572 Basic Botany On-Line: A Training Tool for the Oregon State Univ. Master Gardener Program

Abstract

At Oregon State Univ. (OSU), a team of educators and web designers developed a noncredit, on-line training module for the OSU Master Gardener program. The on-line module consists of the botany component of the annual Master Gardener training. It is comprised of text from the botany chapter in the Master Gardener handbook, an on-line discussion group, on-line quizzes for each section, a clickable glossary, links to additional educational resources on the web, a few animations, and numerous photographs and line drawings. To evaluate the effectiveness of this learning tool a group of 24 Master Gardeners (all graduates of the Master Gardener training program from previous years) tested the module via their home computers. Additionally usability testing was completed with a group of eight Master Gardener volunteers. These participants navigated through the course in a computer lab setting while they were observed by the development team. Participants from both groups completed an evaluation regarding technical issues, organization and presentation of the module, navigation throughout the module, and content as well as user satisfaction. Overall participants felt this was a useful training tool for the Master Gardener program and that it would be a useful addition to the annual training. They also noted that features such as the on-line discussion group and accessibility of e-mail made them feel connected to the other on-line learners as well as to the course instructor. This module will be used as the primary training tool for the botany component of the annual training for over 75 new trainees in 2000.