Turfgrass Student Bloggers "Link Up" at University of Guelph
Future leaders in the turf industry are practicing citizen journalism and making online connections with industry. The 30 diploma in turfgrass management students from the University of Guelph, class of 2011, are blogging about turf trends and expressing strong opinions concerning the industry.
"Blogs and other internet-based communication is what golf course members are starting to expect from their superintendents," says student Matthew Eastman. "We're writing relevant stories and linking to turfgrass companies."
These students are tomorrow's golf course superintendents, lawn care specialists and sports field managers. Along with courses on soil, plant biology and equipment, they're taking communications and have started weekly blogs tackling turf issues. They're learning that blogging is an important tool in the turfgrass industry.
Every Thursday, class members take a field trip to a different destination in southern Ontario. They learn about problems, skills and new ideas about general turf maintenance. Some students have blogged about course renovations, the cosmetic pesticide ban and economic struggles in the turf industry.
"The blogs posted by the turfgras students incorporate significant issues in the industry, says Rob Witherspoon, director of the associate diploma in turfgrass management. Adds communications course co-instructor Owen Roberts: "The students are working hard to excel in effective communication techniques."
For more information, contact Rob Witherspoon, Program director, robwith@uoguelph.ca, 519-824-4120, ext. 56886 or Owen Roberts, Communications instructor, owen@uoguelph.ca, 519-824-4120, ext 58278
The Blogs:
Turfgrass Student Bloggers "Link Up" at University of Guelph
Future leaders in the turf industry are practicing citizen journalism and making online connections with industry. The 30 diploma in turfgrass management students from the University of Guelph, class of 2011, are blogging about turf trends and expressing strong opinions concerning the industry.
"Blogs and other internet-based communication is what golf course members are starting to expect from their superintendents," says student Matthew Eastman. "We're writing relevant stories and linking to turfgrass companies."
These students are tomorrow's golf course superintendents, lawn care specialists and sports field managers. Along with courses on soil, plant biology and equipment, they're taking communications and have started weekly blogs tackling turf issues. They're learning that blogging is an important tool in the turfgrass industry.
Every Thursday, class members take a field trip to a different destination in southern Ontario. They learn about problems, skills and new ideas about general turf maintenance. Some students have blogged about course renovations, the cosmetic pesticide ban and economic struggles in the turf industry.
"The blogs posted by the turfgras students incorporate significant issues in the industry, says Rob Witherspoon, director of the associate diploma in turfgrass management. Adds communications course co-instructor Owen Roberts: "The students are working hard to excel in effective communication techniques."
For more information, contact Rob Witherspoon, Program director, robwith@uoguelph.ca, 519-824-4120, ext. 56886 or Owen Roberts, Communications instructor, owen@uoguelph.ca, 519-824-4120, ext 58278
The Blogs: