Subject: Yahoo - New Study Shows Computers Are Effective at Teaching Life Skills to Teens

Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999

SOURCE: Ripple Effects New Study Shows Computers Are Effective at Teaching Life Skills to Teens

SAN FRANCISCO, June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- A San Francisco study has shown that adolescents who used ``relate for teens,'' a computer-based social skill training program, showed significant, positive gains in assertiveness after only one hour of training, while a control group showed no change. Research has established that assertiveness is a protective factor for prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, child sexual abuse, participation in violence, and teen pregnancy. Knowledge gains of the computer users were similar to those of students in previous studies who received live instruction.

The ``relate for teens'' program, developed by Ripple Effects, puts proven practices in social learning on the computer, then encourages adolescents to explore the program in small groups with their peers. ``Research shows that teens trust computers more than their own parents, and look to their peers -- not authority figures -- to find out what they need in life. So it's not surprising that when we put those two things together and add compelling graphics and engaging interactive elements, kids learn at an accelerated rate,'' says social learning expert and Ripple Effects President, Alice Ray. ``We've known for a long time that social-emotional learning is critical to success in life, and we have a growing body of best practices about how to teach it,'' says Dr. Robin Stern, Associate Director of the Project for Social and Emotional Learning (PSEL), Teachers College, Columbia University. ``But this is a powerful indication that technology can be an effective tool in getting those best practices to the people who can use them.''

The study has landmark significance. It will mean that educators and community program workers who have been buckling under the burden of teaching sensitive social content and skills, will have a resource for providing adolescents with just the help they need, just when they need it. Since its release last fall, ``relate for teens'' has won a host of national awards, including a Silver Apple from the National Educational Media Network, and a Silver Cindy for Best Guidance & Counseling Program. For more information, contact Ripple Effects at 888-259-6618, or online at www.rippleeffects.com.

SOURCE: Ripple Effects

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