Microcomputers enhance student health fairs

To stimulate student interest in learning about health, faculty assigned students the task of planning and implementing a university health fair. Two questions were posed: (1) Could sophomore students effectively plan and implement a health fair as a learning opportunity? (2) Could microcomputers be used appropriately to influence client participation and to enhance the nurse-client interactions? Literature regarding the efficacy of the health fair as a mode of health care delivery and as a student learning opportunity and literature addressing the advantages of microcomputer use were reviewed. Two health fairs were piloted. Microcomputers were employed in three areas: nutrition, stress, and substance abuse. Students, with faculty guidance, developed educational materials using principles of teaching, learning, and health promotion. Clients rated the health fair as congruent with their health needs. Students identified learning gained from the experience. Students and clients were receptive to computer use. Future directions are discussed.