Media of health education

Introduction

Media refers to the teaching aids through which knowledge, information, and ideas are communicated with the aim of disseminating messages. These teaching aids assist health educators in imparting knowledge to their audiences. Media or teaching aids are employed to create awareness and reinforce learning. They are utilized in various ways and in different situations, including individual, group, and mass teaching. Media are often referred to as audio-visual aids.

Purposes of media

1. To support a message: Most commonly, media is used to present information to a group of people.
2. To provide an additional avenue for receiving and retaining information.

Types/Classification of media

a). The first way of classification

1. Audio Aids: learning occurs by hearing e.g. Radio, cassette player

• Visual Aids: People learn by seeing.e.g. posters, pamphlets, flipchart, flannel graph, bulletin board, model etc.
• Audio -visual aids: learning occurs by hearing and seeing.eg Television, film & sound, videotape, movie etc.

  2. Second way of classification

• Projected media
• Non projected media

3. Others

Aid through activity

• Field trip
• Models
• Collection of material and exhibition etc.

Traditional media

• Puppets
• Dramas
• Folksongs
• Folkdance etc.

Auditory aids	Visual aids	Audio visual aids
– Radio – Recording devices	1. Non projected aids – Instruments & equipment – Handouts/handbill – Pamphlets – Books, magazine & manuals Graphic teaching aids Charts – Pictures – Diagrams – Maps – Graphs – Posters – Cartoons – Comic strips – Flash cards – Flip chart Display boards as teaching aids – Blackboard/chalkboard – Bulletin board – Flannel board – Magnetic chalkboard   2. Still projected aids – Slides & film strips – Overhead projector (OHP) – Computer, pen drive, floppies,  CDs	– Films (motion picture) – Television – Videos – Computer & LCD

1. Audio-Aids: An audio aid is a device that can be heard, but the individuals and objects whose voices are recorded cannot be seen.

Radio: Radio is an audio aid through which messages are relayed to a heterogeneous and large number of people simultaneously, who are not physically present before the communicator. It is a mass media that facilitates one-way communication. The intended audience is informed and encouraged to tune in to the broadcast at a specific time and place.

Advantages

1. It can reach a large mass of people within a very short period of time.
2. It is particularly helpful for illiterate individuals.
3. It easily overcomes barriers of distance and space.
4. A radio transmitter can be carried, allowing individuals to attend radio health programs wherever they go.
5. If an audio cassette is used, a person can listen at their leisure.
6. It can also be used in places without access to electricity.
7. Information can be prepared in advance.
8. The dramatic effects of the program can evoke emotions and help develop positive attitude

Disadvantages.

1. It is a one-way communication system.
2. The communicator cannot be certain that people are listening to and understanding his message. Issues such as electricity, batteries, and limited broadcasting facilities may hinder effective communication.
3. It is challenging to evaluate the impact of radio teaching.
4. Sometimes there may be a language barrier for certain groups of people.
5. Messages received only through verbal teaching may be easily forgotten.
6. It is difficult to schedule timing to accommodate the convenience of specific target audiences.

Cassette player/Tape recorder: A cassette player is a small, portable audio device that can be operated with electricity or batteries. It is useful for delivering health education messages to a group of audiences. Nowadays, cassette players or tape recorders are commonly used as a medium. Different cassettes can be recorded with various health messages and used according to the needs and interests of the audience group.

Advantages

1.  Useful for group teaching sessions and facilitates discussions.
2. Recordings can be easily played at various locations.
3. The recorded message can be pre-tested before being used in an actual teaching session.
4. It can be played at the learner’s speed of learning by stopping in between or by replaying.
5. It can be played with the help of batteries in areas without electricity supply.
6. Portable and easy to carry to different teaching locations.

Disadvantages

1. It can be little costly to afford.
2. Some individuals may become confused about the operation of the equipment.
3. Affordability is a concern, and there may be added problems with the cost of repairs.
4. Interruptions in electricity supply or a lack of batteries might pose a problem.
5. Learning solely through auditory means may not be as effective.

