Sex education is imperative in shaping positive attitudes and gaining a clear view of sexuality. Learning about the concept of sex early in life is important in developing responsible sexual behaviour that can help to minimize the consequences of sexual ignorance, which include early sexual activity, sexually transmitted infections, sexual exploitation, and unintended teenage pregnancy (Rasmussen, 2015).
Prompt 1
I first learned about sexuality when I was in my 5th grade. I learned most of the information about sexuality during my sex education class. The transmission and prevention of STDs were the key contents of the lessons. I also learned about the risk factors and dangers of these diseases. While contraception got identified as one of the preventive techniques, complete abstinence was considered the most effective way to prevent STDs. Considering that sex education was part of the school curriculum, the issues about sexuality were taught openly.
The learning experiences described above have greatly shaped my adult sexual attitudes and conducts. The sexual information from my teachers has enabled me to develop a more responsible sexual behaviour. In particular, the knowledge regarding the consequences of irresponsible sexual behaviours, such as the spread of STDs, has motivated me to develop a more positive attitude towards sexual abstinence.
I would not consider changing the above teaching approach because I feel that the teachers managed to cover all important aspects of sexuality appropriately. Information about sexually transmitted diseases is appropriate for preparing children for their teenage and adult years.
One of the appropriate lecture materials that would have enhanced my learning experience and comprehension of sexuality is videos since it increases educators’ comfort by providing information visually. Besides, videos help to illustrate complex concepts like internal anatomy through 3-D images (Barr et al., 2015).
Prompt 2
The three most effective methods of communicating STD/STI factors in colleges include the school website, social media, and text messaging. These channels can help to effectively present information about the prevention of STD/STI and its risk factors. Most college websites are accessible on mobile devices, which implies that every student can access any information within it (Parsons & Adhikar, 2016). School websites are also important in facilitating sex education because they support all kinds of information. For instance, information about the prevention of STD/STI can get featured as health education.
Social media can also serve as an important channel for communicating information about STD/STI prevention and risk factors among college students since it is accessible to all students (Asterhan & Rosenberg, 2015). School health service staff can post sex education information regarding STD/STI on the college Facebook page since it is accessible to all students on their mobile devices.
Text messaging is also effective in enhancing students’students’ sexual behaviours through the regular provision of sex education information (Ghanbari-Baghestan et al., 2016). In general, the school website, social media, and text messaging are effective means of communication STD/STI risk factors and prevention methods among students because they are accessible and have wide coverage.
Prompt 3
- University of Miami website
The information about STD prevention within this website is helpful to students because it provides preventive strategies and guidance on how to obtain contraceptives within the school. Miami’s website advice individuals not to either abstain or practice safer sex (University of Miami, 2020). The high page speed enabled me to navigate the site with ease. However, the developer should segment vital information with bullet points to enhance user experience. The site presented more familiar information. This website ranks first because it provides helpful information, and it is easy to navigate.
- IAMAT website
The STD prevention information within this site is helpful because it provides the risk factors that individuals can learn to avoid. IAMAT website also highlights some of the ineffective methods that individuals should avoid (IAMAT, 2020). Though it is easy to navigate, the developer can use the hyperlink to improve user experience. Regarding the novelty of information, I was not informed of any new concept. This website ranks second because it less comprehensive compared with Miami’s website. That is, it does not provide descriptions for each STD.
- Health Canada website
The information about STD within this website is helpful because it includes the description and comprehensive prevention strategies for each STD. Canada’s website advice individuals to get tested to keep themselves safe (Canada, 2020). The site developers should enhance the page speed to ease navigation and improve the user experience. Concerning the novelty of the information, I found some information unfamiliar. This website ranks third because it is more challenging to navigate compared to the other two websites.
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