Greenhouse Online Training at the University of Florida IFAS Extension

A new Greenhouse Training Online program was initiated in 2015 at the University of Florida.  The objective was to deliver multilingual professional development training on horticultural science for greenhouse growers, from the U.S. and developing countries, many of whom have limited access to formal training in horticulture. Three courses related to greenhouse and nutrient management were delivered in English and Spanish using an eLearning platform during 2015, where each course consisted of eight pre-recorded lessons and associated assignments over four weeks. Interactive feedback was provided via email or chat sessions, with a final course evaluation survey. A total of 444 students enrolled and 363 graduated (82%). Participants included 67 (19%) international, and 57 (16%) took lessons in Spanish. We conducted end-of-class surveys for three of the four classes.  Results indicated that 50-56% of the participants were growers and 57-88% in the U.S., representing 31-47 companies or organizations. In all classes, students ranged from having no experience in greenhouses or nurseries, to having more than 10 years in the business. A total of 38-53% indicated that their highest level of education or training in horticulture was either learned on the job, or in high school. For Greenhouse 101, students rating their knowledge of plant science for greenhouse production as either very good or expert before and after taking the course, increased from 30% to 81%.  For Nutrient Management 1 and Nutrient Management 2, students rating their knowledge of plant nutrition as either very good or expert before and after taking the course, increased from 23% to 76%, and from 30% to 77%.  These three courses will be taught again in from May to November 2016, with the addition of new courses in Plant Diseases and Weed Management.