Instructor Attitudes toward Interactive Television for Training Master Gardeners at a Distance

Abstract

Master Gardener training was delivered via interactive television (IT) or face-to-face (FTF) in 1996 and 1997. Following 1997 training, instructors were surveyed to determine if the method of program delivery influenced their perceptions of Master Gardener training. Most instructors preferred FTF program delivery as compared to IT training. More preparation time was spent in developing lecture notes, text slides, and visual aids for IT vs. FTF training. Although instructors were more comfortable with FTF training than IT programming, their comfort level with IT training increased with experience. A major reason for instructor discomfort with IT was the lack of personal contact with trainees. Although lack of interactivity was identified as a limiting factor with IT training, trainees monopolizing time during sessions was a major constraint for FTF training. In spite of instructor preference for FTF Master Gardener training, nearly all instructors indicated a willingness to teach IT training again. Motivating factors for future IT training included less night time instruction, less need to travel, job efficiency, and the opportunity to use new technology.