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No
matter what the subject matter, more and more people are relying on the
Internet for information. I could make the assumption that most goat
producers do the same, but I know that is not accurate based on my
interactions with many of them.
In
addition to utilizing the Internet, there is a variety of resources
relevant to goat production. As I continue to access the Internet for
valid information, I am amazed at how much information can be found. It
is almost overwhelming.
However,
when talking with others I realize not everyone utilizes the Internet
for one reason or another. I recently did a search on Internet usage and
found the following information: according to the U. S. Census Bureau
(as of 2003) the majority (54.7%) of American households have access to
the Internet. The actual numbers were seventy million American
households. I’m sure the numbers have increased substantially since
that time, but that made a good reference.
In
the same census it was determined that sixty-four percent of adults
(18+) use computers and the Internet. Another figure that did not
surprise me but was interesting was eighty-six percent of children
(under 18) use computers and the Internet. To me that is interesting for
several reasons: (1) it implies that youth are more computer savvy than
adults, which is no surprise; (2) knowing young people more readily use
this technology, it offers the possibility for older people to utilize
help through the younger generation.
In
the same census the question was asked why households chose not to
access the Internet. The top three answers were: (1) don’t need it,
not interested; (2) costs too high and (3) no computer or computer
inadequate. I found these responses interesting because during my
interactions with individual producers and during meetings when the
topic of accessing the Internet is brought up, it is not unusual for
people to respond that they do not use computers and the Internet, or
they do not know how to access the Internet for information they seek. I
understand their situation; after all, I have only been using computers
and the Internet for ten years, which is not very long compared to many
people.
I
have an appreciation for those who choose not to and do not know how to
use this technology. But, I strongly believe this should NOT prevent
them from seeking assistance from others. For those who choose not to
use computers and the Internet, there are some easy resources for
assistance that include: a friend, neighbor, or family member; your
local Cooperative Extension Office; and the local library. There is
nothing to be ashamed of when seeking help finding information on the
Internet; everyone needs assistance in some form at some time. The sad
part would be missing out on valuable information just because one
chooses to avoid the abundant sources of information. After all,
learning is fun.
Libraries
and Cooperative Extension Service are public service agencies, and the
people working at these institutions are there to help those in need.
From my perspective, I enjoy taking time with a client to show them the
wealth of information in Cyberspace, and how to find it. If nothing
else, I enjoy seeing someone depart from my office with a handful of
printed materials that addresses the needs that person came in with.
Need
information on an Enterprise Budget relevant to Meat Goat Production?
Call your local Extension Office and ask them to print and mail them to
you. Looking for information on health care for your rabbit? Call or
visit your local Extension Office and inquire about sources of
information on rabbit healthcare issues. Visit your local library and
ask someone to show you how to use the Internet to access the Alabama
Cooperative Extension website. Begin your learning experience from the
Guide, then call you local Extension Office and request one be mailed to
you.
I
previously mentioned youth, computers, and the Internet, and the fact
that fewer adults utilize these technologies. When an older person is in
need of information from a computer or the Internet, I cannot think of a
better opportunity for time spent together than helping and learning
from one another. Young people are generally eager to demonstrate their
knowledge, and older people generally enjoy time spent with youth.
These
days when family members interact it is called "quality time"
or "bonding." Friends, neighbors, and family should be about
helping each other. After all, it’s the right thing to do!
Grandparents,
shy about using computers, yet need some information? Visit with your
grandchild and let them show you what they know. They will be amazed to
discover their highly intelligent grandparents don’t know everything.
There is nothing wrong with limited knowledge, not knowing how to use
computers, or being unable access the Internet.
However,
there is something wrong with not asking for help when it is readily
available. When someone says the information is on the Internet, and you
don’t have access to such technology, then ask that person to print a
copy of the information and mail it to you – mail it the old fashioned
way, with an envelope and a stamp.
Robert
Spencer is the Urban Regional Extension Specialist in the Urban Affairs
and New Nontraditional Programs Unit & The Urban Centers in North
America for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. |
