Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

Department

Agricultural & Extension Education

Committee Chair

Haley Rosson

Committee Member

Aaron Giorgi

Committee Member

Jason McKibben

Committee Member

N/A

Committee Member

N/A

Committee Member

N/A

Abstract

An important aspect that contributes to the success of county Extension programs is relationships and collaborations with community members. This became a challenge when face-to-face communication was no longer possible as a response to the national pandemic that occurred due to COVID-19. In recent years, society has been increasing their reliability on social networking for communication (Diem et al., 2011). Social media played a central role in the diffusion of information in a variety of organizations and businesses during COVID-19 (Geol et al., 2020). The purpose of this study was to describe how WVU Extension Service is utilizing innovative social media practices to remain connected with clientele when face-to-face communication was not possible. The opportunity to research this alternative method of communication was the response to protocols enacted by executive orders to slow the spread of COVID-19. Case study methodology was used for this study and West Virginia Extension agents utilizing innovative social media practices were interviewed. Results from the study described (1) innovative social media platforms being used, (2) how innovative social media practices are being used, (3) why innovative social media practices are being used, and (4) perceptions and needs related to utilizing innovative social media practices.

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