technology

The National FFA Organization conducts a biannual survey of agriculture educators/FFA advisors. The purpose of the survey is to obtain a national representation of educators to participate and provide insight into what National FFA resources teachers are using in their classrooms and local chapters as well as what future resources they need. This document shares findings directly from agriculture teachers from 2023. In spring 2023, the National FFA Organization distributed an online survey to all 14,158 FFA advisors in the national membership roster. The survey received 2,480 (partial or complete) responses, yielding an 18% overall response rate. 2023 Advisor Needs Assessment Findings Top Three Areas of Need for Resources Identified by Agriculture Educators Developing SAE opportunities for students (N=1,332) Filling out award applications (N=1,167) Filling out FFA grants (N=1,119) Top Five Pathway Educational Resources Requested by Agriculture Educators Animal Systems Plant Systems Agriculture Technology Power, Structural and Technical Systems Agribusiness FFA Advisors’ Greatest Challenges and Barriers Respondents were asked what their biggest challenge has been trying to navigate their classrooms within the last two years. Thirty-four [...]

In late 2020, Purdue University collaborated with the National FFA Organization on a research study to discover the impact of agricultural education on senior FFA members’ openness, preparedness and adaptability regarding new and emerging technologies in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR). Openness, preparedness and adaptability are all skills that are in high demand from universities and employers; in fact, they were chosen for this study based on National FFA staff interactions with employers in agricultural companies and technology discussions that took place at the FFA Blue Room. In total, 1,528 member responses were used in data analysis. Seniors Open to New and Emerging Technologies, May Require More Experience and Education to Use Them in a Classroom, Lab or Future Career Developing technology has always played an important role in agriculture. In 2021, the necessity of being adaptable to new technologies is critical for those entering the field of agriculture. This research study defined “adaptable” as being open and prepared. These qualities were measured using the Openness and Preparedness Scale.1 On the survey, 10 new and [...]