With Progressively Virtual Classrooms, How Important Are Technical Education Opportunities? Students Answer!

The purpose of this study is to determine student’s perceived value of on-farm, technical training at a university farm. Specifically, this study evaluates students use and non-use of the university farm and the student’s perception of this use on overall academic competency and career readiness. The target population of the study included all students enrolled within a College of Agriculture. The study uses both an online survey instrument requesting demographic information and uses and value of the farm as well as three focus groups. Results indicate that the primary reasons students do not utilize the farm more include lack of coursework using the farm and lack of available activities utilizing the farm as well as communication. However, students did report that the time and activities they have completed at the farm have been practical, desirable for future employers, and made a value contribution to their education.