There is consensus in the public health community that learning proper dietary practices at an early age benefits health in the short and long term--yet many children and teens have not received adequate education on the topics of proper diet and nutrition. Recent studies have indicated that the carotenoid lycopene, a naturally occurring compound that gives tomatoes their red color, is a powerful antioxidant. The Public Health Informatics Lab at The University of Maryland, College Park in conjunction with the Cancer Research Foundation of America and the Heinz Institute of Nutritional Sciences created a partnership to develop an interactive educational website for middle school students, their teachers and parents to educate them on the importance of lycopene. Based on national mandatory education requirements, the curriculum presented in this site can be applied in a variety of subject areas to be responsive to teachers’ needs for creative and appropriate classroom materials allowing them to teach the essentials of the health benefits of proper nutrition. The flexibility of this site reduces disparities in health education by enabling educators to tailor activities to individual needs. We demonstrate developmental and evaluation stages, usability data, and how interactive tools on the WWW offer exciting opportunities to provide educational material to all students and enable them to make informed health decisions for life.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this poster session, participants will be able to: · Identify areas in which technology based educational materials provide opportunities for all school-aged children to learn. · Recognize how technology enhances mandatory curriculum requirements. · Identify how health education initiatives on the WWW can eliminate health disparities
Keywords: Interactive, Technology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The University of Maryland, College Park
The Cancer Research Foundation of America
The Heinz Institute of Nutritional Sciences
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Student/Graduate Assistant/Grant