"We have been assimilated...resistance was futile! "

You may notice a complete new look and feel to this website! The original Natural Gas Exploration and Leasing (NGEL) team website has been "assimilated" by the College of Ag Science websites and now resides in its "assimilated" form at http://naturalgas.psu.edu. The reasoning behind the move had to do with "presenting a more professional and comprehensive site". You can be the judge.  But all the material that was found on the original site has been moved.

 

IMPORTANT: If you want to add or change information (companies, consultants, etc) you need to contact Carol Loveland. She will process your requests. Email her at cal24@psu.edu

 

What Now?

You may recall that as an extension educator, my main interest in developing the wiki over 2 years ago was to provide a forum for stakeholders in the Marcellus Play to share information and news. I also wanted to involve new educational technologies such as wikis. blogs and other tools on the internet to reach as many landowners as possible AND learn together through collaboration. I believe that educational opportunities are more exciting and richer when there is learning taking place by everyone. Over the last two years I have learned an untold wealth of information from the folks that contributed to the wiki and the forum. Perhaps you have as well. In addition I have learned many of the ins and outs of using wikis, blogs and other internet tools for education. Its truly been exciting and fun.

 

What have we learned about my mission and your use of the site?

A recent survey of visitors to the original wiki revealed the following:

 

     87 % stated that this site helped them pretty much, greatly and tremendously

     95% stated they gained in knowledge

     80% stated the gained in confidence when dealing with landmen

     45% said they gained in knowledge of computer technology by using the wiki and forum

     59% said the site empowered them to use their computer for more searches for information and services

 

Clearly the site has had over-whelming success in achieving the goals that were originally set out for it.

 

But what about the goals for educational technologies on the site? In the survey:

     67% indicated that the website should encourage "participation" by visitors in the learning process.

     50% indicated they wanted opportunities to learn more about computer technologies included in the website.

When ranking how we did, respondents indicated that:

     68% rated their ability to participate in the site as good to excellent.

     62% rated their ability to learn more about computer technology on the site as good to excellent.

 

I see these results as encouraging that users of the site, (with an average age of 58) that in addition to learning about the Marcellu Play, they also want to learn more about educational technologies and learn new computer skills in the process.

 

See the full results here:  SurveySummary_12172008.pdf

 

So...what do I see for the future?

While the "leasing frenzy" is over, and probably never to be seen again in the same order of magnitude,  there are many developing issues and needs that landowners need to be made aware of.  I see this as "life beyond leasing".  "What do you need to know after you have signed a lease?" That is our next focus.

So it is with great excitement that I launch this new vessel of learning and collaboration on its mission to explore the educational needs of landowners as they tackle the issues and opportunities of "life after leasing". We will embrace the collaborative networked learning opportunities of the web whenever we can to make the journey exciting and include all points of view. AND we will help you grow your skills in using your computer to provide the information and services you need.

 

I want your participation.

To encourage this, the wiki has been up-graded to PBwiki2.0 to allow for collaboration, with a comfortable degree of control over who and what gets posted. Therefore I invite you to add your comments and thoughts to this site! We will take it where you want it to go!

 

The blog "The Wellbore Log" is being moved to blogspot. It is currently being hosted at blogs@psu.edu. However, no one can post a comment UNLESS they have a blog a PSU. Go figure. Here is a tool for collaboration, but you have to have a blog to post to the blogs at PSU.  I am moving the blog to blogspot so that YOU can add your 2 cents whenever you want.

 

We both have much to do, and much to learn.  I hope you are as excited about it as I am.

Now go get some eggnog!

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New to You and Yours. 

 

Ken Balliet 

Extension Educator

Your wiki commander

 

 

 

 

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            This website is a Collaborative Networked Learning wiki and has several special features!

Click on the link to learn more.

Kenneth L. Balliet

 

NOTICE: This site is for educational purposes only. The information posted here is NOT to be considered as legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney before signing anything.

Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Cooperative Extension is implied.**

 

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities,admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as  determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be   tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative  ActionDirector,  The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.

 

 

For technical support for this wiki direct questions to:

 

Ken Balliet

 

Email: klb26@psu.edu