A STUDY ON ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING PROVIDED BY AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

MAY DE GUZMAN

ABSTRACT

Effective methodologies on technology transfer are important tools in agricultural education which is expected to eliminate the constraints widening the gap between the technologies and farmers. Studies conducted about Online Distance Learning (ODL) show valuable impacts in agricultural development. Generally, the collaborated networks of agricultural institutions utilizing ODL in the

country are facilitated by Open Academy for Philippine Agriculture (OPAPA). Analysis on the impact assessments of the ODL programs provided by these institutions claims that technology transfer of agricultural information to the farmers is effective. This study aims to identify the institutions providing ODL program and understand the importance of its institutional collaboration. Furthermore the experiences of the recipients of the ODL programs were presented. The key informants for this study were from IRRI, PhilRice, UPOU and PCAARD. In this study secondary data from the abovementioned institutions were analyzed. Interviews with the farmers and extension workers who received the ODL were conducted. Effectivity of this method of information and technology transfer were affirmed. The strengths and weakness of the programs were realized.