Abstract
Cyber extension, in which computer technology is used to disseminate agricultural information was initiated in 2004 in Sri Lanka with a set of agriculture related Computer-Based Learning Materials (CBLMs) produced and distributed among 45 Cyber Extension Units (CEUs) in the country. However, formal research carried out to test these CBLMs at the field level was very limited. Hence, the objectives of the study were to (i) identify the present status of using CBLMs in agricultural extension in Sri Lanka, and (ii) to evaluate CBLMs used in agricultural extension. Thirteen CEUs were selected using stratified random sampling. Extension officers (n=40) and farmers (n=70), who were exposed to CBLMs were interviewed using two pre-tested interview schedules, to evaluate the content, user-interface, motivation, and media use of CBLMs. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and mean comparisons. Officers were found to be using CBLMs for both receiving and disseminating agricultural information, whilst farmers mainly used them for receiving such information. Use of CBLMs by the officers was positively related to their education (r=0.457, p= 0.003) and computer experience (r=0.418, p=0.007). The majority (76.1%) of the high users were Agricultural Instructors (p=0.000). Use of CBLMs by farmers too was positively related to their education (r = 0.319 p = 0.046). Out of those who had been exposed to cyber extension, the majority of farmers (96.9%) and officers (80%) rated CBLMs as highly effective in terms of delivering agricultural information. Farmers rated CBLMs ahead of officers (t = 3.01, p=0.003). The CBLMs presently used at CEUs are effective in terms of delivering agricultural information. It is important to provide computer training to extension officers attached to the CEUs. DOI: <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/tar.v21i1.2588">http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/tar.v21i1.2588</a> <br /><em>Tropical Agricultural Research</em> Vol. 21(1): 73-79 (2009)
Highlights
Agriculture is very important for the socio-economic development of the rural community, as a source of income as well as a way of living
The objectives of this study were, (i) to identify the present status of using Computer-Based Learning Materials (CBLMs) in disseminating agricultural information, (ii) to evaluate CBLMs used in agricultural extension, and (iii) to provide recommendations to improve the usage of CBLM in agricultural information dissemination in Sri Lanka
Officers were found to be using CBLMs both for obtaining and disseminating agricultural information, while farmers mainly used them for obtaining information
Summary
Agriculture is very important for the socio-economic development of the rural community, as a source of income as well as a way of living. To strengthen the linkages between extension, research, marketing networks and farmers, a Cyber Agricultural Extension Mechanism was initiated in 2004 to deliver agricultural information to end users in an affordable and appealing manner (Wijekoon et al, 2008) Under this project a set of agriculture related Interactive Multimedia Compact Discs (IMMCDs) were produced. Multimedia learning material is broadly referred to as digital learning resources that combine text, images, and other media and that are intended for re-use across educational settings (Hamel and Ryan Jones, 2002) These IMMCDs were distributed among 45 Cyber Extension Units (CEUs) in different parts of the island, housed in Agrarian Service Centres (ASCs), so that farmers would have free access to cultivation related information. They have established information kiosks at village level which provides details on various agricultural practices along with market information, and other related information such as weather forecasts
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