Kari Pierce has her doubts about an attempt by MSU Extension to promote nutrition through computer programs.
The Lansing mother and Extension participant said that while learning about nutrition is important, MSU's new computer game, the "Fantastic Food Challenge", might not work as well as expected.
"I learn a different way. I need someone talking with me," Pierce said.
"For me it'd be better to have someone teaching hands-on, but I know a lot of people who would be fine with a computer."
Developed by the Extension with the help of the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media, the games are aimed at teaching young and lower-income parents, such as Pierce, how to provide healthy meals for their children.
The MSU faculty are viewing the game as a chance to take education to younger audiences.
"A lot of the content of food nutrition is dry and it's no wonder that the audience isn't engaged in the content when presented in regular techniques, said Brian Winn, an assistant professor of telecommunication, information studies and media.
"Games are the perfect avenue for making the content - they don't realize they're learning as they're playing."
The program named What Can You Make, one of four in the game, provides insight into how random ingredients in a kitchen can provide a healthy meal or snack. It is presented in a computer version of Memory, a game in which players turn over cards at random and try to match them, relying on their memories.
Winn said the development team hoped to reach a younger audience through technology.
"Young adults these days are looking for something a little more engaging," he said. "These are people who grew up playing games."
Winn added he has already been contacted by middle and high school teachers who are interested in using the program in their health classes.
Gayle Coleman, the acting state leader for the Family Consumer Sciences branch of the MSU Extension, said the computer program was not a better way of teaching nutrition, only a different way.
"It's important for our instructors to have a variety of tools to teach with," she said. "They can meet the needs of a diverse audience and hit them with things they will enjoy and benefit from."
The current price of the game set is $4, which covers the production cost and shipping and handling.
Fantastic Food Challenge is composed of the Great Meal Deal, Store it Safely, What Can You Make and The Price Makes Sense.
The first program instructs players on the food groups, testing their knowledge and instructing them when they harbor a wrong guess.
Store it Safely teaches how to properly package foods so that they remain fresh and edible.
And The Price Makes Sense shows players how to efficiently use the money available to them to best purchase nutritious food.
