Recently, I had an opportunity to play with the (free) Toy Story Disney iPad app. This tool is a great example of interactive learning for children. It is part book, part movie, it has games….It’s the type of tool that has kids going back to it again and again. Well what does this have to do with Health and Wellness you ask?
As per the Disney Institute:
“ Walt Disney was, and will always remain, that rare breed: an artistic genius who, with the unflagging and essential support of his brother, Roy, created an effective organizational model and efficient work environment where employees were recognized for their achievements, encouraged to work as a team and, by striving for excellence, continually broke the confines of the status quo to surpass the expectations of the world.“
We must attempt to go beyond the status quo in healthcare and make some Disney magic. Imagine what healthcare would be like if it was up to Disney? In the words of MD Bill Crounse’s If Disney did Healthcare :
“If Disney did healthcare our hospitals and clinics would be impeccably clean, safe and extremely efficient despite the press of humanity seeking services there every day.“
I think that the innovative story app that Disney created for the iPad encourages kids to read. Imagine, from a health prevention perspective, if that Disney magic were leveraged to create an app that encouraged healthy behaviour and habits in kids. That would truly be magical!
This seems like a very interesting book. Do you have kids and if so did they enjoy the book. I’m an educator and often worry that tools like this might take away from the important skill of reading.
Thanks for the feedback. In response to your question, yes I do have children and they love reading. My youngest child really enjoyed the Toy Story app/book. I think that this is one of many tools that can encourage children to read. I believe each child has there own style of learning and I think that whatever we can provide for them to instill the love of reading/ learning is of value. Traditional books will always be a part of kids learning to read, but 21st century tools must also play a role.
What a cool idea. Disney could really transform the health experience.
Thanks for the feedback. If you have a chance to link to the other blog I referred to in my post, a fellow commentator linked to an article about a hospital (in the US) that had partnered with Disney to create that Disney experience. It is well worth the read.
Obama’s approach to healthcare is nothing short of being Mickey Mouse!
Interesting post but US law makers don’t care about improved health. It is all an illusion.