Integrating Extension Instruction and Traditional Student Learning Using a Hybrid Course Format

One-credit topic-focused module courses in fruit and vegetable production are replacing a previous multiple-credit production course series at South Dakota State University.  These modules are offered sequentially throughout a semester to provide flexibility in our fruit and vegetable production course offerings.  It was hoped that the new modified short-course format would also attract local producers and county-based extension educators.  To further realize that outreach goal, we began using Desire2Learn (D2L), an online course delivery system, to deliver the majority of the course content, including readings, links to videos and other content, quizzes, and discussion boards.   However, access for potential students living at a further distance across the state was still hindered by a requirement that students meet weekly on campus for discussions, guest speakers, and various hands-on activities.  In 2011, we altered the setup to include a “Continuing Education” (CEU) option, which allows non-University learners to take the course for continuing education credits, at a considerable cost savings compared to receiving university credit.  In addition, we offered these students the option of joining the weekly classroom discussions via Skype, a software application for conference voice calls over the Internet.  Our initial course offered in this manner was “Organic Vegetable Production,” with outside participation deliberately limited (18 traditional + 2 CEU students) in order to test the system.   With positive feedback, we publicized our next course “Tomatoes & Peppers,” and enrolled a total of 35 students, 19 CEU and 16 traditional.  The CEU students bring a level of enthusiasm, practical production experience, and insight to class discussion that contributes greatly to student learning.   This format allows us to maximize both teaching and extension effectiveness, by creating a synergistic learning environment despite limited resources.