Implementation and evaluation of interactive online instruction in the dietetic internship

Changes occurring in healthcare, education, and technology instigated the inclusion of interactive online technology in the dietetic internship program. A model of learner-centered, cooperative distance education using interactive online technology is described. Scrollable text, graphics, audio clips, animations, interactive calculators, video clips, and simulations were included in the model. Cooperative learning strategies were incorporated into the online instruction to initiate learner/instructor and learner/learner interaction. Seventy-five dietetic interns from three universities (Iowa State University, Kansas State University, and East Carolina University) served as subjects for the study. Intern classes from each university were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups, with and without online instructional support;Evaluation of the model included: use of the technology by interns, survey of computer attitudes and learning styles, \u27key-feature\u27 exams, and registered dietitian (RD) exam scores. ANOVA and linear regression models were constructed to account for the experimental error introduced by the nested design of the model. Demographic variables and previous computer experience did not influence the use of the online instruction; however, those that reported preferring to work with others tended to use the online instruction more (p = .05). Other preferred learning styles did not appear to influence the use of the technology significantly. These findings imply that the technology does facilitate cooperative learning strategies and can be used by a variety of learners. Significant improvement in self-efficacy with the World Wide Web occurred irrespective of the treatment. Interns using the interactive online technology had significant improvement in performance on the nutrition support key feature exam (p = .01) when compared to those not receiving the online instructional support. Intern performance on the pediatric key feature exam was significantly different between the control and experimental groups (p = .03); the experimental group did not exhibit the poorer performance on the post test that the control group did. There was no statistical difference in the two groups\u27 performance on the RD exam;This study found that interactive online technology can be successfully incorporated into a dietetic internship program. Clinical competency, as evaluated by the key feature exam, was improved with interactive online technology in select settings of the dietetic internship. It appears that interactive online instruction accommodates a variety of learning styles and has the potential to improve competency and technological aptitude

Folate Facts

Learn why folate (a general term for various forms of the B vitamin) is important in your diet and what foods are high in folate.https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/extension_families_pubs/1037/thumbnail.jp

Lighten Up Iowa: An Interdisciplinary, Collaborative Health Promotion Campaign

In Iowa, obesity nearly doubled between 1990 (12.8%) and 2002 (22.9%). Rural areas, like Iowa, tend to have a higher prevalence of obesity and are difficult to reach with health promotion efforts. The Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Games, and Iowa State University Extension deliver Lighten Up Iowa, a friendly team competition promoting physical activity and fruit/vegetable consumption. In 2003, Lighten Up Iowa reached 1,400 teams (12,000 Iowans in 99 counties) that logged 2.6 million miles of physical activity and lost 23.5 tons of weight. Pre- and post-surveys indicate significant (p\u3c0.05) increases in physical activity and fruit/vegetable consumption

Evaluating Nutrition Education Programming by Using a Dietary Screener

Short dietary assessment instruments known as screeners have potential for use in evaluating nutrition education programming because detecting change in dietary intake can demonstrate movement toward program goals. Using screeners results in objective dietary intake data but involves less administrative time, training, and cost than other evaluation methods. This article describes use of the Block Screener for Fruits, Vegetables, and Fiber (BSFVF) as a pre- and posteducation evaluation tool for an Extension nutrition education program. Findings showed that graduates’ intakes of fruits, vegetables, fiber, and certain nutrients significantly increased. Implications related to use of the BSFVF for evaluation of routine Extension nutrition education programming are discussed

MyPlate Lunch Bag Ideas

Find great menu ideas to pack your child\u27s lunch bag with MyPlate healthy foods. You\u27ll find kid-friendly foods for fruits, veggies, protein, grains, and dairy. Also, find preparation and packing tips to keep foods at a safe temperature.https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/extension_families_pubs/1003/thumbnail.jp