Current Program

The Health Education program reflects the goals of the college's Mission Statement and strives to promote student health and wellness as well. Students enroll in Health Education classes for personal enrichment, to meet requirements for transfer to four-year institutions, and for retraining or upgrading employment skills. Course offerings in recent years have been affected by changes in student interests as well as changes in student work schedules. Two online courses have been developed to increase student access to Health Education classes. Other factors affecting course offerings include changing economic conditions, the college's budget situation and change in calendar, changes in students' basic skill levels, changes in technology and the increasing use of technology.

Degrees and Certificates - No degrees or certificates are offered.

Personnel - At this time Health Education employs one full-time faculty member and ten part-time faculty members.

Teaching Methodologies - Lecture, lecture/lab, lecture/demonstration, and some computerized, online and

distance learning methods are used in Health Education classrooms.

Technology - At this time, two Health Education courses have been adapted for online instruction: Principles of Healthy Living (Health 11) and Women's Personal Health (Health 8). Enrollment has been good in these classes, so the expectation is that more classes will be developed.

Equipment - Several items are in need of repair and/or replacement: overhead projectors, a scantron machine, a TV/VCR, exercise mats, CPR mannequins with cases, AEDs, oxygen tanks, and several laptop computers, LCD projectors and surge protectors. There is an immediate need for emergency phones in classrooms and for Internet access on all computers.

Facilities - Desks, tables, chairs, blackboards, a classroom flag, a storage area and several filing cabinets need to be replaced. Most classrooms are too small for the number of students enrolling in classes. The condition of many classrooms is poor, with more cleaning and maintenance needed.

Future Program

In the future Health Education will need to adapt to meet changes in technology, facilities and curriculum development, including the addition of topical courses such as Environmental Health and Substance Abuse. Enrollment in Health Education courses is expected to match overall college enrollment in the mid term (five years) and long term (ten years), as the relationship between health and lifestyle behaviors examined in Health Education classes is expected to keep students interested in these courses in years to come. See Program Projections.

Degrees and Certificates - No changes in degrees or certificates are planned.

Personnel - See Projected Faculty and Staff Needs.

Teaching Methodologies - More online classes are expected to be developed.

Technology - Distance learning, or offering Health Education courses online with the use of computers and the Internet, will continue to grow.

Equipment - Needed are overhead projectors, a scantron machine, a TV/VCR, exercise mats, CPR mannequins with cases, AEDs, oxygen tanks, and several laptop computers, LCD projectors and surge protectors.

There is an immediate need for emergency phones in classrooms and for Internet access on all computers.

Facilities - "Smart" classrooms connected to the Internet with computers and up-to-date presentation software and projectors are needed. Classrooms need to be larger and kept in better condition, and most could use some storage space. A faculty workroom is needed that includes supplies, a working scantron machine and appropriate furnishings.

Staff Development - Suggested topics for Staff Development activities include computer use, Internet use, First Aid/CPR, wellness workshops, and emergency response procedures.