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Using technology to teach health: A collaborative model

Anca Codruta Rafiroiu, MD, PhD, Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Cleveland State University, 2451 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, (216) 687-4873, A.RAFIROIU@CSUOHIO.EDU

Health education and promotion curriculum planners should consider innovative ways to enhance the process of learning about health by using technology in systematic and creative ways. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the impact of technology integration on the overall instructional quality and students’ learning experience, by redesigning two graduate courses for students majoring in community health education. The main instructional objective is to promote collaborative learning and enhance students’ critical thinking skills. A variety of interactive health communication methods are being used, such as newly designed Webct courses that include course materials and asynchronous on-line discussions mediated by a facilitator, and access to a variety of multimedia resources. This new method is having an impact not only on how students are trained, but also on the skills they need to acquire in the future to keep pace with technology. Perspectives from both the students and the instructor will be discussed along with examples of integrated technology into instruction, field experiences, and assessments. Emphasis will be placed on the effective exploration of interactive methods, integration of technology in problem solving related to health behavior change activities, and advantages over conventional teaching methods. Results from the preliminary evaluation suggest that the students received the changes very well and indicate a degree of receptivity to greater involvement in technology-enhanced curriculum products. Implication for future application of technology into health classes and also into the development and delivery of health behavior change programs through internet will be addressed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

Keywords: College Students, Computer-Assisted

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The use of Technology in Health Promotion

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA