- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
The Using Digital Technology in Extension Education eFieldbook is now available from eXtension. As part of eXtension's New Technologies for Agricultural Extension Cooperative Agreement with USDA-NIFA, Rose Hayden-Smith, UCCE advisor emeritus, has been serving as the Technology in Extension Education Fellow to help extension colleagues leverage technology for outreach. She created the first in a series of eFieldbooks.
The eXtension eFieldbook series provides a digital platform for aggregating content, tools, and engagement, and is available to all professionals in Cooperative Extension.
"It was wonderful to be able to work with valued ANR colleagues to share expertise in social media with Cooperative Extension colleagues across the nation,” Hayden-Smith said. “I am so grateful for all those who contributed content and ideas. Cynthia Kintigh and Liz Sizensky contributed, as did Dan Macon! Cal Nat is featured. Dave Krause wrote a piece and so did Mark Lubell! Jim Downing was a peer reviewer!"
This eFieldbook aims to help Cooperative Extension professionals consider the role of technology in their work, and perhaps increase the adoption of technology, particularly social media. The eFieldbook provides both food for thought and practical information that will enable people to apply what they've learned and to take action.
“One of my favorite historians referred to the Progressive Era as ‘prophetic and particular,'" Hayden-Smith said. “That's how I feel about this eFieldbook. There are these soaring, forward-looking perspective essays by CE colleagues, including Dave Krause, and yet there are also highly actionable pieces, including the leveraging content checklist I worked on with Cynthia Kintigh and Liz Sizensky. I think it's a useful piece of work. The eXtension Foundation also has loads of social media webinars and blog posts that partner with this eFieldbook to create a real guide to social media use in extension."
Topics include:
- A series of perspective essays that explore the nature of technology in Cooperative Extension work and what the future may hold;
- An exploration of two featured technologies with case studies, including a newly created social intranet/audience engagement platform designed for Cooperative Extension, and a popular social media platform (Instagram);
- A section on leveraging the digital information - content - we already produce using technology, including resources about search engine optimization;
- Suggested resources that will support your work; and
- An ongoing series of blog posts to provide additional information to help you stay abreast of technology topics.
The Using Digital Technology in Extension Education eFieldbook is available on the eFieldbook bookshelf at efieldbooks.extension.org, or can be found on the main navigation at connect.extension.org.
A LinkedIn login is required to access the eFieldbooks, instead of setting up an account via email. If you do not have a LinkedIn account, you can register for one free here. The purpose of the LinkedIn login is to provide an encrypted ID to the eFieldbook so users can securely interact with that eFieldbook, take notes and make contributions. The eXtension Foundation is not collecting personal information. To receive notice updates from eXtension, you are invited to opt-in the first time you log in to an eFieldbook by providing your email address.
On Sept. 16 at 11 a.m., Hayden-Smith will host a panel discussion about the eFieldbook. To register, visit https://connect.extension.org/event/digital-technology-efieldbook-webinar.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
UC Cooperative Extension advisor Rose Hayden-Smith has taught schoolchildren at 4-H summer camps about food, inspired Master Gardener volunteers to plant school gardens, led the UC Cooperative Extension office in Ventura County as its first female director, and encouraged fellow University of California scientists to collaborate more on sustainable food systems research as a statewide leader. In recent years, the historian wrote a book about Victory Gardens, created the UC Food Observer, and became a leader in using social media to expand the university's public outreach.
Hayden-Smith, who joined UC Agriculture and Natural Resources in 1992, is reinventing herself again after retiring Jan. 3, 2020. She has been selected to be a Fellow for the eXtension Foundation, to promote adoption of new technology by Cooperative Extension professionals nationwide. She is also launched her own consulting business, Shine Communications.
“I've loved the multi-faceted aspect of my UC career, which has enabled me to serve my community and my colleagues in creative and meaningful ways,” Hayden-Smith said.
Lynnette Coverly was a 4-H volunteer when Hayden-Smith joined UCCE Ventura County.
“Rose struck me immediately as a passionate and organized leader who easily motivated everyone she came in contact with,” Coverly said. “She motivated me personally to get more involved as a 4-H volunteer leader.
During a sabbatical leave, Hayden-Smith worked with deaf and hard-of-hearing students in garden settings. She teamed with the City of Ventura to pilot-test a curriculum for middle-school age youth about sustainability through fun garden activities.
Agriculture and natural resource journalism academies and on-farm programs for court-mandated kids were among other learning opportunities offered by Hayden-Smith, who served as a county commissioner for juvenile justice. She and UCCE advisor Ben Faber received a Distinguished Service Team Award for a career day they created for the county science fair.
“Most recently, I've been working in digital communications in Extension, which has been a wonderful fit for my skills and evolving interests,” Hayden-Smith said. “This work has also brought me back to my early career work in marketing and technology.”
