Using Technology to Teach Health: A Collaborative Pilot Project in Alabama

• Published in: The Journal of school health Vol. 72; no. 10; pp. 401 - 407
• Main Authors: Geiger, Brian F., Petri, Cynthia J., Myers, Ouida, Lan, JoAnn, Binkley, Dianne, Aldige, Carolyn R., Berdebes, Joanne
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.12.2002; American School Health Association
• Subjects: Alabama; Child; Childhood obesity; Company business management; Computer-Assisted Instruction; Control Groups; Cooperative Behavior; Diffusion of Innovation; Education, Professional - methods; Educational Environment; Educational Technology - instrumentation; Health education; Health Education - methods; Health Planning - methods; Health Planning - organization & administration; Humans; Life Style; Management; Middle schools; Nursing; Nutrition Disorders - prevention & control; Obesity in children; Pilot Projects; Program Evaluation; Public health; Secondary School Students; Software; Study and teaching; Alabama; United States > US
• ISSN: 0022-4391; 1746-1561
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2002.tb03548.x

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, tobacco, 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.