Evaluation of lMM CD program on coconut cultivation; as an e-extension tool

Abstract

Various traditional and modem technology transfer tools are used in the Coconut Research Institute (CRI) to educate the clients. Interactive Multimedia Compact Disc (IMM CD) programs on coconut is one of the modem e- extension tools among them.
 This research is aimed at evaluation of IMM CD-1 on coconut cultivation, using a quality (features) evaluation test and a utility evaluation test. Eighty three people who visited to the CRI in three groups for trainings were selected under the Convenient Sampling Technique. The groups represented 22 Agriculture Diploma Students, 21 newly recruited Coconut Development Officers (CDOs) and40 innovative, volunteer growers.
 The first two trainee groups i.e.; Agriculture Diploma Students and CDOs together as a group of 43 were made to evaluate qualities in the IMM CD-1 by allowing them to be at CRI auditorium in two groups; using a questionnaire and formulated the responses into individual satisfaction index values. Considering all the values Overall clientele Satisfactory Index Value was calculated and it was 90.38% and this value interpretes the CD being in the highest quality. The satisfaction scores given by the Agriculture students were higher than the scores given by the CDOs while showing the higher e-exposure and the higher competency of e-technology of students. The legibility of the text in the IMM CD has been scored as the best quality.
 The grower group was given the opportunity to buy the CD, use it at home and to respond to a questionnaire with open ended questions to test the overall utility of the CD. After 02 months responses were collected and formulated the results into a SWOT table. This test revealed that IMM CD-1 was highly accepted by the young growers than elderly growers. The elderly growers were not familiar with the e-technology and it was seen their need of computer training. It was obvious that the importance of translation of this CD into Tamil and English languages and to update the technical content timely.