(1888PressRelease)
January 24, 2009 - The Simplify Company and the Fraser Cascade School District #78 (SD #78) rolled out a new multimedia website, www.hirgrnd.ca. The interactive website features content produced by teens for teens, with anti-drug messages in an informative, entertaining online environment.
Research, conducted by the district, indicates that students look to their peers for information and generally do not trust anti-drugs messaging from adults. SD #78 was looking for a way to reach out beyond the typical classroom setting to help teens make better life choices. The interactive website, combined with classroom tools and resources, provides an interface between the classroom and the online community for teens to learn more about drug addiction and recovery.
Rudy Kehler, of The Simplify Company, says, “Typically kids who are experimenting or considering drug use, are internet savvy. They watch online videos, enjoy online games and use social networks to share information. www.hirgrnd.ca uses this interactive model to provide a platform where teens can enjoy an immersive, interactive online experience that entertains while teaching them more about substance abuse.”
The site features videos starring local teen heroes who choose to tell their own stories. They reveal how they got started with drugs, what it’s like to become addicted and how they kicked the habit. There is also a Comeback challenge game and links to community resources related to substance abuse.
Schools in the district offer videography classes where students learn how to make their own videos to upload to the site. Once online, they compete in video challenges by going viral where others can vote on their favourites through social networks, like Facebook and YouTube http://www.youtube.com/hrgrnddotca.
"We are excited about the release of the h(R)grnd interactive website. The numerous, relevant information bits can be used by teachers and students as they engage in the key learning criteria identified in the district’s integrated curriculum to reduce drug and alcohol dependency. By exploring the various links available throughout the site, we are hopeful that students will have the opportunity to improve decision making and solve personal life problems in ways that develop their resiliency,” said Dr. Wes Neumeier, Superintendent (SD #78)
The site serves as a platform of collaboration for teens to create various forms of online content where they can contribute to bringing about societal change. By using their own stories to reach out to their peers, they provide inspiration and guidance in a friendly learning space as they help others move towards a drug free future.
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