Adding an Essential Learning Tool in a Recreation Curriculum: Computer Education

Abstract

One of the major goals of recreation curricula is to prepare undergraduates in professional knowledge and skills. There is an increasing need for students to be proficient and have an understanding of computer applications. Thus, educators have a new challenge of incorporating computer training in curricula. This paper outlines a computer infusion effort and accompanying evaluation study which is underway in a large undergraduate recreation program. A quasi-experimental design was used including pretests and posttests, as well as experimental and control groups. Results show students enrolled in computer infused recreation classes improved significantly on several indicators such as self-rated performance on software applications, importance ratings of applications, and attitudes toward computers. Students in existing classes did not have the same improvements. Practical suggestions for educators to integrate computer training are provided.

Key words:

• Computer education
• Evaluation
• Attitude
• Self-rated performance scales

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christine A. Vogt

Biographical Information

Christine A. Vogt, Heidi Hase, Mike Reynolds, and Randy Virden are with the Department of Recreation Management and Tourism, Box 874905, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287–4905. All correspondence should be sent to Dr. Vogt.

Heidi Hase

Biographical Information

Christine A. Vogt, Heidi Hase, Mike Reynolds, and Randy Virden are with the Department of Recreation Management and Tourism, Box 874905, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287–4905. All correspondence should be sent to Dr. Vogt.

Mike Reynolds

Biographical Information

Christine A. Vogt, Heidi Hase, Mike Reynolds, and Randy Virden are with the Department of Recreation Management and Tourism, Box 874905, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287–4905. All correspondence should be sent to Dr. Vogt.

Randy Virden

Biographical Information

Christine A. Vogt, Heidi Hase, Mike Reynolds, and Randy Virden are with the Department of Recreation Management and Tourism, Box 874905, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287–4905. All correspondence should be sent to Dr. Vogt.