2. Visual Aids

Poster: –A poster is a visual aid that involves a pictorial and graphical non-projected combination of bold design, color, and message. Its purpose is to capture the attention of learners from a long distance and implant a significant idea in their minds. While some posters may lack pictures, those without visual elements may not be useful for illiterate individuals. An ideal poster should cater to both literate and illiterate audiences. Posters can be printed or prepared by hand.

Qualities of poster 

• A good poster should convey only one unit of message.
• A colored poster is more natural, attractive, and clear.
• An ideal size for the poster is (60X60) cm, although it may vary.
• Pictures and letters should be large enough to be clearly visible from a distance of about five meters.
• The message should be based on the needs of the target audience and should align with the existing culture of the community concerned.

Advantages

1. Pictorial and colored posters are attractive and effective.
2. They can be easily transported from one place to another.
3. Posters can be locally prepared in limited numbers to meet immediate and local health education needs.
4. Many people can learn from a limited number of posters on display.
5. Even illiterate individuals can gain knowledge by looking at the pictures on the poster.
6. Posters help develop creativity in learners by involving them in designing and making posters.
7. They can be stored for future use.

Disadvantages

1. It facilitates one-way communication.
2. Color printing of posters is often expensive, and printing services may not be readily available in rural areas or certain locations.
3. Posters can be easily damaged.
4. It is challenging to ensure that the intended group has seen or read the displayed posters.

Pamphlet: –A pamphlet is an unbound booklet without a binding, typically consisting of a single sheet of paper printed on both sides and folded in half. The content of a pamphlet can take various forms, including poems, songs, and diagrams. It is a versatile tool that can be utilized for educating learners in training groups, family members in FP/MCH clinics, hospital OPDs, and other settings. Pamphlets can also be introduced in the form of leaflets or folders to convey health-related messages. It is essential for a pamphlet to be concise, aiming not to exceed more than four pages.

Advantages

1. Helps in rapidly propagating messages on a mass scale through wide distribution.
2. Pamphlets are very easy to carry from place to place.
3. The first reader can pass the read pamphlets to others.
4. It covers a large number of people through widespread distribution for the purpose of propaganda.
5. It is easy to prepare and not costly.
6. People can read them in their free time and understand the message well.
7. Pamphlets can be kept safely to read again, which helps in reinforcing the information.

Disadvantages

1. Provides only one-way communication.
2. Not useful for illiterates.
3. There is no certainty whether people have read and understood the distributed pamphlets.
4. Printing services may not be available everywhere, especially in remote or backward areas.

Flip chart: -A flip chart is a visual teaching aid, similar to a photo album, comprising a series of related charts or posters assembled in a booklet form. It is also known as a flipbook or turnover chart. A typical set of flip charts usually includes 6-8 charts, with the size of each individual sheet being approximately 50cm×70cm, although it may vary depending on the available paper size. Flip charts find primary use in classroom teaching, training programs, and group teaching in community settings etc.

Advantages

1. It facilitates a systematic presentation, making it easier to explain points clearly and efficiently within a limited time.
2. It aids in visually presenting abstract information.
3. Pictorial explanations are often more effective and better understood.
4. Portability makes it easy to carry from one place to another for presentations.
5. It caters to both literate and illiterate individuals, enhancing learning for diverse audiences.
6. It can be reused multiple times as needed.

Disadvantages

1. Producing flip charts on a large scale can be expensive.
2. Drawing appropriate pictures may pose difficulties, affecting the quality of visual representation.
3. Ready-made flip charts may not always align with educational goals, requiring customization.
4. Limited coverage as it may not be suitable for reaching a large number of people simultaneously.

