Distance Education: Perceived Barriers and Opportunities Related to Extension Program Delivery

A Delphi study was conducted to determine obstacles, advantages, and potential topics that could be developed related to distance education as perceived by Extension educators. Respondents suggested that clientele connectivity, clientele lack of technology, and lack of competencies associated with technologies were major obstacles for distance education utilization. Respondents identified savings in travel time and travel expenses, reaching new audiences, and opportunities for multiple delivery systems as major advantages of distance education. Respondents said programs focused on lawn, ornamental, household gardening; general horticulture; and pesticide usage were highly valued and could be successful with clientele