Learning by Design: Development of Nutrition Education Infographics with an Experiential Twist

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this course project was the development and ultimate dissemination of original, evidence-based nutrition information in collaboration with nutrition educators within the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service using an experiential learning model. Methods An experiential learning course was designed to tailor student-learning outcomes with a goal of creating novel nutrition infographics to address topics of student interest and consumer inquiry. Faculty within Family and Consumer Sciences Extension were consulted to obtain guidelines, information and needs to facilitate the design of infographics that would best identify with Kentuckians across the commonwealth. Infographic topics were chosen based on their need for clarity among the Extension audience as well as popularity on social media channels. Each infographic went through rounds of revisions by the faculty supervisor and Extension faculty, with the final copy to be disseminated through University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Offices. Results Eight original infographics were developed through the completion of this experiential learning course. Five infographics focused on clarifying popular, yet controversial nutrition topics such as “Keto 101: Basics of the Keto Diet” and “Intermittent Fasting: What's the Fast About?”. The remaining three infographics described health impacts of micronutrients, antioxidants and culinary guidelines for popular cooking oils. Infographics are available to agents for distribution through scheduled workshops, the Internet, social media channels, etc. Conclusions An experiential learning course is an effective model for students to pursue their interests while creating evidence-based, usable nutrition information and resources for a larger audience. The infographics generated will reach rural families through the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service to educate and clarify popular, controversial topics in nutrition. As consumers’ sources of news and information is varied, it will be important that nutrition education evolve in order for credible nutrition information to be “shared”. Funding Sources This course was created through a collaboration between the Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences and the James W. Stuckert Career Center at the University of Kentucky.