Paul Hill
  • Blog
  • Innovation Training
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact
@PaulHill_io

How to Fix Extension: Part VIII

9/6/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
I just read this alarming blog post by Greg Hutchins, Associate Vice Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Extension.  He calls for Extension to stop ignoring the public's appetite for all things digital; to stop discounting the different ways future consumers will be expecting to get information; and to stop expecting Extension budgets to remain stable.

I know, I know, while this call to action sounds completely outrageous, Greg does a superb job explaining that, "content is not enough," and how Extension must pursue new strategies for growing its audience...which requires a "digital first" philosophy.
  
Greg points out that, "The New York Times, the third largest newspaper in the U.S., has experienced a decline in subscriber numbers in recent years – a common trend in print media." 

While Extension has a different mission than The New York Times and other content providers, the comparison is appropriate because we both need the eyeballs of users/readers/clients to consume (and utilize) our content -- face-to-face and especially online. It's eyeballs that determine relevancy and attract funding in the private as well as public sector. 

A digital makover for Extension is critical...and it starts with hiring a new generation of professionals who think and act digitally. We need people who won't make excuses about using technology; people who will seek and adapt new technologies to work smarter, not harder. 

While not everyone is connected at this very moment, we'll all be in the near future. 'Connected' is where everything is headed and if we don't "skate to where the puck will be" then we'll continue to see Extension shrink into obscurity.

I want to know about your ideas and what you are doing to think digital first. Please comment below or find me on  twitter and lets share. I want to fix Extension (#FixExt) together.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Paul Hill, Ph.D.

    ​I design, plan, and evaluate economic development programs for Utah State University. 


    Archives

    September 2022
    December 2020
    August 2020
    August 2018
    February 2018
    February 2017
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011


    RSS Feed


    Search this site:
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Blog
  • Innovation Training
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact