ARS | Publication request: An overview of extention "all about blueberries" website

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 1, 2011
Publication Date: February 5, 2011
Citation: Attaway, D., Hummel, N., Coneva, E.D., Braswell, J., Cline, W.O., Marshall, D.A., Ferrin, D.M., Machtmes, K. 2011. An overview of extention "all about blueberries" website. HortScience. 46(9):S20.

Technical Abstract: The All About Blueberries Community of Practice (CoP) was created to help blueberry growers in the southeastern United States maximize productivity and decrease production costs. This CoP uses novel, diverse educational methods to help its Community of Interest (CoI) increase blueberry production efficiency and correspondingly increase consumption of blueberries in the southeastern United States. Participating in a CoP is advantageous for agents/researchers in that it allows for enhancement of professional contacts and teamwork, as well as improved awareness of research and extension in other land-grant universities. In addition to these assets, creating and/ or being involved in a CoP allows principal investigators (PIs)to learn leadership, organization, and delegation. It allows for exposure to novel tools, such as new software, etc., and it gives opportunities for participation in eXtension workshops. The process for promotion and tenure is being revised to encourage participation in eXtension. The information platform used by a CoP is limitless, including posting You Tube video content, audio and video “podcasts,” online interactive maps, Moodle courses, online interactive diagrams, traditional text and photo webpages, FAQs, Ask the Expert services, and so on. The All About Blueberries CoP is always looking for more experts to join our community. An eXtension ID is required in order to join a CoP. To register for an eXtension ID, go to http://about.extension.org S38 HortScience 46(9) (Supplement)—2011 SR–ASHS Annual Meeting—February 5–7, 2011