Integration of behavioural feedback in web‐based systems nutrition learning among university students

• Published in: Journal of computer assisted learning Vol. 34; no. 4; pp. 450 - 457
• Main Authors: Chung, L. M. Y., Fong, S. S. M., Ma, A. W. W., Cheng, S. T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Wiley-Blackwell 01.08.2018; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Behavior Change; behavioural feedback; Cholesterol; College Students; Colleges & universities; Comparative Analysis; Eating Habits; Education; Feedback; Feedback (Response); Food; Food intake; Health Behavior; healthy eating; Knowledge Level; Learning; Learning Activities; Learning Processes; Learning Strategies; Multivariate Analysis; Nutrition; Nutrition education; Nutrition Instruction; On-line systems; Online Systems; Photography; Profiles; Recording; Recordkeeping; Reflection; reflective learning; Reflective teaching; Student Journals; Students; System effectiveness; Teaching Methods; web‐based system
• ISSN: 0266-4909; 1365-2729
• DOI: 10.1111/jcal.12249

This study evaluated whether nutrition knowledge and healthy eating patterns can be achieved through web‐based systems, a secondary analysis of learning activities and assessment records. Students used online dietary recording systems to capture food intake data for 2 weeks. The first cohort used a food photo‐upload method and the second cohort used a food text‐searching (TS) method. We compared nutrient intake profiles, nutrition knowledge, and reflective journals of the 2 groups. Interaction effects were tested by 1‐way multivariate ANOVA on outcomes between groups (p < .05). More reflective and action statements in reflective journals were observed in the TS group. The photo‐upload group exhibited significant improvement in saturated fat, sodium, cholesterol, and fat consumption (p < .001), as compared with TS group. Web‐based dietary systems can be adopted in nutrition education to effectively enhance students' nutrition knowledge and help them to reflect on their dietary patterns. Lay Description What is already known about this topic: Reflective learning strategies is effective in higher education in translating knowledge into practice. Online personalized feedback can be used as self‐reflection through the electronic dietary system. Behavioural feedback is the reflection resulted from users' behaviour; users could decide how to change their diet qualitatively and quantitatively. What this paper adds: Web‐based learning facilitates behavioural feedback in nutrition education. Web‐based learning offers reflection and action during learning process. Implications for practice and/or policy: Web‐based dietary recording and self‐monitoring may be a reflective learning strategy for nutrition education. Food input with photos may help students to easier in reflecting healthy eating.