Oklahoma State University offers in-depth view of agriculture through “Farm to Fork” Massive Open Online Course

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Using the latest teaching methods, Oklahoma State University will be sharing its vast knowledge of our nation’s most fundamental industry through a Massive Open Online Course titled Farm to Fork: A Panoramic View of Agriculture.

“Rooted in Oklahoma State University’s land-grant mission to serve and improve society, we are utilizing new technologies and curricular models such as MOOCs to reach an even larger number of constituents who can benefit from this knowledge,” said Gary Sandefur, OSU Provost.

The 16-week course, taught by OSU College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Agricultural Economics Professor Bailey Norwood, will be conducted entirely online and is open to anyone. It will focus on topics including livestock care techniques, the industrialization of agriculture, the impact of local food on the local economy and the role of politics and culture in food.

“OSU continues to serve as an international leader in agricultural sciences, and this course, taught by one of the field’s most notable experts, will present the most up-to-date knowledge available about food production and safety,” said Sandefur.

The course will be separated into modules and will include videos, readings, virtual farm tours and online office hours. Students will engage in the course by uploading photos related to assignments and will participate in forums to discuss topics covered in the class. The format of the online course provides Norwood with an opportunity to explore new and contemporary teaching methods.

“OSU has been creative about using technology in the classroom, but this course has given me the ability to use technology to take us out of the classroom – onto dairy, beef and swine farms, and into DNA and soil test laboratories,” said Norwood. “Ironically, the Internet-based course will take participants outside more than a traditional class. The course is conducted through a robust Internet platform that facilitates discussion within virtual field trips, video lectures and reading.”

The course is available and open to the public. Participants are able to participate for free or to enroll for a reasonable online tuition cost to earn OSU credit. The course will begin Jan. 12.

“A primary goal of this online offering is to educate new and diverse audiences from across the world,” said Sandefur. “Although the course does not require a background in agriculture, all participants should share a interest in the historical and political study of agriculture as well as the role of food in our society.”

To learn more about the course and to register, visit http://casnr.okstate.edu/farmtofork