| Title of Project: | EatFit: Nutrition and Fitness Online Teacher Training Pilot | |
| Project Director: | Marilyn Townsend | |
| Applicant Organization: | Division of Ag. & Natural Resources, University of California |
Audience
Our audiences are middle school teachers, volunteer leaders,
students and their parents, and youth in organizations.
Enhance teacher training options with an online opportunity and improve the nutrition and fitness choices of adolescents via online telecommunication strategies.
Hypothesis
We hypothesize 1) that the online teacher training manual is at least as effective as the in person training, 2) the online dietary analysis software delivered via the EatFit.net website is a feasible education method with middle school students.
Projected Outcomes
We will have developed:
1) A hardcopy of the EatFit teacher training manual for web based instruction.
2) An online version of the EatFit teacher training manual for web based instruction which will be pilot tested with teachers
3) A prototype of the online interactive dietary analysis program for middle school students.
.
| Name: | Sandra M. Dowdy Ms | |
| Email: | smdowdy@ucdavis.edu | |
| Phone Number: | ( 530) 754-6131 | |
| FAX Number: | ( ) | |
| Address: | University of California, One Shields Avenue | |
| Davis, CA 95616 |
| IRS Number: | 946036494- | |
| Congressional District Number: | 9 | |
| Period of Proposed Project Dates: | 10/01/2000 to 9/30/2001 |
| Name: | Marilyn S Townsend | |
| Email: | mstownsend@ucdavis.edu | |
| Phone Number: | ( 530) 754-9222 | |
| FAX Number: | ( 530) 754-7588 | |
| Address: | EFNEP, Nutrition Dept., University of California | |
| Davis, CA 95616 |
| Name: | Karen L Berke | |
| Email: | klberke@ucdavis.edu | |
| Phone Number: | ( 530) 754-9550 | |
| FAX Number: | ( 530) 754-9547 | |
| Address: | ANR Communication Services-Trailer, University of California | |
| Davis, CA 95616 |
| Name: | Gary Beall Mr. | |
| Email: | gabeall@ucdavis.edu | |
| Phone Number: | ( 530) 754-9552 | |
| FAX Number: | ( 530) 754-9547 | |
| Address: | University of California | |
| Davis, CA 95616 |
The student dietary analysis software that we plan to adapt is USDA's national reporting system for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) (See attached letter of support). We will determine the feasibility of an adapted version for middle school students. This teaching tool supports optimal use of the agricultural telecommunication network.
The program advisory team includes campus subject matter and technology experts and county based advisors who will help extend the program to teachers and conduct field tests throughout underserved populations in three counties in California (2 rural, including the Hoopa Indian Reservation, and 1 urban) and then, if successful, with teachers throughout the state.
The project will allow us to reach more teacher/educators in an alternative
manner via online training. We can compare the effectiveness of training
teachers to use the EatFit curriculum using the traditional EFNEP delivery
and the internet delivery mode, and to evaluate the effectiveness of
this new delivery method.
With the development of a specialized "child friendly" dietary analysis
tool, adapted from USDA's national reporting system for EFNEP, we will
determine whether this assessment tool is feasible with middle school
students.
Detailed Description of Methods to be used in Producing and/or Delivering the Programming.
1. Online EatFit Teacher Training Curriculum
An EatFit curriculum featuring nine nutrition and fitness lessons has
been developed to improve food choices, exercise habits and critical
thinking skills among middle school students. The curriculum has been
pilot tested by the authors and will be field-tested by Cooperative
Extension county staff. Development of a supporting teacher-training
manual is the next step. Our goal is to provide teachers with two options
for training: 1) an in-person workshop and 2) an -online learning via
the Internet.
We will adapt the text-based teacher manual for online delivery. Local
UC Cooperative Extension county educators will establish and maintain
contacts with teachers and with the technical aspects of the online
delivery. These county educators have been very successful in targeting
low-income communities.
Middle school teachers may be apprehensive about topics traditionally aligned with health education such as "nutrition" or "health" promotion and may feel they lack the necessary science background to handle a science-based curriculum. Providing teacher training via the Internet, coupled with support from local UC county Cooperative Extension educators, will dramatically increase teacher access to the training, freeing them of the time and place constraints involved with traditional training methods.