Handout/handbill: Handout is a concise summary of a session presented on a single sheet. It should use simple, clear language with short sentences. If necessary, include sketches or graphs, ensuring they are drawn and labeled appropriately. Titles and subtitles should be provided, and key words can be underlined for emphasis. The use of suitable colors is encouraged. Handouts can be distributed well in advance to orient interested groups about the purpose, aims, and objectives of the presentation. Alternatively, they may be distributed after the completion of the presentation to serve as a record of the lesson and for follow-up purposes.

Books, magazine & manuals: Books, magazines, and manuals are valuable visual aids. Books serve as comprehensive learning materials, providing in-depth coverage of specific subjects and various aspects. Readers acquire knowledge through the detailed content presented in books.

Magazines, also considered visual aids, encompass learning materials across different subjects. They often offer diverse content and perspectives on various topics.

Manuals, resembling handbooks, play a crucial role in teaching. They provide guidance and reference information, aiding in the understanding and application of specific processes, procedures, or skills.

Advantages

• Some individuals learn best through reading.
• Saves time in the classroom by facilitating independent learning.
• Allows for reviews and references at the learner’s convenience.
• Enables individuals to learn at their own pace.
• Develops a reading habit in both teachers and students.

Disadvantages

• Published textbooks can be expensive.
• Requires access to typing and printing facilities.
• May not be useful if it is an outdated edition.
• Not suitable for individuals who are illiterate.

Flannel-graph: A flannel-graph comprises a flannel board and a series of cut pieces or cut-outs. The use of a flannel-graph aids the health educator in illustrating key points of teaching and reinforcing the presented message. The cut pieces should be affixed to the board using thumb-pins or appropriate nails to ensure stability and effective presentation.

Advantages

1. Pictorial explanations are interesting and attractive.
2. The organized, systematic display of cut pieces can make teaching impressive and effective.
3. Suitable for various teaching situations, such as in classrooms, community groups, and groups of mothers attending FP/MCH clinics.
4. Easy to transport the sets of cut pieces to distant places.
5. Durable and can be preserved well for future use.
6. Cost-effective to create a flannel graph.

Disadvantages

1. Challenges in drawing appropriate pictures, and availability issues in magazines for tracing or cutting.
2. Potential issues with the cut pieces not properly sticking to the flannel board, leading to them falling down.

Graph teaching aids

Graphical teaching aids, including charts, provide nonverbal or visual learning experiences that enhance communication and understanding. Graph aids encompass a variety of visual elements such as charts, pictures, diagrams, maps, posters, graphs, cartoons, strips, flashcards, flip charts, etc.

1. Charts: Charts are graphical representations of data, utilizing symbols like diagrams, posters, maps, pictures, and graphs. A chart can be described as an illustrative visual medium that depicts a logical relationship between main ideas and supporting facts.

Types of Charts:

• Tree Charts (e.g. family tree)
• Stream Charts (e.g. showing main river)
• Table Charts (e.g. timetable)
• Flow Charts (e.g. organizational chart)

Advantages

1. Charts have the ability to attract and engage the audience effectively.
2. Serve as powerful tools for visual communication, enhancing the comprehension of information.
3. Charts are durable and easily transportable, making them convenient for various settings.
4. Charts are often designed to be self-explanatory, reducing the need for extensive verbal explanations.
5. The process of preparing different types of charts contributes to the development of critical thinking skills.

Disadvantages

1. Charts may not be as effective for individuals who are illiterate or have limited literacy skills.

2. Designing effective charts demands knowledge and skill in graphic design and information presentation.
3. Certain complex messages may not be effectively conveyed through charts alone.

b. Pictures: Pictures are the most commonly available graphic aids. They include photographs, paintings, illustrations clipped from periodicals (magazines, newspapers, newsletters, publicity materials, or calendars).

c. Diagrams: A diagram is a simplified drawing of an object, product, appliance, or process, created to elucidate finer points. It is designed to illustrate relationships using lines and symbols, without necessarily incorporating pictorial elements.

