This document provides an overview and evaluation of a 4-H Photography Leader Training program delivered via distance learning. The training sought to increase the number of 4-H photography leaders and improve the quality of programming by making the training more accessible online. Over three sessions from 2008-2010, 50 volunteer leaders from 32 counties were trained over 10 weeks using an e-learning platform. Participants found the online, self-paced format convenient and engaged with instructors and classmates. Based on a post-training survey, participants felt confident applying what they learned and teaching photography to 176 youth.

1. Lights – Camera – Internet:
4-H Photography Leader Training
Georgene Bender, Regional Specialized 4-H Agent III
University of Florida IFAS Extension Florida 4-H Youth Development
ABSTRACT PARTICIPANTS’ LOCATIONS CLASS PHOTOGRAPHS CLASS COMMENTS
Objective: “…convenience and the ability to work at my own
To train 4-H Photography Leaders via distance pace.”
learning to use/teach the 4-H Photography
materials to their youth. “The ease of materials, super links to videos, fun
and interactive quizzes.”
Overview:
Photography is a growing project area of 4-H. “Learned how to take better pictures.”
There are many contests for youth within 4-H.
This project is great for afterschool programs “I now look at subjects from different
and clubs. 4-H currently does not have a project perspectives.”
training program in this area.
“I learned how „clutter‟ really ruins a picture.”
Time and travel are key elements of volunteers
not attending training. It is hoped that through “Feel confident about teaching youth now after
this delivery method, 4-H could increase the this course. Thanks!”
number of leaders and the quality of the program
for youth. Developing a project using various “I improved my computer skills taking this course
mediums will provide support to those who are – totally unexpected!!”
engaged in teaching this project. The Internet
provides an opportunity for volunteers to connect “Lots of input from instructors and classmates
with experts in the photography field , share their was so helpful.”
photos, and learn from each other.
“It was great to meet other leaders with similar
interests from all over the state!”
FOCUS ON PHOTOGRAPHY 2008-2010 CLASS DEMOGRAPHICS E-LEARNING MODULES 2008 – PILOT CONCLUSION
An evaluation survey was given to the
completing students using SurveyMonkey on-
Four (4) Trainings line. Nineteen of twenty-six completed the
September 2008 - pilot class Volunteers survey. The response to this new learning
Table of Contents September 2009 -2 classes Volunteers method was very positive. Students asked when
March 2010- 1 class Military Base other projects would use this method.
1. Equipment Youth Staff
a. First Photo Shoot Students asked for the class to be extended from
b. Keep It Steady, •32 counties plus the Seminole Tribe involved 6 sessions to 10. With the first session
Keep It Level •50 volunteer leaders trained – 10 week course acquainting students to the E-Learning,
•Gender: 99% Female ElluminateLive and how to size and upload
2. Lighting •Average age: 41-50 age range attachments.
a. The Light Makes a •Race: White 90%
Difference •Ethnicity: Hispanic 5% •95% said they would PAY for the course ($10-
b. Fun with Shadows •Register 4-H volunteers: 10% 15)
c. Directing the Light •26 leaders will be teaching photography to 176
d. Flash for More youth
Light •Record the sessions in case people missed
class.
3. Composition •100% said they would recommend this course
a. What Do You See? to other leaders.
b. Photograph with MATERIALS WEB CONFERENCE FOR CLASS LITERATURE CITED
Your Feet
c. What‟s the Point? Computer
d. Bird‟s or Bug‟s Eye Internet Access Gogolski, J., Wittenburg, S., & Horton, C. (2007)
View Headset / microphone Focus on Photography. Washington, D.C.:
e. Hat Tricks and Focus on Photography National 4-H Council.
Magic Camera
Freeman, M. (2001) The Complete Guide to
4. Skill Building Digital Photography. New York: Sterling
a. Taking Great Publishing.
Photographs ASSIGNMENTS
b. Photos Can Tell a ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Story
c. Black & White 4-H Photography Leaders were asked to This project was funded through a University of
d. You Be the Judge complete all the assignments expected Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
of the students in the student workbook. 2008 Distance Technology Mini-Grant at a cost of
$1,500.00. Class now pays for itself with $10 fee.
•Assignments were in the E-Learning
Modules and students uploaded their Special thanks to the photography adult students
homework via that system. who participated in the class, to my husband,
Dennis, for sharing his expertise and to Marilyn
Tucker for her “extra set of eyes and hands”
throughout the project.
TEMPLATE DESIGN © 2008
www.PosterPresentations.com
May 2010