Networked Computing–A New Collaborative Tool for Making Two Heads Better than One!
Bruce DeYoung · Journal of Agricultural & Food Information · 1995
The size of the United States' coastal population is expected to increase dramatically by the year 2010, with more than 151 million additional people moving into coastal counties. This will result in our nation's coastal population swelling by nearly 27% since 1980. Rising pressures on fragile coastal resources will accompany this population growth. While increased regulation can reduce some anticipated environmental damage, university based outreach is seen as critical to advancing appropriate behavior by residents and visitors. Sea Grant outreach staff conducting this educational programming are spread over 36 states and territories. To overcome the handicap of disparate locations, networked computing is being pilot tested to increase collaboration between these marine Extension staff. Successful experiences to date suggest that emerging information technology can assist a wide variety of outreach professions to integrate their efforts.