The online teacher training modules will provide interactive hands-on experience to give teachers the skills and confidence to implement the curriculum in their classroom. The modules will be reviewed and pre-tested by a selected number of middle school teachers before they are pilot tested in three California counties. If successful in the pilot test counties, the modules will be available to teachers in all communities in the pre-test counties, regardless of socio-economic level. Our network of county based nutrition assistants will work with schools in low-income communities to ensure that teachers in these schools have access to the curriculum and online training.
We are seeking $25,000 to develop the training manual and to adapt it for the Internet.
Dietary Analysis Software Adaptation
The core of the EatFit program is an interactive self-monitoring dietary analysis component. The software will include a foods database designed specifically for the targeted adolescent age group. To develop this software component, we will adapt the USDA Evaluation and Reporting System nutritional analysis software which was originally developed for use by trained professional staff . The adaptation will include a teen-friendly interface and attractive individualized nutrition outputs with graphic displays. The goal is to have this new software be user friendly in order for youth to be able to use it with ease with very little instruction. When completed, the adapted version will be the only dietary analysis program freely available in the public domain, specifically for middle school students. The students will do complete their dietary analysis as they begin the second lesson. The feedback from the analysis will allow the students to choose which aspect of their diet they would like to improve, and exactly how it will be accomplished. Each lesson is then tailored to individual student goals. Along with their teacher's assistance, the students will set personal nutrition and fitness goals using the individualized approach. As students advance through the lessons, they will be able to use the dietary analysis program as their interest is piqued.
We have received an estimate for this software adaptation from Earl
Merrill, consultant for developing the USDA web-based nutritional evaluation
system. This estimate is
$32,000.
Currently, access to the database server is limited to approximately 25 concurrent users. The use of MySQL would allow for a greater number of users to access the site concurrently. There is, however, a SQL database engine that is popular in educational circles called MySQL. There is no cost for MySOL for an educational application.
The cost estimate for the complete software adaption project is $93,900 (plus installation, configuring server and travel for 2 people). The Proposed ADEC project will cost $32,000 for the first phase. Our EFNEP/Nutrition program has provided an initial $7,000. We will aggressively pursue funding through other sources for the higher level adaptation.
* To improve agricultural research underlying agricultural telecommunications.
Make optimal use of available resources for agricultural extension, resident
education, and research by sharing resources between participating institutions.
* Train learners for careers in agriculture, natural resource management, environmental science, human sciences and the food industries.
Explain how the Project Relates to the Program Objective(s) and how the Project will Contribute to Achieving These.
The EatFit project with its online teacher training option will allow educators to access training more readily because the training "time" will be convenient for the teachers -- anytime or anyplace.internet delivery supports program objectives.
The student dietary analysis software that we plan to adapt is USDA's national reporting system for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) (See attached letter of support). We will determine the feasibility of an adapted version for middle school students. This teaching tool supports optimal use of the agricultural telecommunication network.
The program advisory team includes campus subject matter and technology experts and county based advisors who will help extend the program to teachers and conduct field tests throughout underserved populations in three counties in California (2 rural, including the Hoopa Indian Reservation, and 1 urban) and then, if successful, with teachers throughout the state.
1. Online EatFit Teacher Training Curriculum
An EatFit curriculum featuring nine nutrition and fitness lessons has been
developed to improve food choices, exercise habits and critical thinking
skills among middle school students. The curriculum has been pilot tested
by the authors and will be field-tested by Cooperative Extension county
staff. Development of a supporting teacher-training manual is the next step.
Our goal is to provide teachers with two options for training: 1) an in-person
workshop and 2) an -online learning via the Internet.
We will adapt the text-based teacher manual for online delivery. Local UC
Cooperative Extension county educators will establish and maintain contacts
with teachers and with the technical aspects of the online delivery. These
county educators have been very successful in targeting low-income communities.
Middle school teachers may be apprehensive about topics traditionally aligned with health education such as "nutrition" or "health" promotion and may feel they lack the necessary science background to handle a science-based curriculum. Providing teacher training via the Internet, coupled with support from local UC county Cooperative Extension educators, will dramatically increase teacher access to the training, freeing them of the time and place constraints involved with traditional training methods.
The online teacher training modules will provide interactive hands-on experience to give teachers the skills and confidence to implement the curriculum in their classroom. The modules will be reviewed and pre-tested by a selected number of middle school teachers before they are pilot tested in three California counties. If successful in the pilot test counties, the modules will be available to teachers in all communities in the pre-test counties, regardless of socio-economic level. Our network of county based nutrition assistants will work with schools in low-income communities to ensure that teachers in these schools have access to the curriculum and online training.
