Online program metrics and evaluation for FMNP and NATA

Restrictions on public gatherings in early 2020 due to the COVID-19
pandemic resulted in cancellation of in-person outreach programs offered
by the Florida Master Naturalist Program and Natural Areas Training
Academy, two successful University of Florida extension programs that
provide natural history and resource management training to lay and
professional audiences.  In response, both programs rapidly
transitioned to blended or 100% online educational methods to continue
offering courses and maintain program operations. To assess participant
responses to these changes, we used surveys and course registry data to
evaluate and compare course enrollment, satisfaction, and outcomes among
courses with new online formats to courses offered prior to the COVID-19
pandemic. We also examined logistical challenges and key programmatic
elements that facilitated the transition of both programs to increased
reliance on online education. Course participants responded favorably to
classes offered online. Our results revealed an audience exists for online
programming, that satisfaction with online courses was high and comparable
to that measured for in-person courses, and that online approaches
effectively transferred knowledge and promoted behavior change in
participants. The transition to online programming required investments of
time, energy, and in some cases, direct costs. However, this transition
was greatly facilitated by the existence of well-defined program
protocols, educational curricula, strong partnerships, and feedback
mechanisms for both programs. Long-term investments in program structure,
partnerships, and support systems enabled both programs to be resilient
and adaptable and successfully implement online programming in response to
the COVID-19 pandemic.