The Fashion an Easier Lifestyle with Assistive Technology (FELAT) curriculum was developed as a needs-based, community educational program provided through a state Cooperative Extension Service. The overall goal for participants was to raise awareness of assistive technology. Program evaluation included a post-assessment and subsequent interview to determine short-term knowledge gain and longer-term behavior change. The sample consisted of mainly older, married females. The FELAT program was effective at raising awareness and increasing knowledge of assistive technology, and for many participants, the program acted as a catalyst for planning to or taking action related to assistive technology.

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Objective: Our aim was to evaluate a health education programme (TBI options: Promoting Knowledge) designed to increase public awareness and understanding about traumatic brain injury (TBI) through in-person (classroom) and computer-based (electronic) learning environments. Design: We used a pre-post survey design with randomization of participants to classroom ( N = 22) or electronic ( N = 22) delivery of the programme, in classroom and computer laboratory settings on the campus of Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. Method: Forty-four participants rated areas of knowledge about TBI prior to and after the programme experience. They also rated health programme quality and instructional strategies (e.g. video vignettes). Written responses provided information for qualitative analysis. Results: Participants reported significantly higher ratings of knowledge after the programme experience. Qualitative analysis of written responses provided further evidence to support quantitative outcomes. There were no significant differences in comparing the two methods of delivery (classroom versus electronic learning format). Participants rated the quality of the programme and various instructional strategies very highly. Conclusion: TBI options: Promoting Knowledge offers a health education programme to increase understanding about TBI. Both modes of delivery, classroom and electronic, appeared equally effective in terms of self-report of change.

Extension is positioned to develop and implement high-quality, high-impact internship experiences for college students in local communities. The creation of the Rising Star Internship program arose from interest in providing experiential work opportunities for Iowa State University students coupled with the organizational goals of promoting awareness of Cooperative Extension and increasing interest in employability within Extension. The program provides a paid county-level summer internship with several unique elements. Evidence collected from student participants suggests that it is a mutually beneficial endeavor for Extension, students, and communities. Extension systems may desire to replicate these efforts if they share similar ambitions.