tone for what tangible impact looks like through a statewide initiative. Learn how you can:
• Impact food insecurity by engaging the public and volunteers
• Improve resources & access for growing food
• Establish new partnerships that will last beyond the pandemic

SEPTEMBER 28, 1:00 PM ET: Conflict and You: How to Deal with It!
Presented by: Jamie Morris, Tau Chapter, Maryland
Conflict is natural in almost all interpersonal relationships, but the ability to manage oneself or the conflict is not. Learning how to recognize a conflict and our conflict signals as they arise can help individuals to choose constructive responses that can leads toward de-escalation and potentially a more positive outcome.

Posted on 1 Comment on Deep Work (Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World)

Deep Work (Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World)

2020 was a mind-bending, challenging year for most.  A colleague recently recommended Deep Work, by Cal Newport as I complained that “man, there are so many things getting in the way of my big projects this year”.   I’ve been listening to this one as I walk the dog in the morning – and happy to say – I am inspired.

Newport connects research and practice in this book and shares some boots-on-the-ground suggestions for starting new habits and curbing some not-so-good ones.  In this promo, he shares, “When you’re trying to be productive, are you easily distracted by wandering thoughts or urges? Do you mindlessly open up your favorite website or app, craving novelty or fearing you’re missing out? Do you wish you could focus better, spending hours more per day driving toward your most important goals? Deep Work teaches you how to develop your focus and resist distractions. Focus is like a mental muscle – you need to structure training sessions and push yourself to your mental limit to increase your focus capacity. Implement the strategies in this Deep Work summary, and you’ll be more productive than you’ve ever been.”  Excellent resource, and tips.

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World—Cal Newport. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2021, from https://www.calnewport.com/books/deep-work/
Posted on No Comments on Research Published on Zoom Fatigue – Causes and Fixes

Research Published on Zoom Fatigue – Causes and Fixes

It might make you knowingly nod to hear that researchers have proven that Zoom fatigue is a real thing.   While I’m not suggesting that we don’t Zoom – frankly, Zoom saved our programs this last year – I am suggesting that we take note of known problems and solutions as we teach, learn, and connect.

Prompted by the recent boom in videoconferencing, communication Professor Jeremy Bailenson, founding director of the Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab (VHIL), examined the psychological consequences of spending hours per day on these platforms.  The full article is here.  A summary can be found below:

1) Excessive amounts of close-up eye contact is highly intense.  Turns out that when someone’s face is that close to ours in real life, our brains interpret it as an intense situation.

Solution: Until the platforms change their interface, Bailenson recommends taking Zoom out of the full-screen option and reducing the size of the Zoom window relative to the monitor to minimize face size, and to use an external keyboard to allow an increase in the personal space bubble between oneself and the grid.

2) Seeing yourself during video chats constantly in real-time is fatiguing.

Most video platforms show a square of what you look like on camera during a chat.   Studies indicate that when you see a reflection of yourself, you are more critical of yourself. Many of us are now seeing ourselves on video chats for many hours every day. 

Solution: Bailenson recommends that platforms change the default practice of beaming the video to both self and others, when it only needs to be sent to others. In the meantime, users should use the “hide self-view” button, which one can access by right-clicking their own photo, once they see their face is framed properly in the video.

 

3) Video chats dramatically reduce our usual mobility.

In-person and audio phone conversations allow humans to walk around and move.  “There’s a growing research now that says when people are moving, they’re performing better cognitively,” Bailenson said.

Solution: Bailenson recommends people think more about the room they’re videoconferencing in, where the camera is positioned and whether things like an external keyboard can help create distance or flexibility. For example, an external camera farther away from the screen will allow you to pace and doodle in virtual meetings just like we do in real ones. And of course, turning one’s video off periodically during meetings is a good ground rule to set for groups, just to give oneself a brief nonverbal rest.

4) The cognitive load is much higher in video chats.

Bailenson notes that in regular face-to-face interaction, nonverbal communication is quite natural and each of us naturally makes and interprets gestures and nonverbal cues subconsciously. But in video chats, we have to work harder to send and receive signals.  For example,  if you want to show someone that you are agreeing with them, you have to do an exaggerated nod or put your thumbs up. That adds cognitive load as you’re using mental calories in order to communicate.”

Solution: During long stretches of meetings, give yourself an “audio only” break. “This is not simply you turning off your camera to take a break from having to be nonverbally active, but also turning your body away from the screen,” Bailenson said, “so that for a few minutes you are not smothered with gestures that are perceptually realistic but socially meaningless.”