We are seeking $25,000 to develop the training manual and to adapt it for the Internet.
Dietary Analysis Software Adaptation
The core of the EatFit program is an interactive self-monitoring dietary analysis component. The software will include a foods database designed specifically for the targeted adolescent age group. To develop this software component, we will adapt the USDA Evaluation and Reporting System nutritional analysis software which was originally developed for use by trained professional staff . The adaptation will include a teen-friendly interface and attractive individualized nutrition outputs with graphic displays. The goal is to have this new software be user friendly in order for youth to be able to use it with ease with very little instruction. When completed, the adapted version will be the only dietary analysis program freely available in the public domain, specifically for middle school students. The students will do complete their dietary analysis as they begin the second lesson. The feedback from the analysis will allow the students to choose which aspect of their diet they would like to improve, and exactly how it will be accomplished. Each lesson is then tailored to individual student goals. Along with their teacher's assistance, the students will set personal nutrition and fitness goals using the individualized approach. As students advance through the lessons, they will be able to use the dietary analysis program as their interest is piqued.
We have received an estimate for this software adaptation from Earl Merrill,
consultant for developing the USDA web-based nutritional evaluation system.
This estimate is
$32,000.
Currently, access to the database server is limited to approximately 25 concurrent users. The use of MySQL would allow for a greater number of users to access the site concurrently. There is, however, a SQL database engine that is popular in educational circles called MySQL. There is no cost for MySOL for an educational application.
The cost estimate for the complete software adaption project is $93,900 (plus installation, configuring server and travel for 2 people). The Proposed ADEC project will cost $32,000 for the first phase. Our EFNEP/Nutrition program has provided an initial $7,000. We will aggressively pursue funding through other sources for the higher level adaptation.
We will be consulting with professionals at established networks such as, UCD Teacher Resource Center, IT, the UCD UNIX IT Multi Media Center, and a few faculty who have produced their own online courses. We will choose a course development software package, select web tools to support online course development and delivery, and review web course management tools to determine suitability for this project.We will work with the campus IT and others on the design, adaptation and operation of the online training. The development of the software for adaptation of the USDA dietary analysis tool will be contracted to the same company, Acorn Data that did the USDA online database.
The Program Director for the California Subject Matter Projects will ask teachers to review the curriculum.
Inclusion of DQ University, a Native American Junior College, Yolo County, CA, as a collaborator in the development of the pilot program will help address specified needs of Native Americans.
In summary we will be collaborating with the following institutions:
University of California, Davis Schools/University Partnership Program;
Department of Nutrition, UC Davis;
University of California Cooperative Extension
University of New Mexico Cooperative Extension
Native American Junior College, DQU, Davis, CA
This program was presented to the EFNEP directors for nine western states May 22 through the 24th in Las Vegas. This project was enthusiasticly supported.
In California, many teachers are moving to online learning for subject matter, program enrichment and professional development. New online training sites have proven very popular with California teachers and are supported by the county offices of education.
Why are we delivering through schools?
Today's children and adolescents frequently decide what to eat with little adult supervision. The increase in the availability of convenience foods and fast food restaurants is one reason why it has become more difficult for parents to monitor their childs eating habits. Schools reach most children and adolescents and provide opportunities to teach and practice healthful eating choices.
Why are we targeting middle schools with this program?
In 1999, the Cooperative Extension Advisory Committee, that includes nutrition specialists and experts from public and private industry, met to discuss the need for the development of a middle school nutrition and fitness curriculum. They agreed that this was a high priority area and the importance of nutrition and fitness education at this age is crucial. They also felt that there was a deficiency in the quality and amount of materials available.
Why this age group?
We are targeting this age group for delivery because life-long habits are being established, and it is especially important to intervene before poor choices are made.
Why are we delivering training through the web?
Cooperative Extension is always looking for new ways to recruit participants and deliver programs. The online delivery will provide us with another option for teacher training.
Emerging interactive technologies offer a powerful opportunity to reach increasing numbers of teachers. Middle school teachers have many responsibilities, so it is difficult to implement traditional after-school teacher training. With the Internet, they can access the training when it is convenient for them.
