Edmund T. Jones, Texas A&M University
Scott Cummings, Texas A&M University
James R. Lindner, Texas A&M University
The purpose of this study was to determine Cooperative Extension Service professionals’ perceptions regarding their distance education competence, the value placed upon distance education, and the perceived availability of technological support. A random sample of 180 Agents was selected from a target of 750. A 56% response rate was achieved. Data from the survey indicated that the population was almost equally divided between male and female and most Agents were between the ages of 30 and 50. Almost half of the population had over 15 years experience and a majority were agriculture Agents. Most Agents had never delivered a program using distance education technology and very few of the Agents felt that learning required face-to-face meetings. Almost none of them were philosophically opposed to distance education. Agents perceived themselves as not competent in using the technology and instructional methods for distance education but they place a high amount of value on distance education. There was a definite need to increase the amount of information and technology support available. Very few were philosophically opposed to distance education. Overall it can be concluded that Agents place a high value on distance education but do not perceive they have the competence, information technology, or support to effectively deliver programs using distance education technology.