Without Techno-Talk, No Techno-Walk

Abstract Dietetic students must have a foundation of computer productivity skills to effectively function in the 21st century. The development of computer applications for every aspect of food and nutrition services is available and has improved dramatically the cost-effectiveness of food and nutrition services. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent that computer technology and applications have been integrated into dietetics education. Surveys were sent to all Program Directors of dietetics education programs listed in the 1997-1998 Directory of Dietetics Programs. Of the 603 programs contacted, 381 responses were received. Completely unexpected were responses and comments from almost one quarter of the educators indicating a clear misunderstanding of computer technology. The majority of educators use word processing (96%) and internet software (81%) in their work, however these are not used as much in teaching, 69% and 61%, respectively. As many as 30% could not correctly describe their word processing software; responses ranged from names of operating systems to printers. Educators that wanted to learn more were no worse at specifying software than those that didn't want to learn more ( p =.369). Educators use desktop publishing (24%) and web page design (20%) software the least; only 13% using either in teaching. Of the 235 respondents that use spreadsheet programs, 26% could not identify a program or identified something other than a spreadsheet program, e.g., operating systems, relational database programs. As a result of this survey, the authors have proposed an agenda to advance the skills of dietetic educators to develop effective teaching materials and methods for the full integration of computer technology and computer applications in dietetics curricula.