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INVESTIGATOR: Williams-Wheeler, M.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIV
1601 EAST MARKET STREET
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA 27411

USING TECHNOLOGY TO DELIVER PARENT EDUCATION AND INFORMATION

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Effective delivery of parent education and information requires that the method of instruction engage the audience. Exciting technological advances and tools have created new opportunities for Extension to engage diverse audiences. The purpose of this project is to increase the instructional value and reach of a conventionally taught North Carolina Cooperative Extension parent education program, "Parenting Matters", by digitizing the curriculum and supplementing its presentation through the inclusion of web-based and other digital sourced content. A major goal is to translate Family and Consumer Sciences into practical skills and information individuals can use to enhance their quality of life and relationships. From this project we expect to: (1) develop an online version of "Parenting Matters", (2) a train-the-trainer guide with supplemental parenting curricula and resources, and (3) a virtual parenting tip-line for online users. As a result of this project, a more portable and accessible product is anticipated. The project also intends to reach more parents with programming using an engaging, dynamic and interactive instructional delivery system. The curriculum will be pilot tested in two North Carolina counties. The impact the program has on improving participants' knowledge, attitudes, aspirations, and parenting skills will be evaluated with the intention of having the curriculum available throughout North Carolina by the end of the project's third year.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of the project is to use technology to provide parent education and information that leads to positive changes in parenting knowledge, attitudes, skills, and aspirations. Specific objectives of this project are to: 1. Redesign an existing face-to-face parent education program ("Parenting Matters") for digital delivery. 2. Pilot and refine the redesigned program, "Parenting Matters" Online. 3. Conduct statewide training, implementation, and evaluation of the "Parenting Matters" Online program. The following outcomes are expected: 1. A parent education program that can be delivered via technology. 2. Increased capacity for North Carolina Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Science field staff to deliver parent education using technology. 3. Improved parenting knowledge and skills of program participants. 4. Increased use of prosocial parenting practices by program participants. These short and intermediate outcomes are expected to promote positive child and youth development and family well being.