d. Maps: Maps are common graphic aids for teaching social sciences. They serve as valuable tools, transforming abstract concepts of distances, sizes, and directions of different places, regions, and landscapes into concrete reality. Nowadays, colorful maps are readily available commercially.

e. Graphs: Graphs are visual teaching aids used for presenting statistical information and contrasting the trends or changes of certain attributes. They make the presentation of quantitative data easily interpretable and readily understood. While a vast amount of data and a long list of figures can be boring, the same information represented by a graph captures attention and encourages critical thinking in students. A well-designed graph can convey a significant amount of information with just a quick glance. There are four main types of graphs used for presenting information: bar graphs, line graphs, picture graphs, and pie graphs.

f. Posters (as mention above)

g. Comic strips: A comic strip is a graphic representation presented in a series of pictures or sketches depicting characters and events filled with action. This medium of communication is particularly engaging and exciting for children. Comic strips can be highly effective for narrating stories, illustrating historical events, portraying life histories, explaining scientific processes, and more.

h. Cartoons: A sketch or drawing, typically humorous, found in a newspaper or periodical, symbolizing, satirizing, or caricaturing a particular action, subject, or person of popular interest.

i. Flash cards: Flash cards are small cards, typically around 25×30 cm in size, that are displayed for a brief moment before the class to convey a message or impart an idea. The content on the flash cards should be concise. They can also be used for reviewing a session with the audience. Flash cards are often employed in conjunction with other graphic aids to enhance the overall effectiveness of the session.

Principles

1. Provide a brief introduction about the topic.
2. Instruct the audience on their actions while you flash the cards.
3. Hold the card high with both hands, flashing it in front of the session to ensure visibility for all audience members.
4. Allow the audience to respond based on the instructions given.
5.  Enhance audience responses by providing additional information.
6. Test learning through additional flash cards.
7. Review the session selectively using flash cards.

Advantages

1. Flash cards can be used to introduce and present topics.
2. Cards can be utilized to apply information already gained by the audience to new situations.
3. Flash cards are effective for reviewing a topic.
4. They can be used for drill and practice in elementary classes.
5. Flash cards contribute to the development of cognitive abilities such as recognition and recall in students.
6. Special-purpose flash card series can be employed for playing educational games, combining learning with fun.
7. They serve as useful supplementary aids and can be effectively used in conjunction with other materials.

Disadvantages

1. Not suitable for mass teaching.
2. Expensive to produce on a large scale.
3. Challenges may arise in drawing appropriate pictures for the cards.

j. Flip chart (mention above)

Display board as teaching aids

A display board is a visual teaching aid in the form of a flat surface where information is arranged in an attractive manner for effective communication. Various types of display boards are used in education, including blackboards/chalkboards, bulletin boards, flannel boards, magnetic boards, etc.

Materials for display can be created through drawing, painting, or collected from educational resources such as books. The key to effective display material is that it should be eye-catching, colorful, and purposeful. Display boards serve as a valuable tool for educators to present information, enhance learning experiences, and create an engaging visual environment in the classroom.

a). Blackboard/chalkboard: A blackboard/chalkboard is a rectangular writing surface typically made of materials such as wood, ply, hardboard, cement, ground glass asbestos, slate, or plastic. It is coated with black, green, or bluish-green paint. White chalk sticks are commonly used for writing on the blackboard, and occasionally, colored chalk sticks are employed for better illustrations.

The chalkboard serves as a valuable tool for teachers to provide examples, illustrate concepts, and deliver notes to students. It is usually positioned facing the class, either built into the wall or fixed and framed on the wall, often with a protrusion to hold chalk sticks and a duster. Portable chalkboards are also available, mounted on a stand with adjustable height. Additionally, plastic and rubberized chalkboards can be rolled and carried around classrooms, making them convenient for hanging on the wall as needed.

