Establishing a Web Based Establishing a Web Based Activities and Events Calendar Activities and Events Calendar

University of Florida University of Florida IFAS ExtensionIFAS Extension

Pete Vergot III, Ph.D.

Rod Clouser, Ph.D.

Josh Wilson, MBA

University of Florida IFAS Extension

Introduction University of Florida /IFAS Extension

offers numerous types of workshops, seminars, field days and non-formal training to clientele statewide.

These activities and events take place at 67 County Extension offices and other county locations, 17 Research and Education Centers and in Departments on campus in Gainesville, Florida.

67 County Extension offices

350+ county faculty

Introduction

Clientele requested a centralized location to find out what Extension activities and events are being offered across Florida.

After a review of the options it was decided that Extension implement a web-based calendaring and scheduling system for managing Extension activities and events via the internet.

Clientele stated that they could not find information of Extension activities and events and where and when they would occur.

Objectives Provide a full featured online application which allows

the user to keep track of workshops, seminars, field days,

class room instruction, producer meetings and events,

administrative meetings and agent in-service.

Offer a reliable platform and a real timescheduling solution providing a centralized sourcefor all activities and event scheduling needs.

Software must provide for the ease of entry by Extensionfaculty and support staff with many points of entry

forinformation, low initial software costs and lowmaintenance costs and a complete electronic word

searchfor types of events and activities.

Perl Cal http://perlcal.com/index.html

Perl Cal web calendar

software was selected and implemented

Web Address

University of Florida IFAS

Extension calendar: http://calendar.ifas.ufl.edu

Extension Activities Calendar

Methodology

Developed a method for current and potential Extension clientele to view: what Extension activities and events are being offered

statewide where (the location) the Extension activities and events

are being offered when (date and time) the Extension activities and

events are being offered along with other details when

needed who (Extension Agent, Specialist or guest speaker) was

teaching

Calendar Search

Events by CategoryAgribusiness and Safety Agronomic Crops Build Green and Profit Citrus Community and Economic Development Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Family and Consumer Issues Food and Food Science Fruits and Vegetables Insects, Plant Diseases, and Weeds Lawns, Landscapes and Ornamental Plants Livestock Production Natural Resources and Environment Public PolicySoil and Water Wildlife Pesticide Education and Certification Continuing Education Unit programs Master Gardener Education and Certification 4-H and Youth 4H Camp Events Fairs

Holidays

Guidelines for Input http://calendar.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar_guidelines.htm

Samples of events that are to be posted

•All Educational programs workshops and training for clientele• Extension Field Days•Training for commodity and volunteer groups that are -Extension sponsored where a training event happens•4H Summer Residential and Day Camps•Fairs where Extension agents have a role•4H Congress/Legislature Contests

Samples of events not to be posted

•Individual one-on-one consultations•4H club meetings and events•4H Banquets•Any personal appointments like office visits, farm visits•Professional Association meetings•Annual leave time •"Office is closed" days

•Administrative meetings

Costs / Resources Needed

Web based calendar software – PerlCal - $365 one time fee

Web Server: any utilizing a modern Perl build:including - Windows: 5.002+

- Linux/Solaris:  5.001+ Unix - (other):  5.001+ MacOS:    

Client (Browser): Viewing: Netscape 3.0+, Internet

Explorer 3.0+, AOL 3.0+

Updating/Administration (Browser): Netscape 4.0+, Internet Explorer 5.0+, AOL 5.0+

Results to Date Recommendations

The Extension Calendar assists clientele to determine what educational programs and events are offered across Florida

The Extension Calendar assists extension administration in marketing of extension programming throughout the State of Florida to clientele, educational partners and funding sources

PartnersFlorida Farm Bureau Calendar  

Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association

Florida Cattleman’s Association Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida

Florida Strawberry Growers Association Florida Tomato Committee

Florida Federation of Fairs and Livestock ShowsTropical Fruit Growers of South Florida

Florida Grape Growers AssociationFlorida Forestry Association Florida Turfgrass Association

Florida Fern Growers AssociationFlorida Federation of Fairs and Livestock Shows

Future Plans

Continue to monitor and encourage faculty to post Extension educational events and activities

Annually review software and install upgrades as needed

Move to a new software platform as needed

References

PerlCal Acme Software, 160 Cottage St., Natick, MA 01760 USA

http://perlcal.com/index.html

Pete Vergot III, Ph.D. Northwest District Director and

Associate Professor, vergot@ifas.ufl.edu

Rod Clouser, Ph.D.Northeast District Director and

Professor, rlcouser@ifas.ufl.edu

Josh Wilson, MBAComputer Application Specialists

jowilson@ifas.ufl.edu

University of Florida, Extension, Gainesville, Florida 32611