Mapping Technology Use in the Canadian Agriculture Extension Ecosystem

Online educational approaches can apply adult learning principles to help with knowledge exchange. Extension agents play many roles, and in recent years, using technology to help disseminate information is yet another skill set asked of these professionals. Using online technologies to assist with knowledge exchange and co-creation could be an area where the Canadian extension sector innovates. The purpose of this research is to understand how extension professionals in Canada use digital technologies in knowledge exchange and co-creation. A mixed methods approach using a pragmatist theoretical lens to understand the experience of online knowledge transfer in Canadian agriculture. An autobiographical narrative inquiry was completed to understand the experience of technology use from an extension and farmer perspective. This was followed by an environmental scan to understand the Canadian extension context which led to an online content analysis of a subset of the extension organizations to gain insight on the approaches currently used. Finally, an ecosystem mapping process will be used to build a more complete understanding of the Canadian extension network. While results are preliminary, the main themes such as the impacts of context, time, leadership in technology implementation and knowledge co-creation have emerged in the research. This research can help individuals, organizations and other institutions understand the opportunities and challenges in knowledge exchange and co-creation using digital technologies. The Canadian extension network can be positioned to forge a unique identity that serves a diverse industry across an expansive landscape using digital technologies.