Use of Educational Technology in Promoting Health Awareness among School Students: Results of a Meta-analysis

Resumen

Research examining the effectiveness of technology-supported interventions on health-related knowledge acquisition and behavior modification among school children is scant. This meta-analysis reviewed the impact on knowledge acquisition, development of favorable attitudes towards healthy lifestyles, and the adoption of healthy practices among school students exposed to interactive educational technologies as com-pared to those exposed to technology-free classroom-based health education. Of 236 pertinent articles identified through systematic literature searches, 25 primary empirical studies met the inclusion criteria; half of these were published in and after 2015. Meta-analysis showed strong evidence of the beneficial effects of integrating educa-tional technology into instructional practices, significantly improving the health-related knowledge of school students (g+ = 0.50, p < .01). Smaller, yet statistically significant effects were found on the development of posi-tive attitude towards healthy lifestyles and the adoption of healthy behaviors. Despite some limitations, the study consistently indicates that school-based technology-supported interventions can improve outcomes pertinent to healthy lifestyles, including knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and practices of learners. Raising awareness and adopting healthy practices are necessary as early measures of success in preventing childhood among school students.