Abstract:

Introduction:
The main objective of MEAL project (543535-LLP-1-2013-1-ES-KA3-KA3MP) is to develop a pedagogical ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tool aimed to help teachers and nutritionists (both students and professionals), to acquire, train, promote and deliver basic NE (Nutritional Education) and healthy behaviors competences to children from 9 to 12 years old. MEAL is focused on eating behaviors, and it is based on Contento’s (2008) NE model. MEAL will take profit of the ICTs to consolidate the nutritional competences and habits in children, and.it will contain a web tool for students and professionals and a Serious Game for children aimed to support, assess, practice and implement the competencies and principles learned during the lessons.

Methods and first results:
(Work in progress).MEAL Platform offers teachers and nutritionist useful tools, procedures and strategies to promote an experiential learning in children, mainly achieving:
(1) Knowledge transfer,
(2) Skill acquisition and
(3) Attitudinal and behavioral change.

To reach all these objectives, an extensive literature review of NE knowledge, pedagogical models and the efficacy of status of the NE programs has been performed. Moreover a search on existing serious games has been made, and several proposals have been constructed within the project.

Discussion and Conclusions:
An ICT platform containing a training Course on NE for teachers and nutritionists has been built.
The platform has been structured as follows:
(1) Training Module. It contains an on-line course with a pedagogic model to help “Primary School Education” and “Nutrition and Dietetics” students and professionals (teachers and nutritionists) to acquire competences on teaching and training NE competencies to children; and
(2) Learning Module. It helps teachers and nutritionists to deliver nutrition contents to the children (9-12 aged) in the best way.

It will be used at school and nutrition consultations or workshops. In nutritional setting the content will be explained at individual consultation with parents and children. When the platform is fully developed, the project will be implemented with the target and final users.

Acknowledgement:
CIBER Obn Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición

Keywords:

Nutritional Education, Pedagogical ICT Platform, Training Course, Children, Teachers and Nutritionists.