This morning NY1 reported about the work of the National Urban Technology Center, which is finding new ways to use technology to address sexual health issues among urban populations. Here's a short excerpt from the piece:
A computer-based program called "Prom Night," created by the National Urban Technology Center is being introduced in some city schools to help supplement the Department of Education's updated HIV/AIDS curriculum just revamped about a year ago.
Using a variety of animated games and scenarios, it's meant to use day-to-day situations students can relate to learn how to talk and think about the prevention of HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
“We have designed this in a way that's very hard-hitting, that deals with youth in their own culture,” says Pat Bransford of National Urban Technology Center. “We use hip hop, for example, in our animated films. We have animated characters, teenagers, like themselves, who are dealing with these issues – it gives them a chance to have more of a discussion.”
Very innovative combination of technology and urban health education!
