"Self and Peer Assessment Resource Kit (SPARK), a web-based template which aims to improve learning from team assessment tasks and make the assessment fairer" (Freeman, McKenzie, 2002, p. 552). Integrating a web-based template, such as SPARK, into this type of recreational program creates a number of questions that would have to be addressed. The first question is who would be responsible for defining the technology necessary to gain access to the program and how would the program be integrated into a recreational program. Someone will have to be responsible for discerning whether the SPARK program works better with Macintosh or PC hardware, and what application the program works best with. Another question would be the cost to maintain the program and to license use to more than one individual if the company decides to track employee participation and wellness program via the intranet.

The cost to allow this access by a wide variety of employees will also have to be considered. Another question would be if many of the employees all login to the same program at the same time, in order to enter their specific information, will that affect the LAN or internet access?

Finally, the company will have to address who is going to administer this program in all its many facets. The company may wish to address the problem of training someone in the administration of a recreational program as well as training individuals on the process of implementing the technological aspect of the program as well. A mixture of the two would probably be best in this case because it will allow for each trainee to know both aspects of the program, and will provide an understanding...

Complementing this question is the one that asks, will this entering and tracking of information be done on the employee's personal time, or on company time? If it is to be completed on company time, the company will have to assume additional expenses to pay the employees for doing so.
Lastly, a question can be asked if the employees are going to be faced with mandated participation, or is participation entirely voluntary? If it is voluntary, then will employees who participate be given any special time off, or benefits for doing so. The program probably should be administered on an equal basis in order to ensure its viability.

The benefits of this program are that the employees will gain improved health, the company will gain happier and healthier employees and together the employees and the company will benefit from all that recreation has to offer, especially if done in an organized manner.

Works Cited

Freeman, M., McKenzie, J., (2002) SPARK, a confidential web-based template for self and peer assessment of student teamwork: Benefits of evaluation across different subjects, British Journal of Educational Technology, Vol. 33, No. 5, pp. 551-569