Navigating the Grocery Store Aisle

Interactive learning tools have been beneficial in creating awareness and behavior changes among program participants. Respondents wrote that games, quizzes, jeopardy, problem-solving activities, hands-on activities, virtual and augmented reality, peer-to-peer learning, scenarios, and online certificates all had positive outcomes. Multimedia, polls, and shared learning experiences were all elements included in the tools. Evaluation measures included pre- and post-test (50%), time spent on the activity (23.7%), survey questions throughout activities (35.1%), end of activity surveys (50%), and other (20.3%). Barriers to using interactive learning tools included funding, broadband access, resources, technology skills, knowledge of the options available, staff support, time to create activities, and training on incorporating technology. Respondents stated that they needed tools, training, funding, new ideas, support, and access to technology to increase interactive learning in their Extension programs.

Table 1. Interactive Learning Tools Used in Extension Programs

Tool

Percent Using

Gamification

29.7%

Badging

1.4%

Classroom Technologies

51.4%

E-textbooks

6.8%

Virtual Reality

9.5%

Augmented Reality 5.4%

Mobile Learning

28.4%

Online Learning

77%

Technology Enhanced Learning

44.6%

Extension educators encourage their peers to incorporate interactive learning into programs. Preparation and

Other

13.5%

flexibility were cited by many respondents. Educators encourage their peers to use trial and error, give themselves plenty of time, incorporate participant feedback, keep it learner- centered, and “just try it.”

Overall, we found an interest and willingness among Extension professionals to incorporate interactive learning into programs. Most already use some version of interactive learning and would include more if they could overcome funding and resource constraints, among others. Our team found that the NTAE project accelerator process allowed us to be innovative and learn new ways of incorporating technology into our programs.