Principles of using chalkboard

1. Ensure that the size of lettering is large enough for proper visibility by the audience, with the recommended height of letters on the chalkboard between 6 cm to 8 cm.
2. Plan chalkboard work in advance using simple brief phrases and keywords to aid clarity.
3. Properly light the room to avoid glare on the chalkboard.
4. Regularly rub off information that has been discussed and noted down by the audience.
5. Utilize shading and underlining to emphasize keywords and statements.
6. Incorporate supplementary teaching aids to reinforce and clarify main concepts, new words, and related figures.
7. Avoid using abbreviations and ensure correct spelling in all written content.
8. Organize the chalkboard layout, using the middle for the topic, the left-hand side for main information that may need reference, and the right-hand side for unfamiliar words or symbols that require explanation or key concepts requiring emphasis.
9. Counteract the tendency for the shoulder to rise by subtly pulling the right shoulder down during writing, ensuring straight and aligned text. Always aim for writing in a straight line.
10. Avoid talking or explaining while writing on the board when your back is turned to the audience.
11. Utilize a soft cloth or foam duster for erasing the chalkboard.
12. When erasing the writing on the chalkboard, rub vertically first and then horizontally.
13. Erase information that will not be referred to throughout the talk, as an overcrowded board can be distracting.
14. Position yourself to the side of the chalkboard while explaining a point to the audience. Use a pointer to direct attention to the written material on the chalkboard.

Advantages

1. The chalkboard is a convenient visual aid for group teaching.
2. The chalkboard is an economical teaching aid as it can be used repeatedly.
3. It is a locally available technology and easily affordable.
4. It saves the teacher’s time in summarizing the session.
5. The chalkboard can function as a valuable supplementary teaching aid.

Disadvantages

• It may not be suitable for teaching large groups.
• It does not actively encourage learner participation.
• Chalk dust contributes to the uncleanliness of the classroom.

b). Bulletin board: A bulletin board is a display board designed to showcase visual learning materials on a specific subject. Typically framed, it is constructed from materials such as soft-board, strawboard, or cork board, and items are affixed using thumb tacks. Portable types, such as folding boards, are also available. Bulletin boards often feature a blue blazer cloth as a backdrop, with a recommended size of 1.5m X 2m.

Various display items can enhance the board’s effectiveness, including interesting news, brochures, cartoons, poems, sketches, pictures, photographs, greeting cards, thoughts, and announcements. It is advisable to periodically change the materials on the bulletin board to reflect new topics and maintain relevance.

Principles

1. Gather sufficient illustrative material from various sources on a given subject/topic.
2. Organize the relevant material specifically for the subject or topic.
3. Fix a title for the specific subject of the display material at the top center of the bulletin board.
4. Below the title, provide a brief description of the specific subject or topic.
5. Position the bulletin board at a height of one meter above the ground.
6. Ensure that the area where bulletin boards are fixed or placed is well-lit.

Advantages

1. Bulletin boards generate audience interest in specific subjects.
2. They serve as effective follow-ups to chalkboard work.
3. Bulletin board displays can introduce and review topics.
4. Electricity is not necessary for usage.
5. Easy to use and economical.
6. Effective for group learning.

Disadvantages

1. Functions primarily as a one-way communication tool.
2. Less suitable for use in large group settings.
3. Limited in promoting active group participation.

c. Flannel board: A flannel board is a display board made of wood, cardboard, or straw board covered with colored flannel or woolen cloth. Display materials such as cutouts, picture drawings, and lightweight objects backed with rough surfaces like sandpaper strips, flannel strips, etc., will temporarily adhere to the flannel board.

The most widely used size for a flannel board is 1.5m X 1.5m. Display materials can easily adhere to the flannel board and be removed, allowing for the replacement of materials in a sequence. This feature makes it convenient for presenting information in a dynamic and interactive manner.

Principles

1. Collect pictures, light objects, or create cutouts, and back them with sandpaper pieces.
2. Display the material on the flannel board in a sequential order.
3. Periodically change the displayed pictures to maintain engagement.
4. Utilize the flannel board to create appropriate scenes and designs relevant to the session.
5. Position the flannel board at eye level for optimal visibility.
6. Introduce the topic of teaching before using the flannel board.
7. Avoid standing in front of the flannel board to ensure clear visibility for the audience.

