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ARD508Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Technological and Social Change in Agriculture

This course introduces students to the relationship between technology and social systems in agricultural development. It explores indigenous technology, its impact, and the dynamics of technological change. Students will learn about social change theories, technology transfer, and the role of agricultural extension. The course also covers ethical considerations and the mechanization of Nigerian agriculture, aiming to equip students with the knowledge to promote effective and responsible technological advancements.

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52h
Study Time
13
Weeks
4h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
TechnologySocial ChangeAgricultureExtensionMechanization

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Technology and Society

2

Technological Change

3

Social Concepts

4

Technology Transfer

5

Agricultural Extension

6

Agricultural Mechanization

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Agricultural Extension Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Rural Development Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureRural DevelopmentGovernment AgenciesNon-Governmental Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

4h

Unit 1: Understanding Technology and the Concept of Social Change

2 study hours
  • •Read about the meaning of technology and its components.
  • •Differentiate between technology and indigenous technology.
  • •Identify agricultural tools in indigenous technology.

Unit 2: Understanding Technological Change

2 study hours
  • •Explore technological changes in transportation and communication.
  • •Discuss the implications of technological changes on society.
  • •Understand the reasons for resistance to technological change.
Week
2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: Basic Social Concepts

2 study hours
  • •Differentiate between the different schools of thoughts surrounding the concept of social change.
  • •Explain how social change affects your society and you as an individual.
  • •Discuss the manner and sources of social change.
Week
3

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Technological Change and Societies

2 study hours
  • •Analyze the impeding forces when introducing change into a society.
  • •Discuss the reasons for failure of transfer of technology.
  • •Identify factors affecting technology transfer at the village level.
Week
4

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: General Principles in Introducing Technological Change in Nigerian Agricultural Development

2 study hours
  • •Study the tips to apply when managing change.
  • •Understand the principles of technological change management.
  • •Discuss the human and community characteristics that must be changed to deliver the desired results in technological change process.
Week
5

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Factors to be Considered in Introducing a Technology into a Community

2 study hours
  • •Identify factors that are crucial to transfer of a new technology.
  • •Discuss appropriate strategy for introducing a new technology to people you may be required to serve as an extension agent.
  • •Explain how to get your clients into a favourable mind-frame to accepting new innovation/technology.
Week
6

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Influence of Technological Changes in Nigerian Agricultural Development

2 study hours
  • •Explain the significance of improved technology to Nigerian agricultural development.
  • •State the implications of technology change on the local indigenous practices of Nigeria farmers.
  • •Identify the value of indigenous knowledge for food production.
Week
7

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: Agricultural Extension as a Source of Technological Change

2 study hours
  • •Explain how agricultural extension promotes rural and agricultural transformation through the vehicle of technological revolution.
  • •Discuss your expectation as an extension practitioner includes the promotion of technological change.
Week
8

Module 3:

2h

Unit 3: Principles of Agricultural Extension

2 study hours
  • •Define the hypotheses upon which the operation of extension work is based.
  • •Discuss the operational guiding principles of extension service.
  • •Distinguish between what is the ideal extension practice/delivery system and what is not.
Week
9

Module 3:

2h

Unit 4: Role of Agricultural Extension in Agricultural Development

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the challenge of agricultural and rural development in Nigeria.
  • •Outline the relationship between agricultural and rural development.
  • •State your expected roles as a change agent in fast-tracking agricultural development in Nigeria.
Week
10

Module 4:

2h

Unit 1: Functions of Change Agents in Technology Transfer

2 study hours
  • •Define the term technology transfer.
  • •List the do's and don'ts of extension agent when planning and implementing a technology transfer process.
  • •Demonstrate adequate knowledge on how to successfully transfer a new technology to your clients.
Week
11

Module 4:

2h

Unit 2: Ethical Considerations in Introducing Technological Changes

2 study hours
  • •Specify the do's and don'ts of extension agents when planning and implementing a technology transfer process.
  • •Demonstrate adequate knowledge on how to successfully transfer a new technology to your clients.
Week
12

Module 4:

2h

Unit 3: Agricultural Engineers and the Public Extension System

2 study hours
  • •State the relevance of agricultural extension to achieving the goal of mechanizing Nigerian agriculture.
  • •Demonstrate adequate knowledge of the role of extension agents including that of other stakeholders in mechanizing Nigerian agriculture.
Week
13

All Modules

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review all course materials and key concepts.
  • •Work on assignments and prepare for final examination.
  • •Focus on areas of difficulty and seek clarification from tutors.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their feedback to identify areas needing improvement.

2

Create concept maps linking key concepts from Modules 1 and 2 to understand the relationship between technology and social change.

3

Practice applying the principles of agricultural extension (Module 3) to hypothetical scenarios in Nigerian communities.

4

Study ethical frameworks (Module 4, Unit 2) and consider their implications for technology transfer in agriculture.

5

Focus on understanding the challenges and opportunities of agricultural mechanization in Nigeria (Module 4, Unit 3).

6

Allocate specific time slots for revision each day, focusing on one module per slot.

7

Form a study group to discuss challenging topics and share insights.

8

Practice answering past examination questions to get familiar with the exam format and time constraints.

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