Janice
Easton, Ph. D.
AEEPE Instructor
Email:
Janice.Easton@uwsp.edu or
jeaston@ufl.edu (preferred email)
My name is Janice Easton and I am an instructor for Applied
Environmental Education Program Evaluation (AEEPE). Like many
environmental educators, I wear several hats. In addition to being
the lead developer and an instructor for AEEPE, I am a Ph.D. candidate
in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at the
University of Florida. My research involves identifying
characteristics of successful Extension education programs. This
means determining what a "successful" program looks like from a number
of perspectives then identifying the variables that contribute to and
influence success.
My background and interest in environmental education and program
evaluation has proven to be a rewarding combination. I have had
the opportunity to travel to some incredible locals, learn about the
great environmental work people like you are doing and endeavor to help
folks show how their programs are making a difference.
Along the way I have had great teaching opportunities and each time I
learn something new! My interests in applied, situational learning
started as an instructor of program development and evaluation at the
University of Florida. I strongly believe that concepts like program
development and evaluation are best learned in context.
Nevertheless, trying to develop real, meaningful evaluation experiences
for 75 undergraduates was a challenge. I have also had the
opportunity to a co-facilitate "Education Program Evaluation" at the
National Conservation Training Center.
The NCTC course is the in-person version of this online course and it is
where much of the content stems.
I have also had the good fortune to conduct evaluation workshops for the
U.S. Forest Service, NOAA, USFWS and state EE organizations. In
addition, there are several program development and evaluation projects
that I have had the pleasure to be a part of. These include the
development of the service-learning curriculum, Give Forests a Hand,
4-H Plant Connections, and a state-wide vocational Environmental
Horticulture curriculum. Evaluations of state and federal
Cooperative Extension programs, Project FIRST at Archbold Biological
Station, and Florida Project Learning Tree are just a few of the
evaluation projects I had the opportunity to conduct. Over the last few
years I've learned a lot about the needs of environmental educators and
natural resource professionals in terms of developing and evaluating
their programs. One of the key lessons is that evaluation makes
sense to people when they apply it directly to their programs!
Cheers,
Janice