Advantages

1. A flannel board display captures the interest of the audience and holds their attention.
2. The quick and easy changeability of display material on a flannel board, without using drawing pins, tacks, or paste, makes it a highly desirable and convenient display board.
3. Portable and durable.

Disadvantages

1. Difficulty in drawing or finding appropriate pictures.
2. Limited capacity to accommodate information.
3. Materials may not be visible to large groups.
4. Corrections to displayed content are challenging.

d). Magnetic chalkboard: A magnetic chalkboard is a framed iron sheet with a ceramic coating in a dark color, typically black or green, and commonly sized at 24″ x 18″. This type of chalkboard can be utilized in various ways:

1. To write with chalk sticks, glass marking pencil, and crayons.
2. To display pictures, cutouts, and lightweight objects using disc magnets or magnetic holders.

A magnetic chalkboard seamlessly combines the functions of both a traditional chalkboard and a flannel board. Visual learning materials can be easily and quickly displayed with magnetic holders, while key points can be written directly on the magnetic chalkboard.

Advantages

1. A magnetic chalkboard is a highly versatile and useful tool.
2. Children find enjoyment in playing with magnets on the board.
3. It combines the advantages of both a blackboard and a flannel board.
4. The board is lightweight and portable.

Electronic projected aids

Electronic projected visual aids involve the presentation of pictures on a screen using specific machines such as a filmstrip projector, slide projector, overhead projector, or TV/VCR.

Slides and Film strips

Slide: A slide is a still transparency typically in 70mm, 35mm, or 6mm size, optically enlarged and projected onto a screen as real images. These slides consist of negatives of photographs captured by a still camera and can be either black and white or colored.

 Film strips: A film strip is a series of sequentially arranged slides on a single piece of film, covering a significant portion of a lesson. Typically, a film strip consists of 20-50 slides or frames, extending over approximately half a meter to one and a half meters in length.

Slides & film strip projector: Slides and film strips are projected onto a screen using an optical instrument known as a slide and filmstrip projector. The projector operates on the principle that when a slide or film strip is illuminated, a set of convex lenses called the objective focuses the image of the slide onto the screen.

Advantages

1. The slide and film strip projector requires simple skills to operate and serves as a convenient aid for making teaching interesting.
2. Slides and film strips are small in size, commercially available, and easy to store and transport.
3. Due to their repeated use, slides and film strips prove to be cost-effective.
4. Specially prepared slides offer a logical and sequential order of presentation.
5. The image on the screen can be held for any time interval, allowing for detailed discussion and explanations.
6. Slides and film strips contribute to time efficiency in teaching.
7. Slide projections capture the attention and interest of the audience.

Disadvantages

1. No sound accompanies the pictures, unlike in motion pictures or movie films, which may affect its overall attractiveness.
2. Challenges may arise in obtaining the appropriate filmstrip, projector, as well as ensuring a stable supply of electricity or batteries.
3. Creating a filmstrip may present challenges in terms of time constraints, budget limitations, and other resource-related factors.

  Overhead projector (OHP): An overhead projector is an electrically operated machine used to project an enlarged image of symbols or letters written on a transparent acetate sheet. It projects images onto a screen positioned behind and above the teacher. The OHP is effective in soft light conditions and allows the audience to take notes while viewing the projections on the screen. The OHP typically consists of a metal box housing a 1000-watt bulb and a concave reflector. A condenser lens illuminates the transparency placed on the glass sheet on top of the box. It is advisable to switch off the bulb of the overhead projector for 5 minutes after every 10 minutes of use.

The effective use of the OHP depends upon two things:

• the preparation of transparency
• the operation of the projector

Technique of using transparency.

