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Virtual
Enhancements
In an age where
technology changes at an exponential rate, the Western region has
accepted the challenge. Web sites, inactive virtual space,
online-video feeds, downloadable textbooks, live discussion
groups and e-mail are just a few of the course enchantments
employed across the region.
 Washington State University,
in cooperation with the University of Idaho and Oregon
State University, are now offering distance B.S. and M.S.
degrees in agriculture. With more than 475 students
participating, “Tri-State Agricultural Distance Alliance
Delivery System” has attracted students far beyond the Pacific
Northwest, including Los Angeles, Maine, New York, Egypt and Abu
Dhabi.
The University of Nevada
has launched the “Extension Coffee Shop” a free online,
subscription-only e-mail question and answer service for western
livestock producers. By gathering information from ECS on pricing
protein supplements one rancher saved $11,500. While discussions
on postpartum supplement and its effect on second conception,
saved a number of subscribers $10,000.
 To address K-12
teachers’ professional development classes in remote areas,
University of Arizona has built the "Command
Center". “This technology enabled me to complete my degree
without traveling 230 miles or paying the added expense. I was
able to see the professor on video, and could still interact and
ask questions by email.”-David Amavisca, Cibola High School.
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