The Role of Televideoconferences in Dairy Extension Education Programs

¹ Department of Animal Sciences
² Department of Adult and Youth Education, Washington State University, Pullman 99164

Televideoconferences utilize satellite broadcast technology and telephone lines to present interactive educational programs. Washington State University, in cooperation with University of Idaho, Utah State University, and Oregon State University, has produced a series of televised interactive dairy programs since fall 1988. Advantages of satellite programs over traditional efforts include the ability to reach remote clientele and to present a single program to an audience dispersed over a broad geographical area. Telephones provide direct access to speakers, thereby exposing large audiences to expertise that may not usually be available. A valuable by-product is a videotape record of the program, which further increases availability of educational programs through secondary viewing. Finally, cost of producing the program is substantially reduced on a per registrant basis over a live conference. Disadvantages include diminished and limited audience-speaker interaction, limited availability of satellite transmission receiving facilities, increased planning and program preparation efforts compared with traditional programs by increased use of high level technology, and multiple locations of remote viewing audiences. Moreover, although cost per participant is reduced, costs are substantial, and funding is difficult to raise through user fees. Motivating individuals to view teleconference programs live is a major challenge. Based on registration numbers from 1988 to 1990 in Washington, viewership declines once the novelty wears off, Potential for this program presentation method is great, and further experience is necessary to refine productions to benefit clientele further and to make maximal use of the technology.

Key Words: satellite television • dairy • extension

Submitted on September 30, 1991
Accepted on February 14, 1992