Evaluation and implementation of fitness issues and programs: A paradigm shift from traditional wellness course to an on-line wellness course

At Mount Union College all students are required to enroll in a wellness course typically during the freshman year. This course serves to provide health education and promote initiation or maintenance of physical activity for all students. Class size, content and format were subjects of concern voiced by students, faculty and staff who have been involved in the course. Therefore a paradigm shift has been considered to enhance the format by which the course in administered.

In the recent past, students meet twice weekly for the course. One session of the week was a physical activity exposure and the second session was a lecture on a specified health topic. Students fill out a short survey so the course coordinator can assess their general fitness level. Lab sections are organized based on fitness and gender to improve student learning and comfort. Student and instructor surveys were completed to assess respective needs.

Currently wellness students are learning lecture material on-line and have a lab session twice a week for half of the semester. Factors involved with making the shift from traditional classes to on-line classes and from weekly lab to biweekly lab will be discussed. Content, challenges, implementation and use of student feedback will be also be reviewed.

In addition, upper-level health and physical education majors currently gain experience delivering course content and activities in lab sessions. The impact of this paradigm shift on faculty, staff, students and the department of Mount Union College (a small liberal arts institution) will be discussed.