Extension Educators Widen Reach Through Community-Focused Undergraduate Online Teaching

Abstract

This new online course, taught by extension nutrition educators, aims to increase undergraduate students’ knowledge of community interventions that address obesity and related chronic diseases. Juniors/Seniors enrolled at the State University. Historically, the educational domain of Extension Nutrition Educators has been community, not campus, settings, where they utilize practical experience in fostering behavior change to decrease the risk of chronic disease. A new opportunity provided a forum for experienced Extension Nutrition Educators to bring their technical knowledge and teaching/interpersonal skills in the area of obesity and chronic disease prevention to undergraduate students for the first time. Often, universities and their surrounding communities co-exist but remain divided. Teaching online undergraduate courses has allowed Extension faculty to connect students to the larger community, helping to narrow that divide. An online Junior/Senior colloquium course was created by Extension Educators with nutrition and public health expertise. The course focuses on understanding the causes, assessment, and treatment of obesity and related chronic diseases, as well as an opportunity to explore first hand community programs which target obesity prevention and management. The course is part of a new Extension-sponsored minor in Community Health Outreach which includes a practicum that pairs students with county-based Extension Nutrition Educators for real-world experience in nutrition education and health promotion. After 3 semesters, and a total of 75 enrolled students, university course evaluations have indicated favorable reviews. Extension Nutrition Educators can broaden their reach and engage and benefit new audiences through application of their knowledge and skills in undergraduate online teaching.