An early adopter of technology, Hayden-Smith began blogging and using Twitter in 2008 as @VictoryGrower, a handle chosen to reflect her expertise in the war-time Victory Garden movement.
“It's a different ‘victory' now, but many of the goals are the same,” Hayden-Smith said. “Gardens connect people with food and food production. Food is fundamental. It's what everyone shares in common. As we are entering a more challenging era of increased population and pressure on resources, it is vital for people to understand how to cultivate food.”
While serving as a Kellogg Food and Society Policy Fellow, beginning in 2008, Hayden-Smith developed a national media and education campaign to promote school, home and community garden efforts and public policies, publishing articles in the Huffington Post and Civil Eats. She served on the USDA People's Garden Advisory Group, visiting the White House garden groundbreaking and again in 2012, when she live-tweeted her experience.
As the social media maven's following grew, she began mentoring and encouraging UC Cooperative Extension colleagues to use social media for outreach and professional networking.
In 2011, Hayden-Smith, who had developed a reputation for being upbeat with a knack for cultivating cooperation, was tapped to lead UC ANR's strategic initiative in sustainable food systems. She was honored for her leadership, work ethic and integrity in 2013, when the Agricultural Sustainability Institute at UC Davis presented her with the Eric Bradford and Charlie Rominger Agricultural Sustainability Leadership Award.
To support UC's Global Food Initiative, Hayden-Smith was asked to curate a selection of news, reports and thought pieces from a broad range of sources that represent diverse perspectives on food. The intent was not to focus on UC, but to facilitate discussions about food that were occurring across many communication platforms. She launched the UC Food Observer blog in 2015 and complemented it with social media.
“Over the course of my UC career, I've worked with the best people: curious, driven to improve communities and inspiring all around,” Hayden-Smith said. “I've been blessed to work for a world-class institution that has fostered my creativity and need for new challenges. My biggest takeaway? It all goes so fast, the possibilities for learning new things are endless, and work – and the people you work with – are a blessing.”
Prior to working for UC, Hayden-Smith worked in the technology sector as a product manager, and public relations and marketing manager for a number of companies, including Tymshare, Wavefront Technologies and McDonnell Douglas Information System Group. She earned her bachelor's degree in English, master's degrees in education and US. history, and a Ph.D. in U.S. history and public historical studies. She began her UC career in 1989 as a student affairs officer at UCSB advising re-entry students.
“Transitions are hard, and I'm filled with both sadness and excitement,” Hayden-Smith said.
To read the full story, visit https://ucanr.edu/News/?routeName=newsstory&postnum=39641.
- Author: Linda Forbes
In 2018, an estimated 2.65 billion people were using social media worldwide, a number projected to increase to 3.1 billion in 2021. YouTube has 2 billion active monthly users who watch how-to content regularly. Roughly 70% of adults use Facebook, which is consistently a top source of online referrals to the UC ANR website.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and other social platforms provide tools for UC ANR to expand our reach to more people who can use our research-based information to better their lives and businesses.
UC ANR colleagues who use social media for outreach will have an opportunity to discuss their tactics and strategies during three upcoming webinars being offered by Rose Hayden-Smith, UCCE advisor in Ventura County.
1. Nov. 25 Social Café -- Writing for Readability
Join Hayden-Smith on Monday, Nov. 25, at 11:30 a.m. for a 30-minute webinar that will provide essential writing tips designed to help you improve the readability of your work. The Social Cafe is an informal, monthly "drop in" session that explores various social media topics.
https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/751701428
2. Dec. 11 Facebook Webinar
Communicating Your Story: Facebook
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019
11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/751701428
Presenters: Rose Hayden-Smith and Strat Comm
Facebook has become an important part of communicating our stories. Ever wonder if the platform is right for you? In this fast-paced webinar, we'll cover the basics of communicating your story through Facebook, including:
- Why you might want to use Facebook;
- Techniques and best practices to get started…or get better;
- Using images and video to enhance your posts;
- Quick tips for effectively and efficiently using the site.
Participants will also be provided access to a range of resources and tools to support their Facebook efforts, including samples, tip and FAQ sheets, guidelines, and more.
3. Dec. 12 Social Café -- Setting 2020 social media goals
Join Hayden-Smith for a 30-minute Social Cafe webinar on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 11:30 a.m. The Social Cafe is an informal, monthly "drop in" session that explores various social media topics. This Social Cafe will focus on setting 2020 social media goals.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social networking service. "It's an ideal place to share your ANR story,"Hayden-Smith says.
In this fast-paced webinar, the two UCCE advisors will cover the basics of using Instagram, building a great profile, publishing posts, creating Instagram stories and more.
Discussion topics will include:
- Techniques and best practices to use the platform most effectively.
- A few quick tips for using your smart phone to shoot pictures and video (and for posting).
- Finding your online community and building an audience for your work.
