Mobile Computing

High Schools Deliver Monthly Social Education via Mobile Devices

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 10/08/15

Two high schools in New Jersey are the first to test out an online service to help students navigate problems such as bullying, sexual assault and health and wellness. North Hunterdon High School and Voorhees High School have both adopted Evolution Labs' H360 application and expect to add P360 (the "parent" edition) in the future. The schools have branded their version of the programs as North360 and Vorhees360.

H360 uses Web, mobile apps, mobile messaging and social media to introduce students to topics they may face in their young lives: recognizing violent relationships, bystander intervention, stress management, substance abuse, diet, academic honesty, college prep and concussion education for student-athletes.

Each month the programs will deliver content in multiple formats — short text, videos, self-tests and social media posts. Students must then complete required topics, including a pre- and post-assessment to determine the extent to which they've absorbed the subject matter.

"These innovative programs promise to be vehicles that will allow us to provide both students and parents with the right content at the right time throughout the school year," said Voorhees Principal Ron Peterson in a press release.

Added North Hunterdon Principal Rich Bergacs, "Web and social media have brought their share of challenges to high school students. Programs like [these] provide an opportunity for us to tap into the power of digital media with a positive message."