University, S. (2021, February 23). Four causes for ‘Zoom fatigue’ and their solutions. Stanford News. https://news.stanford.edu/2021/02/23/four-causes-zoom-fatigue-solutions/
Posted on No Comments on Practice Considerations for Teaching in an Online Environment

Practice Considerations for Teaching in an Online Environment

No surprise, research and practices are beginning to roll in about online teaching and learning.  In a recent edition of CBE – Life Sciences Education (LSE) research and best practices were shared around teaching equitably in synchronous online classes (Reinholz et al., 2020).  While Extension teaching is non-formal, a quick review of the article will likely affirm and may help to inspire inclusive and equitable teaching practices.

Research indicates that instructors have adopted a range of practices to promote equitable participation online. Key practices related to social presence, teaching presence, and cognitive presence include: 1) (re)-establishing norms, 2) using participant names, 3) using breakout rooms, 4) leveraging chat-based participation, 5) using polling software, 6) creating an inclusive curriculum, and 7) cutting content to maintain rigor.  The article shared the research approach and results.  Below are a few personal insights to the practices that relate to our collective Extension work.

Re-establishing Norms.  For some in Extension this may mean establishing norms for online teaching and learning.  There is comfort for participants knowing what to expect, how they will be welcomed and how they will communicate in the session.  For example – do you want participants to have cameras on if they can?  Should they raise their hand or use chat to converse?  Will you use annotation tools?  Talk about your expectations, practice them within your group, revisit your group practice…it is mostly about making others conformable and feeling welcomed.

Using Student Names.  Distance education does not have to be socially distant (what a concept!).  Research indicates, and I bet your human experience may feel the same…people like to be called by name.  It is possible that you have not met before in person and that you may not get the pronunciation right the first time…but data suggests that trying to use names is welcoming to participants.

Use Breakout Rooms.  Zoom breakout rooms are not the answer to everything, but they can provide the one on one conversation and deeper understanding that happens with small group discussions.  If you are teaching a workshop online, and haven’t played with break-out rooms – try it!  More and more of our Extension colleagues (and participants) are becoming comfortable with using breakout rooms.

Leveraging Chat-Based Participation. The interest is in engaging your audience and helping them be present to what you are sharing.  As Reinholz shares in the article, “chat is a very flexible method for broadening participation (related to teaching presence)”.  It is simple, and accessible.  Why not ask a question and have dialogue in the chat?  Or name co-teachers to monitor the chat and respond to the questions?

Using Polling Software. There are many options available for polling, including hosting a poll within zoom.  That said, often we are hosting a meeting and are interested in creating a word cloud or other visualizations.  If you are interested in polls, know that Poll Everwhere is supported by CIT https://teaching.cornell.edu/resource/poll-everywhere For full access, complete the request form found here: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3Qmr0bsnhijpxmR 

No doubt, polls engage the audience, and the data can be useful to you moving forward.

Creating an Inclusive Curriculum.  In a perfect world, creating a culture for inclusivity begins as you create curriculum, projects, and programs.  Use guiding principles for inclusivity as you prepare core content, workshop announcements, etc.  Consider adding information about your approach to inclusivity to your website and resources.  I don’t know about you, but this is one I need to work on :).

Cutting Content to Maintain Rigor. As Reinholz et al. have shared, “Instructors noted the lack of time in moving online”.  That sentiment goes for students as well.  Students share that it can feel overwhelming to have to read, watch, and communicate in an online environment.  Too much information is not a new challenge to Extension staff – we get excited!  The practice of cutting content is intended to share the critical content for participants to help you as the instructor to meet your objectives.  Good to keep this in mind and possibly sharing “recommended readings”.

 

Reinholz, D. L., Stone-Johnstone, A., White, I., Sianez Jr, L. M., & Shah, N. (2020). A Pandemic Crash Course: Learning to Teach Equitably in Synchronous Online Classes. CBE—Life Sciences Education, 19(4), ar60. https://www.lifescied.org/doi/10.1187/cbe.20-06-0126

 

 

Posted on No Comments on ESP Lambda Update – Early 2021

ESP Lambda Update – Early 2021

Hey there colleagues!  A little news to share…(and feel free to pass it on!) –

Posted on No Comments on Help for Lambda Chapter History Project Needed

Help for Lambda Chapter History Project Needed

This January Chapter Historian Ave Bauder will embark on compiling the story of the Lamda Chapter of ESP. Although we have located a miscellaneous box containing various materials, nothing beats information from people who have been involved in ESP over the years. Were you a chapter officer once? Around for the 1st meeting or the early years? Presented at a National Conference? Have some incriminating pictures? If so, Ave wants to talk with you! We are especially hoping that some of our Lifetime members can help us reconstruct the history of the Chapter. If you have any information or stories that you think will be helpful, please contact Ave at Bauder@Cornell.edu or 315-651-0050.

