Amy Harder

Extension Agents' Perceptions of a Blended Approach to Onboarding.

Extension organizations are challenged to provide onboarding to new employees that is comprehensive and high quality, yet cost-effective. The purpose of this study was to explore Extension agents’ perceptions of participating in an onboarding program that used a blended approach involving face-to-face and online learning components. The objectives were to (a) describe the perceptions of participants in the Fall 2014 cohort, (b) describe the perceptions of participants in the Spring 2015 cohort, and (c) compare the perceptions between the Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 cohort participants. Two focus groups were conducted with participants from each cohort and a cross-case analysis was conducted with the data. Results showed participants were open to the blended approach and liked being able to work asynchronously but desired improvements in quality, communication, interaction, and applicability. A review of the process with greater consideration of, and adherence to, the principles of adult education is recommended.