Page 326 - Nutrition Counseling and Education Skills: A Guide for Professionals

Many employee programs for orientation and training use video formats, sometimes with printed
workbooks or learner’s guides. If the employee views a video alone, discussions with the instructor should
follow to explain the relationship of the video to the job. Videos can be placed on download formats or
connected to a web-based site where demonstrations of learning can occur. The learner watches the video and
periodically or at the end is asked questions about the content to assess learning.

Many employee education and orientation programs are moving a portion of their training to web-based
training because it is convenient and available to all employees rather than those available on a particular day.
Competencies can often be documented using employee response. Content can be offered in multiple
languages or learning levels easily. The greatest advantage may be the ability to update content without
creating new software. Customized unit-based training is also easier to facilitate via technology-based
training. The employee or client can be directed to complete only the modules pertinent to the current role,
providing on-demand or “just-in-time” training.2,7 Videos should augment the learning. Teacher-facilitated
discussion after the video should reinforce the concepts and promote active discussion. Short videos to take
home after the presentation or counseling reinforce learning. This is especially useful for procedures such as
preparing baby formula or conducting self-care.

Webinars and webcasts are produced, edited, narrated, and posted online. Similar techniques apply. Create
short 3- to 8-minute presentations, keep them simple, and use key messages with graphics and
demonstrations. Talk, don’t read, when you create. For best quality, use the microphone and technology
options that are available on most computers. Finally, be professional but do not worry about being perfect. If
taping clients or employees, obtain a written release of use without limitations.

Social Media

Social media is a broad term used to describe the evolving area of the interactive technology using personal
mobile devices that can access the Internet. Social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn are used to connect
with others personally or professionally. “Tweeting” messages, writing “blogs,” posting in chat rooms or
“Listserv,” and creating online forums are all used to disseminate information. The use of social media and the
expected professional behavior expectations are still under research. A general rule is that anything posted
cannot be retracted completely. It is important to evaluate these new media formats on a continuous basis as
they evolve.19–21

Integrating Multiple Media Formats

Professionals should consider using more than one visual and/or type of media in a presentation. A common
learning combination pairs a printed handout of the slides along with viewing the slides themselves. A more
advanced option would be to add an audience-response system to this scenario.22 This video feedback format
allows the participants to share their opinions or answers to presenter questions using provided keypads or
their mobile phones interactively when asked. Responses are tallied and displayed for the audience to view. A
counseling session with a client may integrate actual foods and food labels to discuss a food diary.

A more advanced option would be to integrate the client’s mobile phone technology and the Internet to
further personalize the education session. Think of the message and select visual media that best fits the goals
and teaching format. The focus is on the learners’ needs.19,23

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