Appendix 3

Memo to parents

Dear parents,

Over the next month, your child’s science class will be participating in a computer based learning evaluation that is funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse. This project evaluates how computers can be used as educational learning tools in the science classroom. It also examines whether the use of computers helps to improve learning and help students become more interested in learning science. The objectives of this educational evaluation seek to determine whether the multimedia module Archie MD: The Science of Drugs:

1. Increases students’ knowledge in brain and heart biology and the effects drugs have on the body

2. Increases positive attitudes towards science education for high school students

3. Reinforces or instills negative attitudes towards substance abuse

During this project, you child will fill out a confidential questionnaire that asks them their initial knowledge on the respiratory, cardiac and neurological systems. It also asks them question regarding their opinions on science education and the impact drugs have on the body. About a week later, your child will be given either a laptop computer or standard science classroom reading materials to use during their science class. One month later, your child will fill out the same anonymous survey they completed at the beginning. Additionally, your child will be asked questions regarding the interest in science education, their thoughts on using computers in science class and whether they liked using the computer in their science class. Participation in this evaluation is voluntary, and none of the information gathered from the surveys will impact your child’s grades or standing in their class. Additionally, if you or your child does not wish to participate, this will not impact their grades or standing in the class.

All activities have been coordinated with your child’s science teacher and their lesson plans for the class. If you have any questions regarding this project or would like to learn more about the project please contact:

Robert Levine

Principal Investigator

Robert Levine, MD, FACEP

President and Chief Medical Officer, ArchieMD

(561)391-4448 Office Telephone

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