Abstract #59

# 59
Development of mobile applications in extension.
R. Lawton Stewart*1, G. Cliff Lamb2, 1The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 2The University of Florida, Marianna, FL.

Mobile computing devices such as smartphones and tablets are quickly becoming the principal means of communication in the United States. The adoption of smartphone and tablet technology among adults over the age of 18 has increased from 35 and 8%, respectively, in 2011 to 55 and 42%, respectively, in 2014. This growth is visible in the agricultural field as well. A search of currently available mobile computing applications (apps) for agriculture revealed 42, 28, 19, and 11 apps are available for crops, livestock, spraying, and pests, respectively. Given that the role of extension is to extend lifelong learning opportunities through unbiased, research-based education, the utilization of apps provides an excellent opportunity to serve clientele. This technology can improve the power to disseminate information, make informed science-based decisions, and collect data. However, when considering the use of this technology for an Extension program, several aspects of implementing this technology should be addressed. Most attempts at Extension-based apps are based on currently available informative publications for dissemination of information, or spreadsheet-based decision aids for decision-aid tools. This development is initiated by the need of information in the field, however, the challenge often becomes getting information transferred to an app-accessible format. The most common form is an app available through application distribution platforms specific to a smartphone mobile operating system (e.g., Apple iTunes and Google Play). These require app-specific programing and approval through the distributor; however, once downloaded to a mobile device, are accessible independent of a data connection. Another avenue is to develop a mobile-friendly website. This makes the information or decision aid available on any operating platform, however requires a data connection by the device. Finally, the impact of this technology should be quantifiable to allow extension personnel to measure the effect of their program. This can be performed through download statistics for mobile apps, or through website analytics for mobile-friendly websites. With the increased availability of information through mobile devices, mobile device applications are an excellent tool for extension personnel.

Key Words: mobile app, extension, decision-aid tools

Speaker Bio
Dr. Lawton Stewart is an Associate Professor and Extension Beef Cattle Specialist at the University of Georgia.  A native of Georgia, he received his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at the University of Georgia, an M.S. in Agronomy, emphasizing Forage Management, at the University of Florida, and Ph.D. at Virginia Tech in Animal Science, with an emphasis in Ruminant Nutrition and Forage Utilization.  After completing his Ph.D., Lawton spent a year in Kentucky as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow with Alltech, Inc. and the University of Kentucky investigating nitrogen metabolism in ruminants.  Lawton joined the Animal and Dairy Sciences Department at the University in June of this 2008 as an Extension Livestock Specialist.  There his program focuses on beef cattle nutrition and management.  His effort is to help producers improve production and efficiency in their herd, but also to explore other opportunities in the beef cattle industry such as preconditioning/backgrounding, stockering, and retained ownership.