Development and usage of eXtension’s HorseQuest: an online resource.
Abstract: eXtension (pronounced e-extension) is an online resource transforming how faculty can collaborate and deliver equine education. As the first Community of Practice launched from eXtension, HorseQuest (HQ) offers free, interactive, peer-reviewed, online resources on a variety of equine-related topics at http://www.extension.org. This group has adapted traditional educational content to the online environment to maximize search engine optimization, to be more discoverable and relevant in the online world. This means that HQ resources are consistently being found on the first page of search results. Also, by researching key words searched by Internet users, HQ has guided new content direction and determined potential webcast topics based on relevance and frequency of those searches. In addition to establishing good search engine optimization, HQ has been utilizing the viral networking aspect of YouTube by uploading clips of existing equine educational videos to YouTube. HorseQuest content appears in mainstream media, is passed on by the user, and helps HQ effectively reach their community of interest (horse enthusiasts). HorseQuest partners with My Horse University to produce webcasts that combine concise knowledge exchange via a scripted presentation with viewer chat and incoming questions. HorseQuest has produced and published content including 12 learning modules, 8 webchats, 21 webcasts, and 572 videos segments. After the official public launch, there was a steady increase in average number of visits/mo and average page views/mo over the 26-mo period. These regressions show a statistically significant increase in visits (P < 0.001) of approximately 450 visits per month and a significant increase in page views (P = 0.004) of about 373 page views per month. HorseQuest is a resource for several state 4-H advancement and competition programs and will continue to be incorporated into traditional extension programs, while reaching and affecting global audiences.
Publication Date: 2010-04-09 PubMed ID: 20382882DOI: 10.2527/jas.2010-2810Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research article discusses the development and effective use of eXtension’s HorseQuest, a horse-focused digital educational resource, highlighting its successful growth, ability to reach global audiences, and integration with traditional extension programs.
Internet-Based Collaborative Education
- The study is centered around eXtension’s HorseQuest (HQ), an educational platform that features free digital resources about various equine-related topics. HQ is an example of a Community of Practice (CoP) – a virtual space for collective learning – and was actually the first CoP established by eXtension.
- The creators of HorseQuest have adapted traditional educational content for online delivery, aiming to optimize their visibility on search engines. It seems their efforts were successful since HQ resources consistently appear on the first page of search results.
Systematic Content Creation
- The HorseQuest team uses data from internet searches, such as the most commonly used keywords, to guide the creation of new learning content and to identify potential topics for their webcasts.
- They also exploit the YouTube platform’s capacity for viral content sharing, uploading clips of their educational videos to reach a larger audience.
Interactivity and Reach of HorseQuest
- HQ partnered with My Horse University to produce webcasts that offer brief, knowledge-based presentations and live chats for viewers.
- Since its launch, the platform has developed various learning material, including modules, webchats, webcasts, and hundreds of video segments.
- The study reports a statistically significant increase in pageviews and visits to HorseQuest, averaging additional 450 visits and 373 page views every month over two years. This is a clear demonstration of the platform’s growing popularity.
Integration with Traditional Extension Programs
- Despite its strong online presence, HorseQuest remains connected with traditional extension programs. For example, it provides resources for state 4-H advancement and competition programs.
- Through its combination of online reach, collaboratively created resources, and integration with customary programs, HorseQuest serves not just local but also international communities of horse enthusiasts.
Cite This Article
APA
Greene EA, Griffin AS, Whittle J, Williams CA, Howard AB, Anderson KP.
(2010).
Development and usage of eXtension’s HorseQuest: an online resource.
J Anim Sci, 88(8), 2829-2837.
https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2010-2810 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA. betsy.greene@uvm.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Information Services / statistics & numerical data
- Internet / statistics & numerical data
- Teaching / methods
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Greene EA, Hein W, Wickens CL, Smarsh DN. Extension Horses, Inc. experts act fast to create online resources to assist the horse industry during COVID-19. Transl Anim Sci 2020 Jul;4(3):txaa085.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
