Ecology and Management of Grazing, An Online Course

Ecology and Management of Grazing, An Online Course

Summary

This project will use a web-based course with interactive video technologies to provide science based, interdisciplinary training to land management professionals, government agency personnel and staff from NGOs who manage or influence the management of grazinglands throughout the state. The interdisciplinary nature of this course should make it interesting and useful to range management professionals, animal scientists, ranchers, grazing managers, agriculture and science teachers, restoration ecologists, conservation and wildlife biologists and other natural resource managers.

Objectives/Performance Targets

We propose to
1) make small revisions to Module 1 based on the October 2008 evaluation by 30 undergraduate students,
2) begin delivering Module 1 to the target audience in 2009,
3) complete 10-20 minute narrated documentary videos and narrated PowerPoint presentations for Modules 2-4,
4) compile reading assignments for modules 2-4,
5) develop practical interactive exercises for Modules 2-4, and
6) develop a series of self tests using UC Davis SmartSite (a course management website).

Accomplishments/Milestones

We have completed the content and narratives for Module 1 and currently 51 people are registered for this online learning module. In addition 26 people have completed Module 1. We have completed narrated documentary videos and narrated PowerPoint presentations for Modules 2-4 and they are currently undergoing testing/evaluation by natural resource professionals. We have compiled reading assignments for each module and placed them on the course website. We are currently completing/evaluating interactive exercises and self-tests for Modules 2-4. During the remainder of this project we will 1) complete modules 2-4 following user testing, 2) register students into modules 2-4, and 3) compile evaluations by students who complete the course modules.

Collaborators: