In an increasingly interconnected world, Connectivity is the lifeline that bridges gaps, fosters knowledge sharing and empowers people to thrive in various socio-economic spheres.. But how important is connectivity for farming communities?
Endless network, a global organization committed to addressing equity disparities, strategically invests around the world to address challenges such as insufficient Internet access. This article explores the impactful initiatives undertaken by 4-H, an organization supported by Endless Network. The four Hs of 4-H (Head, Heart, Hands, and Health) embody values cultivated through experiential learning initiatives. 4-H affiliation with land-grant universitiesspecifically through the Cooperative Extension Systemalso guarantees a solid foundation of research and science for an organization dedicated to youth development.
Recently, EdSurge spoke with Kathleen Lodl about their experiences working with 4-H. Lodl serves two roles at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, as associate dean of Nebraska Extension and the state 4-H program administrator. In that capacity, he provides leadership for Nebraska Extension's youth and family programs, a vital component of the land-grant university system, enabling access to teaching and research on campuses in all 93 Nebraska counties across 83 offices. As a 4-H administrator, she focuses on providing hands-on, non-formal learning experiences designed for youth ages nine to 19, emphasizing age-appropriate activities primarily in the space outside of school.
EdSurge: What are the key focus areas of 4-H programming and how have they evolved over time?
Lodl: 4-H has evolved beyond its agricultural roots, focusing on empowering youth to succeed. Agriculture (including livestock, farming, and water-related education) and leadership and decision-making skills remain critical. Additionally, we have expanded into science, technology and engineering with leading programs in robotics and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to spark the interest and enthusiasm of young people in various content areas.
When we think about programming, we encourage hands-on activities. While we typically match all of our learning objectives to state and national standards, we can get a little more creative. We give kids the opportunity to immerse themselves in curated, age-appropriate activities that end with something great. We want them to question, reason and think critically. We start with some basic tools and experiments, planting the seed. But children go further: we ask them to solve problems and provide them with the resources they need. That's where connectivity comes in: how do they get information, explore, and maybe talk to a scientist or learn about some new technology? Connectivity is the key that allows them to find answers and make decisions based on data.
We envision the next generation as outstanding leaders and citizens. However, the challenge lies in addressing disparities in access, especially in underserved communities where Internet connectivity is crucial. Many young people lack consistent access to resources, which hinders their development.
How does 4-H address connectivity challenges in underserved communities and what creative solutions have been implemented to ensure consistent access to resources?
We are deeply involved in underserved communities and often collaborate with local vendors to establish portable access (internet and hardware) for specific events or programming. One of our goals is to demonstrate the tangible benefits of such initiatives to decision makers, presenting a compelling case for long-term commitment and allocation of necessary resources, particularly in remote rural areas. (Internet) access is limited to specific times in some communities or requires unconventional measures such as sitting in a car on a hill to connect. We strive to partner strategically to remove these barriers and ensure young people have consistent, reliable access to the resources they need.
It is a continuous effort; We recognize the vital role of connectivity in the education of young people. At the same time, we work to convey the importance of connectivity to communities, emphasizing its role in attracting and retaining young talent. Recognizing that young people equipped with new skills from college are more likely to return to communities with such assets, we aim to empower them to express this importance to community leaders. This is especially vital for rural areas to flourish as the ability to work remotely expands.
During the pandemic, we started something called Learning in the living room Provide at-home activities for youth. Out of the need for connectivity, we conducted virtual STEM lessons, such as the popular glitter bomb experiment, engaging children across the country in (video conferencing). This effort highlighted the importance of connectivity, leading us to explore creative solutions, such as providing hotspots or using local library and extension offices for internet connections. The success of Living Room Learning prompted the development of a new program called CLOVERa national online initiative sponsored by the National 4-H Council in partnership with the Land-Grant University System, to provide interactive and exciting activities for all ages 5-18. The CLOVER experience shows the potential of connecting youth with shared interests, creating an increase in participation and leading to sustained participation in local 4-H programs.
CLOVER, in alignment with the 4-H shamrock symbol, offers youth who may lack local access to certain content areas the opportunity to explore topics from other communities, such as pollinators, electricity, or financial management. CLOVER offers in-depth lessons to build excitement, connect young learners across the country with shared interests, foster relationships, and expand knowledge. By using this online approach, we believe we can reach more youth in new ways, drawing them into the broader 4-H platform for greater learning and growth.
We are constantly exploring partnerships to improve infrastructure for young people. Recognizing that many young people have access to school, we expanded our focus to time outside of school. This involves transforming schools into community centers with extended hours and open spaces, facilitating access to the internet and equipment. We explored options such as obtaining grants to allow students to take technology out of schools, such as laptops. The emphasis is on ensuring widespread broadband access to these resources.
Additionally, we believe our impact extends beyond the individual youth to encompass the entire family. Many of our projects are designed to involve families, even if the initial work is done on a specific site. Whether completing tasks related to projects at home or participating in joint activities, families play a crucial role. This underscores the importance of connectivity in the home, highlighting the essential need for access to resources that support ongoing engagement and participation.
How does connectivity impact agriculture?
Connectivity is essential in agriculture, especially in remote and rural areas. For crop producers, real-time access to experts allows for rapid assessment of field conditions, addressing issues such as disease or weed control. Furthermore, connectivity is crucial in agricultural research focused on increasing yields and better management of inputs such as water and fertilizers. It allows you to monitor individual plants, collect data and facilitate timely interventions. In precision agriculture, connectivity transforms water use efficiency, enabling precise irrigation. This use of technology also creates new excitement around career opportunities in the evolving agricultural sector. For example, the integration of technology, such as tagging animals for remote monitoring, is reshaping animal husbandry practices. Drones are being used to monitor crops. At its core, connectivity is a driving force behind transformative changes in agricultural production and opens new career paths for young people.
How can teachers take advantage of the local extension system and 4-H programs?
Teachers can leverage their local extension system and collaborate with 4-H educators. Exploring connectivity options, such as those available at local libraries and Extension offices, can enrich learning experiences outside of school. The partnership with Extension System allows for hands-on programming during after-school hours, encouraging a complementary approach to education. By bringing formal and non-formal systems together, teachers and the Extension System can collectively advocate for greater connectivity, making a strong case for community-wide participation.
