The Development of Multimedia Nutrition Education Program for Preschoolers

Oh, Yu Jin; Kim, Dong Sik

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to design an interactive multimedia nutrition education program for preschoolers. Computer technology provides the opportunity to explore new and creative methods of delivering nutrition education to preschoolers. If this method is effective, more preschoolers can be reached with accurate and consistent nutrition education with less time and teaching staff. This program is a computer-based multimedia nutrition education program for preschoolers based on the Dick and Carey (Dick and Carey 2001) model of instructional design which includes analysis, design, development, and evaluation. The overall instructional goal was based on the needs of the target population. The needs assessment was a self-administered survey distributed to 1,426 parents of preschoolers, focusing on the need for preschoolers' nutrition education. The results of the survey indicated that parents wanted their children to learn reasons for eating nutritious food. Therefore, a program titled "Nutrition Exploration" was developed with the instructional goal of teaching preschoolers the 5 Food Groups. To achieve this goal, the preschoolers were engaged in a game. They could earn colored jewels by completing the game in five sessions. The story line was that people living in a peaceful kingdom become sick after they lose the jewels. The learner takes an adventurous journey through five different countries to retrieve the jewels. These countries are "Giwoon nahrah" (foods containing carbohydrates, such as rice and potatoes), "Sangsang nahrah" (foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vegetables and fruits), "Sooksook nahrah" (calciumcontaining products such as milk), "Teunteun nahrah" (protein-containing foods such as meat and fish), and "Gakeum nahrah" (products with high sugar and fat content, such as instant foods and soda). The learner who obtains five jewels in five different countries can save the kingdom. For the program to be effective and efficient, the multimedia had to be easy for the preschooler to enter, use, and exit. The verbal instructions enhanced child autonomy, and the program was developmentally appropriate so that the young child could easily manipulate the software. This research provides the basis for the continued development of computer-based nutrition education materials.