14 pages., via online journal., The smartphone is perhaps the most influential device in modern society. Research has indicated
students perceived that using smartphones in the classroom aided learning. However, most American
high schools ban students from using phones in the classroom. Previous research supports the idea
that advanced smartphone applications in student- centered learning environments can improve
achievement and motivation. Currently, there is little in the agricultural education literature pertaining
to smartphone enhanced learning among secondary agriculture students. This study compared
motivational differences between non-equivalent comparison groups. Secondary agricultural students
from 13 schools across Louisiana completed the Course Interest Survey to measure motivation during
a forestry unit. Data were analyzed using Hierarchical Linear Modeling. The analysis rendered no
statistically significant differences between the groups in motivation. It was concluded that
smartphones do not reduce motivation and should be considered in agricultural education classrooms
where policy permits.
15 pages., via online journal, Radio is the most widely used medium for disseminating information to rural audiences across Africa. Even in very poor communities, radio penetration is vast; it is estimated there are over 800 million radios in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper summarizes evidence on food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa and strategies to provide information on innovative agricultural practices to smallholder farmers. The research in this paper is then discussed within the context of research on information and communication technologies (ICTS) for development. Next, the paper presents the ICT-enhanced participatory radio campaign approach and ICT innovations introduced by Farm Radio International, a Canadian nongovernmental organization. The paper analyzes two participatory radio campaigns that use both listening groups and ICTs to engage African farmers. Research on these radio campaigns in six African countries is reported to examine how the participatory approach impacted listenership, knowledge and initial adoption of agricultural techniques and practices presented in the radio campaigns. The authors conclude that the findings of research on these projects could be highly relevant for increasing awareness and adoption of agricultural practices in Sub-Saharan Africa. They also appear promising for other development sectors and for other developing regions
