Effect-Evaluation of Nutritional Education Program Using Internet for School Children

Her, Eun Sil; Lee, Kyung Hea

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects on elementary school children of Internet-based nutrition education programs. The subjects consisted of 80 boys and girls (book-loaming group : 42, Internet-based teaming group : 38) in the 5th grade of elementary school. The results were as follows : The evaluation of Internet-based education programs by Internet-teaming group showed above average in all domains. As the favorite and wholesome menu chose 'nutrition kingdom' (52.6%) made of animation. The educational effect of this program was evaluated by comparing the methods of the Internet-learning group with those of the book-learning group. For effect-evaluation were measured the degree of nutrition knowledge and diversity score of dietary intake from before and after education. Before undertaking the program, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of their nutrition knowledge. However, the nutrition knowledge of the Internet-based teaming group after the program had increased significantly (p<0.01) compared to the book-learning group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the diversity of dietary intake before the start of the program, but upon its completion, the Internet-based learning group showed a significant increase compared to the book-loaming group (p<0.05). This suggests that Internet-based educational programs could be effective in drawing the interest and boosting the concentration levels of schoolchildren. In conclusion, Internet-based nutrition education shows the potential to be an effective alternative education method.