The Entire Handbook is Included in an Online,  Interactive Format

This 728-page book provides practical tools like:

• 1,067 color images
• Detailed graphics, charts, and diagrams
• 109 tables, including 5 diagnostic tables
• Integrated Pest Management case studies
• Frequently asked questions
• Specific management strategies for insects, diseases, weeds, and other pests.

 The online interactive course pack includes:

• Reader's guides
• The ability to highlight text and take notes 
• Rollover glossary
• Each botanical name is linked directly to the specific plant profile in the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
• Videos
• Slide decks
• Embedded interactive check your knowledge questions
• Homework assignments
• Quizzes and an Exam

Examples of embedded Resources

Curated images, each with the photographer and the Creative Commons license identified.

[Figure 5-3] Image Courtesy of honey-bee under CC-BY-2.0

Videos embedded within the text

Interactive check-your-knowledge exercises integrated throughout the book

• Slide Decks for each chapter.

Rollover Glossary

Instructional resources: readers' guides, handouts, quizzes, and exams.

Additional Benefits to Students:

• access to the interactive book for life
• excellent technical support from Top Hat (99% satisfaction rating)

Additional Benefits to Instructors:

• Access to all the standard Top Hat instructional  features including:

  • Top Hat handles all technical support for students.  99% satisfaction rating from students and instructors
  • Automatic grading all all quizzes and exam
  • Grade book to track student progress
  • Weekly course insight/trends reports on student participation
  • Nudges that identify students that might need your encouragement or assistance
  • Instructors can edit everything. The book, the quizzes, the assignments, all of it.

• Instructional Options

  • Face to Face
  • Blended Classroom
  • Online Class Synchronous
  • Online Class Asynchronous
  • Individual Asynchronous

This is the textbook for

• the Garden and Landscape Online Course Series
• the NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program initial training.

Quotes from Agents teaching Extension Master Gardener Classes using the Top Hat interactive version of the Extension Gardener Handbook:“

 We are attracting a different/broader clientele.” Matt Stevens, Horticulture Agent, Nash County, and Julie Flowers, Horticulture Agent, Gaston and Cleveland Counties.

“My students are more engaged and better prepared.” Shawn Banks, County Director, Carteret County.

“The materials are excellent!“,  Alison Arnold, Buncombe

“Tracking performance is so easy! I know immediately who understands and who needs help.” Kara Carlton, Idaho Master Gardener Program Coordinator.

“The support from Top Hat is excellent”  Doug Clement, County Director Cherokee County, and Julie Flowers, Horticulture Agent, Gaston, and Cleveland Counties.

INTRODUCTION TO USING THE COURSE PACK

• 7 min video –Introduction
• 1 hr video – Overview of the entire system
• Request a live Demo

Instructional Resources

Additional Information

• This content is also available in a Self-Study Course, as a Hardcover book, and free online,
• More Information on the Extension Gardener Handbook
• For additional information, contact Lucy_Bradley@ncsu.edu, NC State Department of Horticultural Science