- Tips to manage your Instagram account efficiently.
Participants will also be provided access to a range of resources and tools to support their Instagram efforts.
Join via Zoom:
https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/751701428
1 669 900 6833 or +1 646 558 8656
Webinar ID: 751 701 428
- Author: Jodi Azulai
Communicating Your Story: LinkedIn
Date: Thursday January 3, 2019
Time: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Zoom link:
https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/751701428 [Corrected link 1/3/19]
1 669 900 6833 or +1 646 558 8656
Webinar ID: 751 701 428
Presenters: Rose Hayden-Smith and Surendra Dara
Many of us think of LinkedIn as a professional networking tool. But with a powerful publishing platform and an ability to post links, it's also an ideal place to share your ANR story and grow a network of people who are interested in your work. In this fast-paced webinar, we'll cover the basics of building a great LinkedIn profile, publishing posts and more, including:
- Techniques and best practices to use the platform most effectively
- Publishing a blog post on LinkedIn
- Finding your online community
- Tips to manage your LinkedIn account efficiently
Participants will also be provided access to a range of resources and tools to support their LinkedIn efforts, including samples, tip and FAQ sheets, guidelines and more.
WebANR
Communicating Your Story: Blogging Basics
Date: Thursday, January 10, 2019
Time: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Zoom link:
https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/751701428 [Corrected link 1/3/19]
669 900 6833 or 646 558 8656
Webinar ID: 344 294 468
Presenter: Rose Hayden-Smith
This will be a streamed recording with live Q&A.
In this fast-paced webinar, we'll cover the basics of communicating your story through blogging, including:
- Why you should blog
- Techniques and best practices to get started…or get better
- Crafting catchy headlines and smart ledes
- Using images and video to enhance your posts
- Using your blog on the ANR website and on other publishing platforms, including LinkedIn
- Quick tips for effectively using sitebuilder
Participants will also be provided access to a range of resources and tools to support their blogging efforts, including samples, tip and FAQ sheets, guidelines and more.
Please Step Away from the Podium: Strategies for supporting adult learners
Date: Thursday January 17, 2019
Time: noon-12:30 p.m.
Zoom link:
https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/751701428 [Corrected link 1/3/19]
669 900 6833 or 646 558 8656
Webinar ID: 963 167 636
Presenter: Lynn Brock
Simple steps you can take to:
- Create workshops, trainings or classes that are engaging and memorable
- Facilitate sessions where learners feel included, respected, and motivated
Measuring and Communicating Impacts of UC Master Gardener Program: Statewide outcome evaluation Year 1 findings
Date: Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Time: 11 a.m.-noon
Zoom link:
https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/751701428
669 900 6833 or +1 646 558 8656
Webinar ID: 751 701 428
Presenters: Kit Alviz, Missy Gable, Tamekia Wilkins and Katherine Webb-Martinez
Participants will gain:
- Understanding of the UC Master Gardener Program's statewide outcome evaluation design, year one findings and lessons learned
- Understanding of feasibility for an ANR program to collect follow-up survey responses (3 months post event; 30%+ response rate)
- Examples of how behavior change outcomes can be communicated in relation to ANR condition changes
Lessons learned from data collection and analysis that can be considered for other statewide and academic programs
Communicating Your Story: Instagram
Date: January 24, 2019
Time: 10a.m.-11 a.m.
Zoom link:
https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/751701428 [Corrected link 1/3/19]
669 900 6833 or 646 558 8656
Webinar ID: 509 908 913
Presenters: Rose Hayden-Smith and Dan Macon
Instagram is a photo- and video-sharing social networking service. It's an ideal place to share your ANR story. In this fast-paced webinar, we'll cover the basics of using Instagram, building a great profile, publishing posts and more, including:
- Techniques and best practices to use the platform most effectively
- A few quick tips for using your smart phone to shoot pictures and video (and for posting)
- Finding your online community and building an audience for your work
- Tips to manage your Instagram account efficiently
Participants will also be provided access to a range of resources and tools to support their Instagram efforts, including samples, tip and FAQ sheets, guidelines and more.
Communicating Your Story: Facebook Essentials
Date: January 31, 2019
Time: 10-11am
Zoom link:
https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/751701428 [Corrected link 1/3/19]
669 900 6833 or 646 558 8656
Webinar ID: 461 004 579
Presenter: Rose Hayden-Smith
Facebook has become an important part of communicating our stories. Ever wonder if the platform is right for you? In this fast-paced webinar, we'll cover the basics of communicating your story through Facebook, including:
- Why you might want to use Facebook
- Techniques and best practices to get started…or get better
- Using images and video to enhance your posts
- Quick tips for effectively and efficiently using the site
Participants will also be provided access to a range of resources and tools to support their Facebook efforts, including samples, tip and FAQ sheets, guidelines and more.
