Development and pilot testing of an interactive calcium education tool for children

Abstract Text: Most US adolescents do not meet current nutrition recommendations for calcium, increasing their risk for fractures, reduced bone mass and osteoporosis in later life. Multiple factors influence children's eating and activity habits. Increased use of multimedia “advergaming” applications by children has become a concern. To combat this trend many interactive “edutainment” programs have been created to hold today's child's interest while teaching healthier habits. Multimedia has been shown to be an effective tool for influencing nutritional and activity practices. An interactive calcium computer-based education program was developed and pilot-tested on a group of 5th grade students (N = 17). In an elementary school computer lab, a teacher installed the program onto each student's computer. The project was explained to the children and a pretest on calcium knowledge was given. Then students accessed the program to browse among 6 different calcium-realted topic areas using either a linear or network flow. Children worked through the program on their own and completed a post-test without further access to the program. Results of the pilot test indicated children accomplished the learning objectives (100%), enjoyed the program (100%), and found it easy to use. Seventy-one percent stated their intention to try incorporating more calcium-containing foods into their diets. Procedures necessary to develop similar programs with minimal training and little or no cost will be discussed. This program is easy to modify and update. Demonstration of the program and a copy of the file will be offered at no cost.