Differential Skills and Competencies Required of Agricultural Extension Educators on Web-based Services

웹담당 농촌지도요원의 직무수행능력과 문제점 인식에 대한 연구

As Internet and World Wide Web become more popular in our society, the interests in effective application to the field of rural development and agricultural extension service are increasing. The potential in Web-based agricultural extension service is expressed in many areas, such as agriculture information, Web-based training and education, and virtual rural community for rural development and agricultural extension service. The research on the Web and its related issues has been conducted in many ways, but the interests in the competencies and skills of staff who are in charge of Web developing and managing have not been exposed yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the important competencies and skills for Web developing and managing for enhancing the effectiveness of rural development and agricultural extension service. Twelve extension service staff and on staff in the extension service support center were interviewed. The results of study showed that there were eight essential competencies; competencies to understand rural community and agricultural extension service, to understand the farmers as Web users, to design and develop effective Web sites, to understand the nature of hypertext, to utilize instruction theories, to absorb new technology, to manage projects, and to utilize external sources. The results of study also showed that there was lack of support systems for Web development and information. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that establishing long-term education and training system for technology, electronic performance support systems, and cooperation with universities and colleges for technology are of particular importance for promoting Web-based extension services.