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The following describes an innovation. Region: Western |
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Main contact information for this innovation: Peter Skelton Main contact job title / position: Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist Main contact number: 575-454-7510 Main contact email address: skelton@nmsu.edu |
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Innovation name: Memorial Middle School Agricultural Extension and Education Center Brief description of innovation as provided in online survey: The Memorial Middle School Agricultural Extension and Education Center (MMSAEEC) youth agricultural science center was established in 2006 by the New Mexico Legislature in collaboration with a public school district and the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service. Since inception, the MMSAEEC has delivered inquiry-based learning and experiential education programs to over 1,200 youth attending Memorial Middle School in Las Vegas, NM. Youth are engaged in high quality real-world agriculture and natural resource science activities, experiments, and research at the MMSAEEC facilities throughout the school year. Results indicate that the MMSAEEC model is having significant impacts on youth development, including: skill development, attitude toward learning, and long-term cognitive development. The results demonstrate that Extension has a role to play in enhancing learning through non-traditional and rigorous school enrichment programs. Scholarly products include: curriculum, workshops, tours, 4-H science trunks, public presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. |
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The following describes an innovation. Region: Western |
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Main contact information for this innovation: Mary DeLorenzo Main contact job title / position: Program Manager Main contact number: 505-424-0744 Main contact email address: marydelo@nmsu.edu |
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Innovation name: Education Designed to Generate Excellence in the Public Sector (EDGE) Brief description of innovation as provided in online survey: The NM EDGE (Education Designed to Generate Excellence in the public sector) works collaboratively with its strategic partners to foster professional development for public servants at every level of government in New Mexico. The program provides high quality, locally appropriate, educational programs that are academically sound, cost-effective and accessible. The New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service established EDGE in 2005 to offer continuing education certification programs for public officials and public employees at all levels of government in New Mexico. The NM EDGE program administers the New Mexico Certified Public Manager program, NM Certified Advocate for Public Ethics, and ten customized certifications: NM Certified Public Assessment Officer, NM certified County Clerk, NM Cerigied County Commissioner, NM Certified Treasury Official, NM Certified Extension Professional, NM Certified GIS Specialist, N County Health Care Official, NM Certified Jail Specialists, and NM Certified Risk Management Professional. The curricula being developed include Best Practices for IT Professionals, Public Finance/Public Purchasing and Community and Rural Economic Development. The NM EDGE is a collaboration with NM Association of Counties, NM Sate Personnel Office, NM Municipal League. |
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The following describes an innovation. Region: Western |
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Main contact information for this innovation: Sonja Koukel Main contact job title / position: Extension State Health Specialist Main contact number: 575-646-3006 Main contact email address: marydelo@nmsu.edu |
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Innovation name: Health Literacy Programs Brief description of innovation as provided in online survey: Collaboration with Health Insurance companies, highlighting the importance of health insurance. Materials in English and Spanish. Funding is from state appropriations and partnerships were formed with health care providers. Possible funding may be available from private sources. |
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Notes from phone interview: Well, she's working with our county faculty, and in collaboration with some of the health insurance companies we've developed both Spanish and English health literacy programs that really talk about the importance of health insurance from a financial standpoint, but also a health and well-being standpoint. And then also as part of that to help guide them towards different resources if they are interested in enrolling in health insurance. And of course, this is all on the heels of the Affordable Healthcare Act. Well, right now from a funding standpoint it's just through their state appropriation, and of course, the faculty members I've already got on board to our traditional funding line. But what I think is a little bit innovative is looking at exploring to develop partnerships with some of these healthcare providers such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield. And to look at Molina Healthcare for example. And to look into that possible funding opportunities in developing those relationships with some of these outside providers. And that's an area that we really haven't - I haven't at least in New Mexico - really explored up until now. |
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The following describes an innovation. Region: Western |
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Main contact information for this innovation: Barbara Chamberlain Contact number: 575-646-2848 Email address: bchamber@nmsu.edu |
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Innovation name: Media Productions Learning Game Lab Brief description of innovator as provided in online survey: The Learning Games Lab is a research space where we can test games we develop, analyze and observe kids playing other games, and better understand what makes games fun for each audience so that we can integrate those elements into our own educational games. They are currently researching our own assessment strategies, including iPad-based design work, giving users time in the "video closet," and developing their evaluation skills. The Learning Games Lab, part of Media Productions, specializes in designing and testing educational tools. Their products are research-based and developed for various audiences: youth, college students, the research community, policy makers, or workers in a particular industry. Learning Games Lab research and youth development programs are part of NMSU's Cooperative Extension Service in partnership with several national organizations. Faculty and graduate researchers at NMSU and other institutions are encouraged to partner with lab faculty for research, partnerships in game development, and educational learning game assessment. Recent projects include games and animations – several of which are focused on science and math education – a number of food safety initiatives, an interactive virtual laboratory for remote schools, mobile apps, research activities with youth, interactive websites and creative video productions. |