Posted on No Comments on From our ESP Lambda Chapter President (October 2020) – Arlene Wilson

From our ESP Lambda Chapter President (October 2020) – Arlene Wilson

This year has been full of challenges, as we were swept up in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. Cornell Cooperative Extension has encouraged us providing ways to live our mission of cooperation and partnership with government, farmers, growers, volunteers and the community. We have worked even harder, dug deep into the well of creativity, stretched more to demonstrate our flexibility, transitioned to online platforms [sometimes kicking and screaming] and working remotely, wearing face coverings, and carrying hand sanitizer everywhere. We have been appreciated, thanked, praised, and received support from a variety of sectors.

To whom much is given, much is expected.

The role of Epsilon Sigma Phi, is one of fostering excellence in the Extension professional through professional development and leadership opportunities. We do this through online workshops, seminars and our flagship in person Annual ESP Conference. Three years of planning, promotion, logo designs, trips and tours were overruled by COVID-19.

To whom much is given, much is expected.

So, we pivoted and decided to host the first ESP Virtual Conference! We retooled plans, repurposed logos and rallied the Extension troops across New York State and on the Cornell campus to make the concept a reality. There are not words enough to thank everyone for all the creativity, tenacity, problem-solving, and hard work, resulting in a highly successful, record-breaking ESP national conference! Stay tuned for more innovation and projects from ESP!

Warmly,

Arlene Wilson, ESP Lambda President
aaw66@cornell.edu

Posted on No Comments on Membership Update (October 2020)

Membership Update (October 2020)

Membership Update:

ESP-Lambda keeps on growing, with our current membership standing at 59 members — 37 annual members and 22 life members. Joining us in 2020 are: Robert Batt, Liz Berkeley, Mary Breyette, Susan Coyle, Jarmila Haseler, Lori Koenick, Jessica Kouzan, Andrea Lista, Garet Livermore, Susanne Magee, MaryBeth Mitcham, Lydia Reidy, Jessica Reid, and Nicole Slevin. Welcome to all!

Stay up to date on ESP happenings and communicate with your peers across the state on the ESP-Lambda Chapter Blog: https://blogs.cornell.edu/esp-lambda/ You’ll find information about the ESP-Lambda book club and professional development opportunities, as well as find a forum to discuss topics of interest with your fellow Extension professionals.

Posted on No Comments on $upport Available to Attend Virtual Annual Conference

$upport Available to Attend Virtual Annual Conference

https://cceconferences.wufoo.com/forms/esp-national-conference-request-for-upport/

What is ESP – we will give you $50 to find out!

Submitted by: Beth Claypoole, CCE Wayne County, NYS and National ESP Past President

One of the best ways to take advantage of national learning opportunities and get to know your extension colleagues is to join one of the national extension associations – and I am recommending Epsilon Sigma Phi.  ESP is a national organization that fosters leadership and professional development across all extension technical areas of expertise – all members of extension have a place in ESP.  I once said that ESP teaches you how to be a better educator, no matter what area of technical expertise.  This is especially important for extension staff who may not have a readily prominent professional organization to which to belong – like Executive Directors!

This year, our local NYS ESP Chapter, Lambda, was going to host the National ESP 2020 Conference, in Rochester, NY, expecting more than 200 people to visit our state and participate in Professional Development activities.  Instead, we are in the process of planning our on line conference, complete with 5 concurrent sessions, 2 speakers, and our traditional Ruby Award presentation.  The Ruby Award is the highest level of achievement reached by an ESP member and the awardee gives a heartfelt motivational speech during the Ruby Awards luncheon.

Our 3 speakers this year are worth the registration price, just to hear their presentations:  Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, past Director of NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture) – the part of the USDA to which Extension reports; Ruby Award winner Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen; and Jonathan Ntheketha, Associate Director Student Success and Engagement, Multicultural Center for Academic Success, Diversity and Inclusion – RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology).  Each of these speakers will have us thinking and taking action to better our extension experiences for ourselves and our participants.

In addition to these 3 outstanding speakers, we also have additional seminar presentations, research presentations, Ignite speakers and poster presentations from more than 40 of your colleagues from across the nation, including several from CCE.

The ESP association and conference websites can be found by going to “espnational.org” and clicking on the virtual conference link. Your local Lambda chapter Board of Directors welcomes you to register for this on line event for just $100.  And to help you with your registration, the board approved at its August meeting to reimburse all current ESP members $50 of the registration fee.  In addition, up to 20 new/potential members will also receive a $50 reimbursement through ESP – Lambda Chapter.  You will need to register up front and pay the entire amount.  Please contact Beth Claypoole, eac9@cornell.edu,  for more information and to get registered for the first 20 non-member registrations.