Tracking Healthy Teaching

Business Needs

In Texas and many other states nationwide, physical education programs in schools are being cut or eliminated. Meanwhile, the American population is suffering from an obesity epidemic. Teachers are burdened with incorporating physical education and nutrition lessons into lesson plans. To help, the client developed a program to help teachers incorporate fun and engaging physical education lessons into their days, but the original program was  based on physical cards that were difficult to update. 

The challenge? 

• Turn a physical card deck into an easy to update application that teachers and care providers can use in the classroom.
• Include detailed tracking by school or organization to monitor usage and secure grant funding.
• Be flexible enough to be used by a variety of ages from kindergarten through high school, a variety of class sizes, and little to no equipment. 

Strategy & Process

The app was based on more than 200 physical cards. I began by auditing the cards and working with the client to organize content by type, age, etc. Then, I lead an on-site client work session to determine primary activity categories, outline essential tracking needs, and document challenges teachers face.

Sample Content Audit

From the initial work session, I worked with user experience to develop a wireflow prototype which was eventually printed on 15-foot butcher paper for easy on-site notes and editing. 

Sample Wireflow

After numerous app iterations we developed a beta tool that could be used in test sites. We focused on both front-end and back-end design to ensure easy updating by the client team and seamless tracking to data systems. Feedback from test sites was incorporated into subsequent app updates. 

Results

The app is actively in use in Texas schools and youth organizations and the client is preparing for national program expansion. 

• 2,030 locations using the app
• 55,000+ students taught
• 325 health & nutrition lessons