Online Learning > Courses & Programs > RV Program - What Will The Classes Be Like?

What Will The Classes Be Like?

Web-based learning allows you to do the course work on your own time, at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home. It is available 24 hours every day and you can log on and off when it is convenient for you.

Using reading assignments, quizzes, web research, discussion forums, exams and field exercises you will gain a fundamental understanding of RV repair. At the successful completion of the program, students will be able to function at the technician entry level at any RV dealership or service facility.

There will be weekly assignments, mandatory discussion forums, occasional hands-on field exercises and a comprehensive final exam. Each class has a Pass/Fail grading system. You will receive a Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of all program requirements.

Click on the links below for more course information.

Course Schedule
Course Activities
Course Requirements
Sample Course Calendar
Course Grading
How to Register

Course Schedule

The course follows a Monday to Sunday schedule. You can begin the coursework for a given class on each Monday. All coursework requirements for the week are due the following Sunday.

You can work ahead, though it is not recommended as additional comments by the Instructor may be inserted at any time during each lesson. If you must retake a quiz or hands-on component due to a failing grade, you are given one additional week beyond the due date to submit the required materials.
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Course Activities

The course includes both lecture and hands-on elements. Following is an overview of the types of activities that can be expected for each component.

1. Lecture: (Instructor directs students)

• Readings from text
• Material Review from external sources
• Web site research
• Discussion Forums
• Quizzes and Exams

2. Hands-on: (Preceptor directs student and reports back to Instructor)

• Completion of required activities on checklist

The student will complete the majority of assignments - web site research, discussion forum, quizzes and exams - within the Blackboard Distance Learning environment. Some activities will require the use of email. Some assignments may be submitted in Microsoft Word and emailed to the instructor.

Each student is required to visit a local RV dealer or RV service center and obtain the names and business contact information of the Owner/General Manager and the Service Manager and email them to the Instructor. The Instructor will then contact that facility and make arrangements for someone at that shop to fulfill the role of the Preceptor.

This is very important since some hands-on assignments will require verification by an approved individual. If you do not live within a reasonable driving distance of a RV facility, it is the student's responsibility to email the Instructor immediately so alternative arrangements can be made.
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Course Requirements

Here is an example of some of the required textbooks that you'll be using:

• Introduction to Recreation Vehicle Service
• Propane Systems
• Plumbing Systems
• Electrical Systems
• Air Conditioning
• Refrigerators
• Heating Systems
• Water Heaters
• Preventive Maintenance

All the textbooks are published by:

RVIA
1896 Preston White Drive
Reston, VA 20191

They may be ordered and shipped through the Northampton Community College Bookstore or by contacting RVIA directly.

Tools - On page 4-2 in Chapter 4 in the textbook, Introduction to Recreation Vehicle Service, lists several tools used by individual RV service technicians. As a prerequisite to this course, please read this page, or read the Tool List in PDF format (the Adobe Reader is required). Though costly, it is highly recommended that the student begin purchasing most of the tools listed. RV service technicians are expected to own their own hand tools as a condition of employment.

Technology - Internet and email access (dial-up modem connection is sufficient, though high-speed access is recommended). Experience doing web searches is vital.
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Sample Course Calendar (Spring Semester)

This schedule assumes that you sign up for all three courses: RV Service Introduction, LP Gas Systems, and RV Water System Service.

RV SERVICE INTRODUCTION COURSE
Class 1: RVs - Their History, Classifications & Characteristics - Jan 12
Activities - to be completed by Jan 18

Class 2: Tools, Equipment & Safety - Jan 19
Activities - to be completed by Feb 1

Class 3: Jobs, Standards & Resources - Feb 2
Activities - to be completed by Feb 8

Class 4: Customer Service & Technician Documentation - Feb 9
Activities - to be completed by Feb 15

LP GAS SYSTEMS COURSE
Class 5: LP Systems & Containers - Feb 16
Activities - to be completed by Feb 29

Class 6: LP Regulator - The Heart of the LP System - Mar 1
Activities - to be completed by Mar 7

Class 7: LP Piping & Standards - Mar 8
Activities - to be completed by Mar 14

Spring Break: Mar 15 - Mar 21

RV WATER SYSTEM SERVICE COURSE
Class 8: Plumbing Systems - Fresh Water & Waste Water - Mar 22
Activities - to be completed by April 4

Class 9: Plumbing Systems - Installations & Repairs - April 5, 2004
Activities - to be completed by Apr 18

Class 10: System Tests, Winterization & Standards - April 19
Activities - to be completed by Apr 25
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Course Grading

Each class in the program is Pass/Fail. To earn a Passing Grade and a Course Certificate, the student must complete 100% of all weekly assignments, participate in every discussion forum, successfully complete 100% of all hands-on exercises and pass the final exam with a minimum score of 70%. Here are the grade distributions:

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How to Register

See Northampton Community College's Registration page, for both new and returning students.
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