Technology Applications in Recreation and Leisure Studies
VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
Course Syllabus

INSTRUCTOR'S NAME:

Mrs. Robin Takacs

How to reach me:

E-Mail for all class assignments: rls203@vwc.edu

COURSE TITLE: Technology Applications in Recreation and Leisure Studies

COURSE NUMBER: REC 203

TEXT: None

SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS: Topical handouts will be distributed by the instructor.

E-Mail for all assignments: rls203@vwc.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an introduction to, and opportunity to become proficient in, various technological applications that are used in recreation and leisure agencies. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of computer hardware and software. This includes word processing, database management, spreadsheets, mechanized presentations and specialized registration software. An exploration of the internet including the use of e-mail and the world wide web will also aid the student in understanding how these resources may be utilized to assist the recreation and leisure studies student and the role of the internet for a developing professional.

COMPETENCIES:

Note: This course is included in the Recreation and Leisure Studies core curriculum to meet NRPA/AALR Accreditation Standard 8.35 which addresses computer utilization.

1. Student will develop an understanding of technology's broad role in providing leisure services.

2. Student will gain an understanding of basic computer architecture.

3. Student will gain an understanding of Windows-based operating systems and file structure.

4. Student will gain the ability to utilize computers for the following functions: word processing, database management, spreadsheet operation.

5. Student will gain an understanding of the internet's development and current state.

6. Student will gain the ability to use the internet via functions such as e-mail and the world wide web in order to address college and professional responsibilities.

7. Student will gain an understanding of specialized software programs related to leisure services and be able to demonstrate their use.

MATERIALS USED:

Computer hardware and software, STUDENTS must supply their own 1.4 MB floppy disk or 100 MB Zip disk to save class assignments.

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:

Lecture, discussions, individual and group problem-solving exercises.

OUTLINE OF TOPICS:

CLASS POLICIES:

1. The most important policy governing this class is your ability to accept personal responsibility for all your actions and the events that effect your class performance. This means that YOU and no one else is responsible for your performance on a test or assignment, your ability to hand in work and get to class on-time, or your ability to follow directions as stated verbally or in writing. Instead, get your work done ahead of time, sit down with the instructor as soon as you have questions that need answers.

2. Class assignments are due on the date specified. NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED without an excuse provided to the instructor before class. There are computers available for your use in the Clarke Computer Lab AC 100 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

3. Regular prompt class attendance is required. You may be absent ONCE without penalty. Every subsequent absence will result in a 25% deduction from your class participation grade. This class will meet with the instructor once a week for discussion of software and course materials. You may complete assignments outside of class and most assignments will be turned in via E-Mail. PLEASE take advantage of this opportunity to work individually, and with classmates to become proficient with the software.

4. Written assignments are to be of professional quality, typed neatly with no larger than one-inch margins all around, printed in a font no larger than 12 point, easily readable in print image quality, referenced fully to source materials, and accurate in grammar and spelling.

5. Work for this class may not have been done for any other related class at VWC or elsewhere.

6. Participation, meaning the relevant and qualitative discussion of course material, is expected. On average, if you are not participating during each class you are not meeting the participation requirement.

7. Most assignment will be submitted via E-Mail to rls203@vwc.edu, you will also need to save assignments to your own disk for back-up purposes.

8. The syllabus is subject to changes at the instructor's discretion during any point in the semester. Students will be notified of any changes either verbally or in writing.

9. All class suggestions are encouraged. It's your class, if there's a topic you'd like covered, or an idea you'd like to try, see the instructor. All suggestions aid your class participation grade.

10. All suspected infractions of the College's Honor Code will be turned over to the Vice President for Academic Affairs with the request that the Honor Council investigate the situation.

11. In accordance with Title 5, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, reasonable accommodation will be provided to any student who has followed the College's procedures as outlined in the Academic Bulletin. So that the instructor can do all that he can to provide an appropriate learning and testing environment, it is requested that any student asking for accommodation insure that the instructor is aware of such requests at least one week from the time that such accommodations are needed.

METHODS OF EVALUATING INSTRUCTOR'S EFFECTIVENESS:

Standard college evaluation form. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to complete a midterm evaluation, and may also address any concerns at any time they wish by discussing them with the instructor.

Note: Because this course is graded on a pass/fail basis and addresses an NRPA/AALR Accreditation Standard it is necessary that students demonstrate passing competency in every area in order to pass the course.

    If time permits we will add the following topics:

    Mechanized Presentation Software Competency

    Web Page Development (basic web page using HTML)

    Scanner use to import objects

    Digital Camera demonstration

    Other Additional Topics requested at the first class session by students.

Page last updated January, 2002