COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN EXTENSION EDUCATION

Abstract

Extension use of computers to perform “accounting” functions including Dairy Herd Improvement Association, (DHIA), beef cow herd performance, and farm business record analysis has been extensive, beginning in the early 1960's. At the same time, industry has made extensive use of computers in feed formulation and inventory control. These roles are assumed to be well known; this paper focuses upon the teaching tools made available by the recent introduction of time-share computing into extension education. Instead of beginning with a discussion of principles, an application of time-share computing decision-aids as part of an education program in the development of good feeding systems will be discussed. The decision-aids were developed cooperatively by an informal consortium of workers, primarily in the corn belt states, and reflect extensive use–currently 22,000 runs per year. Subsequently, based upon having obtained a perspective on a typical application, attention will be turned to other applications; to how one goes about organizing such an activity; to the interface between applied research and extension, between departments, and between universities; to the interface of computer tools with other extension teaching aids; and to integration with service activities including feed nutrient evaluation laboratories. The first question a potential user of computers in extension education must ask is, “What kinds of problems are we attempting to answer?” And consequently, “What information will be needed to solve the problem(s)?” Major uses by consortium members of the feeding systems package include: (1) developing feeding systems with farmers on