1. Fix the screen at the proper height, preferably at eye level. A white-washed smooth wall can sometimes be used as a screen.
2. Place the projector on a table and sit beside it, facing the group.
3. Adjust the room light to a moderate level of darkness.
4. Position the transparency face up on the glass stage of the projector.
5. Use a pointer if necessary to indicate specific points while explaining.
6. Read from and point to the transparency itself rather than to the screen.
7. When not in use, turn off the projector to prevent overheating, which may affect the bulb. Replacement bulbs are not only expensive but also readily available in the market.

Advantages

1. Educators can plan and write messages on transparencies ahead of time. Educators can also write messages at the time of teaching for immediate use. Educators can wipe out written messages when not needed, allowing for the addition of other appropriate content.
2. The teacher can maintain eye contact with the audience, which is not always possible with other projection equipment.
3. The overhead projector has a large opening and can project a variety of instructional materials, such as diagrams, charts, maps, worksheets, and graphs, once transferred onto the transparencies.
4. Utilizing an overhead projector can be cost-effective, as it allows for the repeated use of transparencies.
5. A relatively short projection distance enables obtaining an enlarged image, allowing the audience to sit close to the teacher and fostering better rapport.

Disadvantages

1. It cannot be used in locations without electricity.
2. Interruptions may occur if there is a power outage or if the bulb fuses during a session.
3. Spare parts for the overhead projector may not always be readily available in the market.

 Others

Model: Models are substitutes for real things. Models are concrete objects to explain clearly the structure or functions of real things. Low cost models made up of clay, plaster of paris, cotton, cloth, wood etc.

Advantages

• It is the representation of real object and so provides clear and concrete knowledge of the thing
• It is attractive and interesting which helps to draw attention of the learners.

Disadvantages

• Sometime it may be problem to make or collect or purchase the appropriate mode.

Puppets: Puppets are A/V aids that are doll like figure. Health educators use puppets made of simple materials like paper, cloth, etc., manipulating them with fingers, strings, sticks, etc., to convey a story or message in the form of a conversation and actively engage in health education.

Advantages

• Grabs the concentration entertains the audience.
• Create awareness among the people.
• Promote creative thinking and oral communication skills.
• Cheap and need less manpower to demonstrate

Disadvantage

• Difficult for everyone to understand.
• Time consuming and need large group of people’s participation.
• Sometime it can be taken as entertainment way rather than educational.

Audio visual aids

An audio visual aid is the teaching device that can be both heard and seen.

a. Films (motion picture): A motion picture film carries optically recorded visual information and sound. In a motion picture projection, a series of still transparent picturized film frames follow at the rate of 16-24 frames in the second. Each frame is projected on the screen at a speed more than 16 frames a second so as to produce the persistence of vision.

Advantages

• It involves both visual and auditory senses so it captures attention and arouses interest.
• It can impart emotional experiences better hearing and better retention.
• Useful for illiterates too.
• It allows events which are out of reach or specific to be seen without getting near those events.
• Motion pictures are very powerful media of mass education.
• It can be presented in natural way and represent reality.

Disadvantages

• Motion pictures and related equipment is very expensive.
• Difficult to set films on needed topic
• It requires a proper projection room with right kind of seating arrangements
• Motions pictures are to be used as tools of entertainments
• It takes long time to prepare.

b. Television: A television can bring the real outside world into the classroom in the real sense. Like motion picture, it has the ability to bring the events and happening education, television is being described as an electronic chalkboard. It is generally used as mass media of teaching.

Advantages

• Television appeals to eye, ear and emotions. Because of this kind of almost total involvement, it can induce effective learning.
• It can directly show the current happening and live shows happening even in the remote parts.
• It can work as a powerful medium of mass education.
• It can be capable of gaining and holding attention and interesting.
• Both literate and illiterate people can use TV.

