Diversity of Agriculture

This presentation outlines the development of an online, web-based instructional course for middle school students in Hawaii that aims to increase their interest in the agriculture industry. The decline of agriculture in Hawaii means less exposure to the industry for the local youth, which may in turn contribute to decreased interest in agriculture in the future. This, in combination with an aging agricultural workforce, means that increased youth interest in agriculture is vital to sustain the industry in Hawaii. This presentation describes the development of online, interactive delivery for the content intended to make it more attractive and appealing for a younger audience that is accustomed to technology-supported programs. By incorporating non-formal education learning theories such as Positive Youth Development, social learning theories such as Connectionism, and gamification attributes, the designers worked to make the modules less school-like and more engaging for young learners. This presentation will discuss the strategies implemented, the challenges faced, and a reflection on designing the online course.