| Patrick J Tierney (patrick.tierney@knowledgepatch.com) |
| Centre for Distance Education, Athabasca University |
| July, 2011 |
| Full text (external site) |
| |
| Patrick is an engineer, a teacher, and a researcher. As a software engineer, his research developed a new model for describing software systems. His M.Ed. research has begun an exploration of using distance education technologies for lifestyle change, focusing on obesity for that work. he is now pursuing doctoral studies in applying DE, the transtheoretical model, social marketing, and action research as a platform for addressing population scale issues. |
| |
Abstract |
| Obesity affects over 100 million men, women, and children in North America alone and has reached what health professionals deem to be epidemic proportions. Being overweight can contribute to or cause chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Left unabated, it will lead to the premature death of millions. Clinical practice relies primarily on individual interventions to bring about lifestyle change. However, this may not be sufficient to reverse the trend on a population scale. Distance education is one area that is seen by some as one of the tools that is capable of reaching such a large audience. This mixed methods case study examined the perceived utility of a number of distance education tools and technologies and the likelihood of overweight and obese individuals adopting and using them. A number of distance education tools and technologies were found to be very useful, some that could be promising but will require further study, and still others that don't offer value and won't for the foreseeable future. |
