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About Don:
Don has been teaching P.E. for 30 years total, and has been using Polar technology in his program for the last 3 years. He's a member of TAHPERD, NSCA, and SEA. Among many honors and awards he's received are the Texas Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award, the Texas State University Presidential Award for Excellence in Service 2003, and the Texas State University Favorite Professor Award.
About Texas State University:
There are approximately 1500 students in undergraduate and graduate programs at Texas State that lead to majors in Athletic Training, Exercise and Sports Science, Health and Fitness Management, Health and Wellness Promotion, and Recreation Administration.
Graduate programs are offered that lead to the M. Ed. in Health Education with two areas of emphasis: School Health or Community Health. Programs are also offered that lead to the M Ed. in Physical Education, with three areas of emphasis: Exercise Science, Sport and Leisure Management, and Educational Foundations. Another graduate program at Texas State leads to a M. S. with a major in Recreation and Leisure Services and emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation and Recreation Administration.
Using Polar:
An equipment budget as well as a grant provided the funds for Polar technology at Texas State. When the program started, students would buy Polar straps and then be provided with Heart Rate Monitors (HRMs). Students use E600 HRMs, F1s and all of the TriFIT software in class. Students are exposed to Polar in both lecture format with introductory lessons on the values of technology, as well as in HPE labs with ongoing training sessions for students to use the equipment. In the Fall of 2006, Texas State University will require all P.E. majors to own Polar HRMs for classes.
The Buzz:
Don and his Department Chair, Bob Pankey, like "the accountability for our students and the Graduate Teaching Assistants teaching the program and the improved perception of our department as a result of the equipment being used.
Students "find it interesting and beneficial. According to a recent survey of students, feedback for Polar has been very positive."
This story featured in 2005 Strategies newsletter! Click here to keep reading!
Texas State Receives Grant from Polar – Read more here!
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