This document summarizes an Eco-Family virtual conference that was held using the Adobe Connect platform after an in-person conference was no longer possible due to COVID-19. The virtual conference included presentations on topics like local food systems, connecting with nature, green schools, water, and composting. Participation was evaluated through surveys, polls, and discussions which found that knowledge increased in areas like permaculture and ecological footprints. The virtual format was found to be as valuable as an in-person event and allowed for a wider audience across the state. Resources for continuing the Eco-Family project work are provided.

1. Got a tablet?
Download CONNECT APP
Sign in as GUEST at:
https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/demo

2. Eco-Family
Virtual
Conference
Kristi Cooper
kcoop@iastate.edu
Brenda Schmitt
schmitt@iastate.edu

3. EcoFamily Conference
• Face to Face
• Engaging
• Outside Activities
• Day long
• Saturday
• At a Research Farm
• For the entire family
1 person registered

4. Plan “B”
We had…
• The presenters
• The technology experience
• Access to Adobe Connect
• Passion for the topic
• Support from administration

5. Adobe Connect
• Interactive and Engaging
• Chat
• Voice
• Breakout Rooms
• Note Pods
• Recordable
• Transportable

6. Eco Family Topics
• Local Food Systems – Food & Fitness Initiative
• Connecting with Nature – Extension Family Specialist
• Green Schools – Energy: UNI Center for Energy and Environment Education
• Water– State Rainscaping Specialist
• Edible Landscapes – Ecological Designer
• Compost 101 – Master Composter

7. Eco Family Participants
• Single and Multi Family dwellings
• Single adults
• 2+ adults
• 2+ adults with children
• 7 Rural counties
• 6 Urban/Suburban counties

9. Adobe Connect
1. Attendee 4
List 1
2. Chat box
3. Notes Pod
4. Breakout
room
5. Main room
6. Video pod
2 3

10. Attendance
Chat
Pubs
Video
Taped
Presenter
Manually
advanced PPT
presentation

12. The
responses
to the
questions
The 3
questions

15. Vetiquette
(Virtual Etiquette)
Introducing Virtual Etiquette:
• Part of the meetings
• PDF Handout mailed for review
• Reminder to review in an email
• Verbal (& visual) review at start of meeting

16. Audio Set-up
Tool Orientation
Vetiquette

17. Audio Set-up Wizard
1. Select MEETING from toolbar at top of Screen
2. Select AUDIO SETUP WIZARD in the dropdown box

18. Connect My Audio
1. Select the microphone icon
2. A dialog box will appear. Click ALLOW
3. The micro phone icon turns green.

19. Speakers Volume
1. Select the dropdown box next to the SPEAKER icon.
2. Select ADJUST SPEAKER VOLUME

20. Muting and Unmuting
Click to mute and unmute

21. Lower right hand corner of screen…
Echo Right click on SPEAKER icon
Select RECORDING DEVICES
The default speaker should be the ONLY speaker registering sound when you speak

22. Echo
1. Select the
PLAYBACK tab
2. Make sure headset
is the default
speaker
3. Make sure headset
is the ONLY speaker
selected

23. CAN’T HEAR US?
• Is your headset the default?
• Is it unmuted? (GREEN)
• Is there a MUTE button on the headset?
• Is the headset plugged in correctly?
(if a USB…try another port)

24. Vetiquette
1. Raise hand to speak
2. Say your name
3. Indicate you are done speaking

25. Outcome Measurement Methods
Quantitative Qualitative
• Pre and Post Survey on • Discussion and Action
sustainable living Steps during sessions
practices and attitudes • Mid-Course Evaluation
• Polls (session 3)
• End-Course Evaluation
(session 6)
• Focus Group (3 month
follow-up)

26. Outcome Evaluation
Biggest changes
• Increased knowledge of permaculture,
ecological footprint
• Reduction of waste (increase in composting,
decreased amount garbage at curb)
• Increased awareness of and interest in
watershed, stormwater management practices
• Doubled consumption of local foods (but still
less than half of participants)

27. Outcome Evaluation
Smallest/No changes
• Shower length (none
under 4 minutes)
• Use of alternative
energy sources (low),
• Attitudes about nature
(remained high)

28. Program Evaluation
• Recorded sessions as valuable as live sessions.
• Interactive format highly valued by
participants.
• Diverse set of topics, “narrow and deep”
• Online registration & payment options
important.
• People were willing to pay more.

29. Pro’s and Con’s
Advantages Disadvantages
• Audience across the state • Technology challenges
– Band width
• Experts from anywhere
– Equipment (headsets, iPads,)
• No transportation costs – Converting video
• No speaker fees
• Do it from home
• 6 month commitment OK
• Joining late no problem

30. Got a tablet?
Download CONNECT APP
Sign in as GUEST at:
https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/demo

31. Eco Family Project
• Eco Family Blog
http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/isue
cofamily/
• Virtual Conference
• Nature Explore Training
• Reclaim Your Holidays
train-the-trainer
• NWEI book clubs
• Facebook & Twitter

32. Eco Family Resources
• ISU Eco Family Blog
http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/isuecofamily/
• Facebook – ISUEco Family
• Twitter – EcoFamilyISU
• Virtual Conference
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/sites/www.extension.iasta
te.edu/files/www/Virtual-Conference-Brochure.pdf

33. Eco-Family
Virtual
Conference
Kristi Cooper
kcoop@iastate.edu
Brenda Schmitt
schmitt@iastate.edu