Peer Review

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Nov 20, 2014 by Health Sciences

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

This website offers a wealth of information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). It includes the symptoms, prevention interventions, and where to obtain help. A state-by-state resource directory can guide users to organizations for diagnosis, treatment, and community support.

Type of Material:

This learning resource is classified as a reference Material.

Recommended Uses:

The use is primarily for individuals. The videos of people with FASD and birth mothers of children with FASD are very powerful and could be used in lectures.

Technical Requirements:

The technical requirements include a computer with an Internet connection and a media player to play the videos.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

After reviewing the learning resource, the learner will be able to:

Discuss the terminology associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
Describe the symptoms associated with the disorders.
Describe the causes of the disorder.

Target Student Population:

The target audience includes students in health care fields dealing with pregnancy, pediatrics, mental health, and social services.

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

A basic knowledge of medical terminology and a good basic vocabulary are important. Prior basic knowledge about fetal alcohol spectrum disorders would be beneficial.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: The material contains a lot of good information. Comprehensive in scope and variety of resources. Interactive. Professionally done. Website is colorful and easily navigated.
Concerns:: It is in “sound bites” so that only a small amount is available at any one time. Sometimes a definition would be given, and then the text said that the concept would not be used in practice—so why list it? Or having an explanation about why it was included when not used in practice may have helped (e.g., used because of its descriptive quality)

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: This material does contain pertinent information for health science students, and the concepts build through definitions and short descriptions. The videos are incredibly effective in showing the damage done to victims of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. The videos of the birth mothers are dramatic and also inspiring. The support for these families is important - and many people who could benefit from it may not know about it.
Concerns:: There are multiple links. It could be used in a class without prior preparation.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: The site is organized and the first page gives information. Some topics have more than one way to access (for example, tabs across the page with drop-downs, as well as large individual tabs for some subjects).
Concerns:: This learning resource is difficult and cumbersome to maneuver. The links are not intuitive, and multiple clicks are required with only bits of information for each click. It is frustrating to make your way through it.

Other Issues and Comments:: It appears that the web designer was more focused on obtaining donations and having visitors sign up rather than supplying information about fetal alcohol syndrome. It was as if the designer wanted you to stay on each page as long as possible to get you to donate or join out of frustration.
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