Health + Tech | Digital health education platforms for schools

With the ever-increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases, there is a critical need for more ways to deliver comprehensive health education.

Our public health challenges range from infectious diseases to lifestyle-related conditions, which means the importance of instilling healthy behaviours early on is clear. Generational behaviour change can happen if we instill in children the importance of and ensure that they practice healthy behaviours. Developing and deploying digital health education platforms tailored specifically for schools offers a promising solution to these challenges. These platforms, with their interactive content covering hygiene, nutrition, healthy lifestyle practices and mental health can play an important role in shaping a healthier future.

In an era where technology permeates every aspect of life, harnessing its power for health education is both timely and essential. Digital platforms designed for health education provide an opportunity to engage students in ways that traditional methods simply cannot match. The inclusion of interactive learning modules is a key feature of these platforms, offering students an immersive experience that goes beyond the limitations of textbooks. These modules can range from videos and quizzes to games that make learning about health both engaging and informative. They could be tailored to address the specific health challenges that we face as a country, ensuring that the material is relevant and practical.

For example, a module could focus on dengue prevention, a critical issue for us all year round. Through an interactive game, students could learn how to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites, recognise the symptoms of dengue fever, and understand the importance of seeking medical attention promptly. This is important because health education must resonate with students’ daily lives to be truly effective. Quizzes at the end of the module would reinforce the knowledge gained, ensuring that students not only learn but retain the information.

Such interactivity does more than just educate; it actively engages students, encouraging them to think critically about their health and the health of their community. This approach is particularly effective in a classroom setting, where teachers can facilitate discussions that allow students to explore these topics in greater depth. Perhaps we could include this in the health and family life education modules in schools.

Nutrition education is another area where using what students know and incorporating cultural experiences is particularly important. Our rich culinary heritage offers both opportunities and challenges when it comes to promoting healthy eating. A digital health platform can include modules that teach students about the nutritional value of traditional Jamaican dishes, guiding them on how to make healthier choices while still enjoying the foods they love.

For digital health education platforms to be effective, teachers must be trained to integrate these tools into their classrooms seamlessly. This training goes beyond simply teaching teachers how to use the technology; it involves empowering them to use these platforms as a means to enhance traditional health education methods. Teacher training programmes should focus on how to navigate the digital platforms, utilise the interactive modules, and assess student progress. Additionally, teachers should be encouraged to incorporate group activities and discussions around the content, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

There are several benefits to using digital health education platforms in schools. Firstly, they have the potential to significantly enhance students’ understanding of health topics. By presenting information in an engaging and interactive way, students are more likely to absorb and apply what they learn. The ability to update and expand the content as needed is another significant advantage. Health education is not static; it evolves with new information and emerging health challenges. Digital platforms can be easily updated to reflect the latest health guidelines, ensuring that students always have access to the most current and relevant information.

In addition, these platforms provide teachers with a wealth of resources that go beyond what is typically available in the classroom. The multimedia content can bring health topics to life in a way that textbooks cannot, enriching the learning experience for students and teachers alike.

Incorporating these digital platforms could lead to healthier behaviours, such as improved hygiene practices, better nutrition choices, overall healthy lifestyle practices and increased awareness of mental health issues.

Doug Halsall is the chairman and CEO of Advanced Integrated Systems. Email feedback to doug.halsall@gmail.com and editorial@gleanerjm.com.