Evaluation of a computer-based nutrition education tool

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of using a computer-based teaching tool (http://www.coolfoodplanet.org) for nutrition and lifestyle education developed for primary school children. Design: This was a 2-week school-based intervention in third and fourth grades. The study design was multi-factorial with repeated measures of nutrition knowledge, at three points in time, of dependent samples from control and intervention groups. Control schools (n = 7) used 'traditional' nutrition education materials and intervention schools (n = 8) additionally used the computer-based educational tool. Qualitative information was collected in focus group discussions with student teachers and pupils, and by observing the nutrition lessons. Setting/subjects: Pupils aged 8-11 years (n = 271) from participating schools in Vienna. Austria. Results: Nutrition knowledge increased significantly in both intervention and control schools, irrespective of the teaching tool used (P < 0.001). The significant effect was maintained at 3 months' follow-up. There was no detectable difference in nutrition knowledge post intervention or at follow-up between the two study groups. in intervention schools, younger pupils (8-9 years) had better nutrition knowledge than older pupils (10-11 years) (P = 0.011). Conclusion: This computer-based tool increases the possibilities of school-based nutrition education. If the tool's weaknesses identified during the formative evaluation are eliminated, it has the potential to make learning about nutrition more enjoyable; exciting and effective. This is of great importance considering that 'healthy' nutrition is not necessarily a topic that easily attracts pupils' attention and in view of Evaluation the potential long-term health benefits of early and effective nutrition education.