Using technology to teach health: a collaborative pilot project in Alabama.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified six adolescent risk behaviors that contribute to chronic diseases and disorders, including poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, and abuse of alcohol, tabacco, and other drugs. This project pilot-tested a "train-the-trainer" model to diffuse an interactive health education software program into Alabama middle schools during a school year. Developmentally appropriate content included nutrition, physical activity, and prevention of substance use. Twenty-four site facilitators selected from 18 public school systems trained 364 colleagues and 2,249 students to use the software. During a school year, facilitators created 150 student assignments; they reported increased interest among students in health instruction. An essential feature of the project involved an active partnership among the funder, state department of education, university, and public schools. Planners provided technical assistance through face-to-face interaction, distance learning, telephone and e-mail communications, and a Web site. Planners and facilitators worked together to overcome barriers to the use of technology for health instruction.
Geiger
Brian F
BF
School of Education, Dept. of Human Studies, Room EB 209, 1530 3rd Avenue, South, Birmingham, AL 35294-1250, USA. bgeiger@uab.edu
Petri
Cynthia J
CJ
Myers
Ouida
O
Lan
JoAnn
J
Binkley
Dianne
D
Aldige
Carolyn R
CR
Berdebes
Joanne
J
D000407:Alabama; D002648:Child; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004517:Education, Professional / Q000379:methods; D018961:Educational Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006285:Health Planning / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012984:Software