The 2010 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
This workshop will explore the various social networking tools available such as Twitter, Facebook, Ning, blogs, and others, and describe how these tools might be used to assist in delivering Extension programming or better allow Extension staff or Extension staff and clients to interact.

Web 2.0, social networking, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs...  The Internet is now much more than just a place to host content.  Static Web pages have given way to dynamic portals where users constantly exchange and upgrade information. How do we in horticulture, and more specifically, we who deliver Extension information in horticulture, engage these new tools?  Or do we engage them--is the learning curve too steep for adopting these resources compared to the professional and personal rewards for using them?  How do we ensure our content remains objective and reliable? How do we set our content apart from other sources and receive credit for its development?  What rules do we follow when engaging the public through social media?  This workshop will highlight some of the social networking tools available and discuss how these tools may be useful in Extension programming and maintaining contact with colleagues and clientele.