TEXAS 4-H TECHNOLOGY TEAM

"Make computers and technology an integral part of all 4-H program areas to prepare youth to be productive citizens of tomorrow."

Texas 4-H will reach its communities by means of computers, newspapers, radio broadcasts, and listserves to get youth involved in the technology program creating an active 4-H and youth development technology project.

4-H’ers will use information technology in order to increase their own technological life skills. Being more technologically savvy is an added plus in today’s world. This in doing so creates a better, more intelligent and informed workforce for the next generation. Technology programs give young people the chance to teach and learn, which will give youth confidence and direction in pursuing later career paths and opportunities, not only in technology, but other environments as well.

Mission:

Make computers and technology an intergral part of all 4-H program areas to prepare youth to be productive citizens of tomorrow.

Objectives:

• Improve the communication throughout the 4-H program through websites, email lists, newsletters, and other electronic media.
• Use technology to provide outreach and commitment, strengthening technology programs and bring all parts of Texas together to educate, provide community support, share ideas and bridge the technical/ geographical gap.
• Promote the importance and utilization of technology in all traditional and non-traditional 4-H projects for the enhancement of the experience and to expose opportunities for future careers.
• Use technology education to promote a broader view of the 4-H image.
• Through participation in the 4-H technology team, members will develop valuable leadership skills and career development opportunities.

Target audience – youth, adult volunteers, industry, sponsors and donors/resource groups

Goals of Action Plan

The technology team has identify both short term and long term goals for the initial development of the project and state team. The short term goals will be accomplished in six months to one year and the long term goals have been established for the one to two year period.

Short-Term Goals (6mos-1yr)

• Use of SPUD vehicle for demonstration of GPS/GIS systems.
• Reorganize 4-H website-preview at Roundup ‘05.
• Integrate technology into other camps such as SPECTRA/ PrimeTime
• Secure grants and funding for continuation and expansion of 4-H technology project.
• Provided an educational workshop with cross generational audiences such as the 4-H Center Spring Fling and/or October Fest.
• Recruitment of new members.
• Secure team member software for project promotion, development and enhancement.
• Conduct monthly AIM conference with committee members.

Long-Term Goals (1yr-2yr)

• Transform current club/district/state Reporter officer position into one of a Informational Officer to more effectively communicate the operations of the particular 4-H organization..
• Secure long term funding and support for technology project to continuation and enhancement of committee and purpose.
• Work cooperatively with Associate Director for 4-H and Youth Development to establish a full-time (1 FTE) 4-H Technology Specialist to address youth programming in the project area of technology.
• Develop “workshops in a box” which include hardware and software that can be used at the local and county level for the teaching of new technology. Establish an interactive website that allows 4-H members to post or plot their 4-H club on a map of Texas.
• Development a suggested list of community service projects related to technology that 4-H members can participate in.
• Development a hardware mobile lab for use by clubs, county’s and districts.
• Establish county and district 4-H web corps to maintain and continual update sites which timely information related to the 4-H program
• Establish Robotics project as part of the technology area.

Identified Team Member Education Topics

The education and advancement of the members serving on the state technology team is very important to the success of the project. By having highly skilled and educated members the team can be more effective in the advancement of the project across the state.

• GPS/GIS
• HTML/Basic Web Pages
• Graphic Design
• Designing Educational Programs
• Teaching Others

Contest

While the main focus of the technology project will be education of technology and its intergration into all 4-H projects, the state technology team has identified one contests for allow youth to demonstrate the knowledge gained through either the technology project or another 4-H project.

Available to as many counties as possible

• Three part
  • -Spreadsheet (Excel)
  • -Publisher Type Contest
  • - Power Point
• Type of Hardware/Software
• Examples of project
• Interview Evaluation Process
• 3hr contest length

Resources Needed

In order for the technology project and team to be successful both human and fiscal resources need to be impaled into the project. Such things include:

• Grant money from created partnerships on local, district and state levels.
• More facilities, hardware and software for 4-H’ers.
• Broadband Internet Access.
• State level Extension Specialist dedicated to the advancement and development of technology functions.

Challenge/Obstacles

Many challenges and obstacles will be faced by the project and team. Some of those challenges identify include:

• Counties do not know what is going on in 4-H related to Technology.
• Communication – in general with 4-H program and opportunities.
• 4-H Website needs to be more interactive and informative.
• The difference of software from Extension to clientele.
• Specialist support from 4-H and Youth Development Program.
• Geographical size of Texas.
• Diversity (focusing on so many cultures, etc).

Texas Tech Team Recruitment Plan

For the state level team to continue, we must also be recruiting new members to serve on the team. The state team will be implementing the following recruitment plan.

1. Members will serve no more than two (2) years on the team.
2. Applications will be submitted during the Spring of each year, interviewed at Texas 4-H Roundup and begin on September 1 with new 4-H year.
3. Second year members wishing to continue will submit a letter of continuation and shortened application highlighting successes with the project.
4. All members will go through a review by the adult volunteers.

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Page last updated: August 18, 2007