UNL Extension uses Qualtrics to Evaluate Program Impact
In an effort to better collect and analyze the impact of our programs, Action Teams have been exploring the use of Qualtrics. Qualtrics is a web-based survey software that can be used to create, distribute and analyze surveys and survey data. Qualtrics has been adopted by over 200 Universities throughout the world and allows for any type of research ranging from basic feedback through experimental research.
There are many features that make Qualtrics unique and easy to use. Some of these features include:
· Easy survey design with question libraries, point-and-click editing, automatic choices, and question randomization
· Over 85 question types are available for use. Question types include multiple choice, group and rank, heat maps and hot spots, matrix, and text entry
· Ability to add video and graphics into survey questions
· Customization of survey questions based on respondent answers to eliminate irrelevant answer choices
· By distributing surveys via e-mail through the use of Qualtrics you can track respondent participation and send reminders to non-respondents
· Custom reporting features that allow you to create graphs and reports that show only the data you are interested in
· Collected data easily exports to Excel, SPSS, and SAS for more extensive analysis
Several teams are in the process of using data collection instruments in the Qualtrix system. Please support their efforts by using these tools when conducting programs. For general and detailed questions on how to use and create surveys in Qualtrics visit http://www.Qualtrics.com/University for tutorial videos. UNL Extension’s account is a communal account with one user-name and one password that is used by all action teams. If you are interested in using Qualtrics or have any questions, feel free to contact Jessie Bauman at jbauman4@unl.edu.
Measuring Impact of Extension Programs.
Kudos to our Beef Systems Extension team, led by Richard Randle and Randy Saner, for its effort to establish a system for statewide aggregation of impact data from Beef Extension programs. All extension faculty programming are encouraged to contribute to a database of producers participating in beef extension programs in 2011 and to post-meeting information on impact. The team is using this data base of participants to conduct a single statewide survey of actual changes by clientele. The Beef Systems team's model for collecting statewide data on impact is an excellent example of action team cooperation that benefits both individual participants as well as the Extension system.
Joint USDA MARC/Extension Professional Development.
USDA MARC scientists are working with UNL Extension faculty to plan future professional development opportunities for our Beef Systems Action Team as a result of an Action Team leadership meeting with MARC in early May. Darci McGee, Rick Rasby, Duane Lienemann, Randy Saner, and Matt Spangler will be meeting with MARC representatives in mid-July to plan a first professional development experience. We are appreciative of the efforts of John Pollak, director of MARC, for his encouragement of this collaboration.
Cropping Systems Flood Response.
A team of UNL specialists and educators will be meeting with their Iowa State University counterparts on Friday, July 15, by conference call to plan upcoming extension programs for addressing cropland and farmstead recovery from flooding. We will be taking advantage of the wealth of experience accumulated by ISU's extension system in recent years on flood recovery (see http://www.extension.iastate.edu/DisasterRecovery/cropconcerns.htm for ISU recommendations). CropWatch news articles and other UNL Extension resources on this topic are accessible at http://flood.unl.edu/crops
-- Kathleen Lodl and Rick Koelsch