The placement of the curriculum on the Internet will make science-based lessons available to teachers in high and low-income communities. Students in disadvantaged circumstances have less access to educational resources of all types. Teachers need access to curricula that provide a range of educational experiences. We plan to make curricula available through the Internet to help nutrition assistants deliver programs and to help schools get access to them. This will ensure that teachers in low-income communities have access to varied curricula.
Why are we integrating the web into our curriculum?
Teachers who integrate technologies into their lessons say technology makes students more enthusiastic (pg. 35, Newsweek/Score). Technology is interactive, engaging, and motivating for students. The diet analysis will allow students instant feedback and recommendations on their diet. This may increase the likelihood that they will make positive behavior changes
* Web based instruction will be specifically designed for, and tested by
teachers.
* Research-based lessons will be available to students in all communities.
* Students in disadvantaged circumstances will have free access to our educational materials.
* Pilot and field testing will be done exclusively with students and teachers from low- income schools
In this pilot project, formative and summative evaluations will be conducted with 20 teachers to assess the technical effectiveness of the online training program and teacher response to receiving the instruction via the Internet. This evaluation is an electronic survey distributed and gathered on the web. Local UC Cooperative Extension educators will be surveyed on their participation and evaluation of the program. Based on results and feedback from the pilot project, we will expand the project to several other California counties and other states. Ultimately, the program will be available to other states through a site license. One anticipated outlet for this project is the National Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, which operates in 50 states and 3 territories.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the online version of the teacher training manual, we will compare the degree of implementation of the EatFit curriculum between the teachers who receive in person training and those that receive online training. The teachers will complete a questionnaire, which accesses their actual implementation of the EatFit curriculum.
To evaluate the feasibility of the online dietary analysis, students will be observed and focus groups will be conducted. Observations will include accessing ease of use, comprehension and enjoyment while students are using the dietary analysis program. Focus groups of 3-5 students will be conducted after they have completed the dietary analysis program to provide further feedback on feasibility.
Dissemination and Marketing
If this pilot project is successful, we will use numerous delivery methods
for communicating information about our online training. Free internet providers
such as MetaCollege will be explored as an effective way to promote and
maintain the online programs for large audiences. We will also be including
our curriculum in various educational resource catalogs including the DANR
catalog.
We will partner with the University of California Health and Fitness Subject Matter Projects to promote the internet site. This is a statewide program which provides training to school teachers to improve teaching and student learning at all grade levels. (See attached letter of support.)
We expect several professional Society paper presentations and journal articles on this project. An internal training team may be formed to provide other UCCE staff and others with training on development of online courses.
We may organize a Speakers Bureau of Extension educators and youth development volunteers to reach out to teachers associated with the California Health and Physical Education Subject Matter Program, which provides education to several thousand teachers in California.
Childhood is the prime time of human development. This is no less true for development of good health than it is for social, educational, emotional, and moral development. It may be easier to prevent the initiation of some behaviors than it is to intervene once they have become established. Likewise, it may be easier to establish healthy habits, such as those related to dietary and physical activity patterns, during childhood than later in life.
Poor eating and fitness habits can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes,
cancer, stroke, and a number of other serious chronic diseases, and disease
risk factors. The EatFit curriculum supports diet and fitness recommendations
for youth who are at risk for type
I diabetes.
Another potential impact of the project on the knowledge base is that all
of the materials will be available to CE nutrition educators and public
and private teachers throughout the nation.
We will build collaborations and networks with and among EFNEP programs nationwide, Cooperative Extension educators, agricultural communicators and educators, state agency personnel and teachers who use the course for training. We will cooperate with and encourage interactivity through e-mail. Ultimately, the teacher training course will be offered and delivered nationwide. We plan to have asynchronous instruction (web instruction) for the training manual, dietary analysis program, and supplementary materials. We will have a tremendous opportunity to build and support many relationships.
The broader concept of this project was presented at a meeting of EFNEP directors from nine western states May 23, 2000. The state directors are very enthusiastic about involvement.
The target audience for the educational materials is educators who work diverse low-income areas. Native American educators are cooperators in the project. Many in this population have not had an opportunity to participate in web-based instruction.
The national programs that will be impacted by this project are EFNEP, Cooperative Extension, Youth Development, and 4-H Youth programs. The reach of the program extends to urban, suburban, and very rural sites. The program will be offered at no or a very low cost to those who can access the internet or are enrolled in the EFNEP program. The program and software may be licensed to other states. If a fee is assessed, the fee will be for professional credit associated with the training and technical maintenance.