Disadvantages

• One-way communication
• Programme cannot be schedule according to the need and interest of the people.
• Difficult to preview and review
• The telecast cannot be stopped in between when there is need.
• No useful for rural places where there is no electricity and other necessary facilities.

c. Video: Video is electronic motion picture equipment which scans pictures from magnetic tape on a cathode ray tube screen. The video cassettes are compact aids which have the recordings of motion pictures and sound.

A video cassette player combines the advantages of both the motion picture and tape recorder. For teaching and training these days’ video are being used extensively specially in the field of open education.

Advantages

• Catch attention and interest
• Can be replayed many times

Disadvantages

• Expensive
• Does not provide practical or laboratory experiment.

d. Computer: Computer is an electronic device that calculates the raw data and gives valuable information which is the result of processing. Computers are used in every field of science and technology, in war and peace, business in social sciences.

Advantages

• Storage huge amount of data
• Organize the information
• Quick feedback on performance
• Useful for self-assessment

Disadvantages

• Limit verbal communication skills development
• Need special computer and software skills.
• Limit teamwork
• Security issues

e. LCD (liquid crystal display): It is a thin, flat electronic visual electronic visual display that uses the light modulating properties of liquid crystals. LCD is a flat panel display technology commonly used in TVs and computer monitors. It is also used in screens for mobile devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Advantages

• It is very compact, thin, and light weight.
• It does not affect by the magnetic fields.
• Due to low power consumption, small heat emitted during operation.
• Easy to used
• Visual teaching
• Group interaction
• Keep alertness

Disadvantages

• Expensive
• Screen care and fragility

Criteria for selecting methods and media of health education

1. Feasibility and practicability: A method or media should be feasible and practical, taking into account factors such as transportation, economic considerations, availability of necessary equipment, and other facilities.
2. Nature of audience: The choice of a method or media should align with the educational status, culture, and other relevant factors of the target group. For example, teaching the importance of eating meat may not be meaningful for vegetarian groups with a taboo against consuming meat. Similarly, distributing pamphlets to illiterate people may not effectively provide information.
3. People’s attitude and belief: People have different preferences for various methods or media. Therefore, each method or media should be selected based on the interests and beliefs of the target audience. For instance, individuals may consider radio broadcasting, TV telecasts, and government-published pamphlets as valid sources of information in the community.
4. Acceptability: The chosen method or media for health education must be accessible to the concerned group. A health education program or message should be designed to reach each member of the target group in the community.
5. Subject or purpose of teaching: The purpose of teaching influences the selection of a particular method or media. The subject and purpose of teaching should be tailored to the audience’s needs. For conveying health messages or knowledge, a lecture may be effective. However, when there is a need for skill and attitude development, the demonstration method should be applied.

Steps of carrying out health education programme in community

Responsibility of Community Health Nurse

While carrying out any health education programme in the community the Community Health Nurse has to follow certain steps as given below.

1. Meeting the primary health center staffs.
2. Identification and selection of health problems for health education keeping in view priority availability of facilities, feasibility of solving problems, setting objectives, identifying possible barriers in the programme and how they could be overcome.
3. Identification of leaders of the community
4. Meeting the leaders and discussion of problems identified preparation of outline plan of action and identification of role of leaders.
5. Plan for collection of single baseline data. Conducting baseline survey with the help of leaders, analysis of data.
6. Group meeting with community to feedback results of survey and decide on plan of action;
7. Educational programme
8. Service Programme
9. Follow up
10. Available community resources
11. Venue/date/timing of programme according to the convenience of the community.
12. Responsibilities of community members
13. Evaluation of effectiveness of programme

7. Selection, collection or preparation of necessary audio-visual materials for health education programme.
8. Orientation of leader
9. Implementation of health education programme
10. Follow up by necessary services facilities e.g. immunization, tuberculosis, eye camp etc.
11. Evaluation of programme by single built in evaluation methods and discussion with community leaders regarding any follow up action required.

Sources: Park, K. (2021). Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine (26th ed.). Bhanot Publishers.

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