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Webinar and in-person:
Stellar interview techniques
Date: Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019
“Tell me about yourself,” is often the first of many interview questions. Have you ever struggled with answering this question or others in an interview? Are you unsure about how to share your accomplishments? The STAR interview technique (STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result) can help you provide concrete examples of your experience and skills for the job. In this workshop, discover the best ways to use the STAR technique to prepare for a successful interview.
In person (UC Davis) and also available via webinar:
Time: Noon-1 p.m.
Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/439807305
669 900 6833 or 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 439 807 305
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Please let us know if you are interested (interest survey) in participating in the next Collaborative Facilitation and Group Process Tools Workshop.
It is open to all UC ANR academic and staff employees, including Statewide Program volunteers. The training is limited to 25 participants. Priority will be given to people who have not already taken a facilitation training through ANR (such as Essential Facilitation).
Date: March 25 and 26, 2019; and June 24, 2019
Location: Davis, CA
This two-day (March), in-person training will be followed by a follow up, one-day (June) in-person training.
Desired Outcomes:
- To learn collaborative facilitation techniques
- To increase the effectiveness and efficiency of your collaborative processes
- To increase your comfort level in applying facilitation skills
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UC Women's Initiative for Professional Development
This year, nine ANR women graduated from the UC Women's Initiative for Professional Development (UC WI). This experiential professional development program for women was designed to elevate women in leadership, establish a pipeline for advancement, and contribute to women's and UC's success. ANR's graduates are:
- Lisa Blecker, associate director, Pesticide Safety Education Program and Office of Pesticide Information and Coordination
- Vanity Campbell, proposal development coordinator, Office of Contracts and Grants
- Mary Ciricillo, director, California 4-H Foundation
- Trisha Dinh, financial manager, Youth, Families, and Communities
- Sabrina Drill, natural resources advisor, UCCE Ventura
- Jennifer Heguy, advisor, UCCE Merced
- Kat Hicklin, business officer, South Coast REC and UCCE Orange
- Sonia Scott, administrative officer, UCOP
- Allison Smith, principal agriculture technician
Several graduates shared their experience on how the program impacted them.
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Being an effective and professional people manager takes many skills and considerable development and the best people managers develop both their employees and themselves.
One of the ways ANR people managers have been developing themselves is by completing UC People Management Series Certificate modules and participating in monthly facilitated networking calls to review what they've learned, ask other supervisors for advice, and share successes. Participants enjoy scenario-based role-playing, a fun and challenging group assignment, and networking. Interested in our 2019 networking calls? Fill out this survey.
Kari Arnold, CE advisor, UCCE Stanislaus: The UC People Management Series helped me think about how to interact with employees and colleagues in ways that are welcoming and understanding. I feel more confident in a management role knowing how to communicate productively with others.
Petr Kosina, content developer, UC IPM: The monthly networking calls helped me to be on track with required online courses. For me, the most useful were discussions on giving and receiving feedback and conducting performance appraisals which were well-timed so that I was able to almost immediately test in practice some of the suggested approaches and best practices.
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Lynda.com
Simple communication is just a transaction, an exchange of mere words, which anyone can do. It's not that impressive. Now, in contrast, rapport is about building a bond. It's about sharing not just words, but feelings and emotions as well. So, why should you care? Because the next level of rapport establishes stronger connections, deeper relationships, and that almost always leads to higher productivity and better retention.
To start injecting more of that next-level conversation into your team, learn more here: How to Build Game-Changing Rapport.
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Tuesday, April 23 - Thursday, April 25, 2019
Kearney Agricultural Research & Extension Center (KARE)
Parlier, CA
The UC ANR Programmatic Orientation will be taking place April 23 - 25, 2019. The orientation is designed to help academics jump start their programs by focusing on program design and showcasing successful projects of other ANR academics.
Who should attend: Open to all early career UC Cooperative Extension advisors, UC Cooperative Extension specialists, academic coordinators, academic administrators and Agricultural Experiment Station faculty who were unable to attend in the past.
SAVE THE DATE: New Administrative Academic and Staff Orientation
Thursday, May 30, 2019
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
UC ANR Building, 2801 Second Street, Davis, CA 95618
Who should attend the UC ANR Administrative New Academic and Staff Orientation: All UC ANR Employees (academics, staff and affiliated staff on campuses, counties and RECs) who have not participated in an administrative orientation in the past. Priority will be given to those hired by ANR within the past year.
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ANR Lynda.com account users will be upgraded to LinkedIn Learning in January! During the week of Jan. 14, users will receive an email showing that you have been upgraded. In the email, you'll be asked to accept your new LinkedIn Learning account. What will you find in your upgrade?
- A new intuitive interface
- Course links to related external content
- The ability to connect your LinkedIn profile to LinkedIn Learning
- Increased learner engagement
- Personalized course recommendations