August 14, 2002
Cyber Fair Offers Spanish Learning Materials
LINCOLN, Neb. Learning comes in more than one language at the 2002 Nebraska State Fair.
Visitors at the second annual 4-H Cyber Fair can learn about 4-H and technology using interactive CD-ROMs and Web sites offered in both English and Spanish, said Patricia Fairchild, University of Nebraska 4-H Youth Development curriculum specialist. This is the first year the Cyber Fair will offer learning materials in Spanish.
"We believe Nebraska's Cyber Fair is one of a kind in the nation," she said.
When visitors log on to computers at the 4-H Cyber Fair, they can choose English or Spanish as their primary language and learn about 4-H projects, careers, nutrition, music, natural resources and agriculture, Fairchild said.
Including Spanish learning resources this year stems from a successful traveling Cyber Fair in Madison County, said Diane Vigna, Cyber Fair committee member and NU clothing and textiles specialist. Lee Sherry, extension educator for Madison County, started the event in the primarily Spanish-speaking community to provide resources to the county's increasing Hispanic populations, Vigna said.
"We have the opportunity to reach out to a new audience," Vigna said. "There are a lot of really great Web sites out there that can really help bridge (the gap) between cultures. In the process, we open up an avenue (to join 4-H) for kids who never really thought about 4-H."
Offering English and Spanish resources will help the 4-H Cyber Fair reach a broader population at the State Fair, Fairchild said. Last year, almost 17,000 people visited the Cyber Fair in 11 days, she said.
Volunteers from Madison County and Lincoln will provide one-on-one training for Spanish-speaking Cyber Fair participants.
The Cyber Fair also could stimulate interest in joining 4-H, said Jamie Fassett, Cyber Fair Coordinator and NU 4-H graduate assistant.
"4-H has so much to offer. We are striving to make sure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the organization," Fassett said. "Hopefully, the 4-H Cyber Fair will get (Spanish-speaking visitors) excited about 4-H. Were reaching out and trying to make a positive difference in the lives of all youth."
Nebraska 4-H has offered materials in Spanish for six years to 1,100 members whose first language is Spanish, said Gary Heusel, state 4-H program leader.
The Cyber Fair is open from 10 a.m. -9 p.m. Aug. 24-27 and Aug. 31-Sept. 2 and from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 28-30 in the Morton Building at State Fair Park. The free event allows visitors to take advantage of 30 computers equipped with Internet access and multimedia capabilities, special presentations and one-on-one training in English or Spanish.
Gov. Mike Johanns will give a presentation, "Youth, Technology and Economic Development," at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 24.
NETV is a new partner for this year's Nebraska 4-H Cyber Fair and helps contribute several new English and Spanish Web sites, Fairchild said.
For more information and a complete 4-H State Fair schedule, visit Nebraska 4-H.
4-H is part of Cooperative Extension in NU's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
08/14/02-SH
Diane Vigna -Ph.D.
Textiles, Clothing and Design
Assistant Professor
(402)472-6318
Gary Heusel
State 4-H Program Leader 4-H Youth Development
Director 4-H Youth Development
(402) 472-2805
Patricia Fairchild
4-H Youth Development
Associate Professor
(402) 472-4067
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News and Photography (402) 472-3030
Department: 4-H Youth Development
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