| Session Title: Mapping Extension’s Networks: Using Social Network Analysis to Explore Extension Outreach |
| Demonstration Session 733 to be held in CROCKETT A on Saturday, Nov 13, 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM |
| Sponsored by the Extension Education Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Scott Chazdon, University of Minnesota, schazdon@umn.edu |
| Tom Bartholomay, University of Minnesota, barth020@umn.edu |
| Mary Marczak, University of Minnesota, marcz001@umn.edu |
| Kate Walker, University of Minnesota, kcwalker@umn.edu |
| Abstract: A major component of the infrastructure supporting Extension’s educational mission is the network of relationships connecting Extension professionals to organizations across the state. Yet few formal evaluations have explored the Extension-wide connections or networks with external organizations. Given the importance of relationships in Extension’s delivery strategies, University of Minnesota Extension recognized a need to better understand the breadth and depth of its organizational network using Social Network Analysis (SNA) methodology. This demonstration session reports key insights on the methodology, project planning, results, and uses of the Mapping Extension’s Networks study. The presenters will demonstrate how the data were collected (using online survey software), analyzed (using Excel and SPSS) and displayed (using UCINET, a Windows software product developed for SNA). Four categories of uses for the data are described: 1) accountability and reporting; 2) promoting internal collaboration; 3)generating new resources; and 4) creating the groundwork for Extension-wide impact studies. |