The computer information processing revolution created an outreach education need to train agricultural producers in the use of computers and software applications. While initial computer workshop training efforts by county agents were frustrated by lack of consistent, portable lab equipment, a joint effort by Pennsylvania Farm Credit and Cooperative Extension led to the successful creation of a highly successful portable computer lab. During 1997-2000, Extension agents conducted 101 workshops for 821 paid participants on topics ranging from basic computer operation to record keeping. Success has led to the development of additional regional labs and agents' specialization in specific computer applications that now reach both farm and non-farm groups.
Parsons et al. (Tue,) studied this question.