Efficacy of Interactive Whiteboards as Teaching Tools in the Nutrition Education of 1st and 2nd grade students

Abstract

Research on the use of interactive white boards (IWB) in education indicates that such tools affect learning. Little research has been done on the effectiveness of this technology in nutrition education. The goal of this study was to examine the efficacy of educating first and second grade students about nutrition and healthy eating habits using an IWB. An age‐appropriate nutrition lesson was presented to one first grade and one second grade class at an area elementary school using an IWB. Each lesson was 45 minutes in length and included hands‐on manipulation of the IWB by the students via nutrition games and activities. Students completed pre‐ and post – lesson surveys. The surveys included questions on identifying food groups and healthy snacking. Results showed a significant increase in mean scores on the food group identification questions in the second grade students (7.35 vs. 9.5, p<0.001) while first grade students showed significant improvement in mean scores on the healthy snacking questions (4.86 vs. 5.14, p<0.001). Both grade levels had significantly improved mean total survey scores (9.10 vs. 10.76, p<0.001; 2nd grade = 17.0 vs. 22.18, p<0.001). These results indicate promise for the use of the IWB as an effective tool in school‐age nutrition education. Support by UAMS/CHP –Dean's Society Grant to LM.