Kiosks for Teenagers in Schools - By: S.Roberts

Delivering information and advice has always been a struggle and as we hear in the media all the time, life is getting harder and harder for teenagers. Young people have to make lots of decisions on may different fronts - sex, drugs, ambition, schoolwork, what to wear and where they want their life to take them. Touch screen kiosks for teenagers and young people in schools, colleges, universities and youth groups can provide them with all the information they need to make informed choices in all aspects of their lives.
Young people are very familiar within using technology through the internet, PC’s and mobile phones with integrated touchscreen, and touchscreen kiosks are seen as an extension of this technology. Rather than acting as a barrier to delivery, touchscreens are a cool way to access information and interact with ‘the web’.
A touch screen kiosk system can be branded, use imaginative design to engage with the youth and provide a vast range of up to date information. Use of animated ‘flash’ based graphics further enhance the look and usability along with video snippets and other feeds.
As well as providing access to web-based information, the kiosk can also be used to print out leaflets and application forms, email forms to their email address or provide texting facilities to update the user via text messages. Additionally, by adding a telephone handset the users are able to call a service provider (e.g. local college, job centre, drugs advice lines) to get immediate advice or assistance.
The touchscreen kiosks can be located in Schools, Colleges, Youth clubs, and Council buildings such as leisure centres. If necessary, privacy filters can be fitted to the touch screen such that only the user looking directly at the screen will be able to view the information. This is particularly useful if you use the kiosks for providing advice on drugs or sexual health.
As with all kiosk projects, the kiosk software should be designed to be intuitive and easy to use and provide access to the information be sought in only a few touches on the screen. Websites and other resources can be grouped by subject where each topic can provide a list of helpful links to approved websites, as well as listing helpful phone numbers and local doctors surgery’s, health centres, family planning clinics and so on.
As an example here are some of the main subject headings which could be used to provide a touchscreen kiosk system aimed at teenagers.

Heath Information
This would include information about general health and how to keep healthy.

Diet and Exercise information
Herbal healing remedies
Drugs, Smoking, solvent and alcohol advice

Free Time
Places to go and things to do in your spare time

Volunteering
Sports and Leisure
Societies and organisations

Wellbeing Health Advice
This would include information about how to deal with stress and anger, and how to unwind after a stressful day of studying.

Anger Management
Stress Management
Body Confidence
Self esteem
Counselling

Study Aids
This would include useful information about how to study effectively.

Time Management
How to revise
How to write essays
How to work in a group
How to research information

Money Advice
This would include practical advice about how to manage a budget and how to not get into unnecessary debt.

How to get a bank account
Dealing with personal finance
What is Bankruptcy
How loans work?
What is APR?
How to live on a budget
How to stretch your money
How to save money
Information about pensions and pension plans

Relationship Advice
This would include information and advice about sexuality and relationships.

Sexual Health and STI’s
Contraception advice
Sexuality advice
Domestic Violence
Health Relationships
Dating advice to keep safe
Bulling and peer pressure
Crime reporting and victim support

Careers Advice
This could include a quick psychometric test to suggest possible occupations that you be most suited to someone on an individual level.

Interview technique advice
Find Courses and training
Find apprenticeships
Work Experience placements
Part time job vacancies for Students
Links to local jobs and other training placements

Using a fully dynamic system where the content can be updated at any time will mean that they system is always kept up to date. Also, by recording usage stats you will be able to see what information is being accessed and how the information is being consumed by your users.

About the Author

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Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/S-Roberts/6079

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