County Extension Agents' use of technology in distance education, and extension program delivery issues

The study determined the use of technology by County Extension Agents (CEAs) in AgriLife Extension and the issues related to the use of technology in distance educational program delivery. A web-based survey instrument was used to collect responses from CEAs. Results showed that CEAs use the telephone and email technologies most frequently to communicate with their clients. CEAs used presentation software, teleconferencing, laptop/Netbook and cell phones more frequently in Extension work. Young Extension agents tended to use blogs more frequently than older agents and older agents tended to use tablet computers more than young agents in Extension work. CEAs are more comfortable in conducting Extension educational programs using technologies for themselves than for their coworkers and clients. Accessibility of equipment is a major obstacle in using technology in the Extension program delivery along with the issues related to understanding of software and device use. This study recommends making technologies available at Extension offices and train agents on using technologies efficiently.