Here is some information that will bridge the gap between technology and physical education that comes replete with a
working dictionary and ways to enhance technology in your classes.
For more technology information, please go to the start page and click on the TALKSHOE icon ,then proceed to the
click on the TECH/PE TALK episode for some ideas that include DDR , V=CYCLING , NIKE+Ipod , RADAR GLOVE , SMART BOARD
, PDA and EYE TOY. The best way to investigate how technology and PE are integrated is to click on over to the PE LINKS4U
web site to view valuable information from a myriad of teachers. IT can be found below by clicking on the PE LINKS 4U underscore: DYNABAND
MOVIE
PE LINKS 4U
PE GAME PLAN POWER POINT
Check out this power point presentation that was presented at the West Virginia convention on 11/12/2010 .
More than ever , technology has been a vital part
of the physical education curriculum . It goes far beyond power point , slideshows , videos , spread sheets, heart rate monitors
and pedometers. This will set a trend from a sports related program to one of wellness. In many physical education classes
you will see rock climbing walls , exercise bikes , Treadwalls , DDR , exercise machines such as, elliptical and recumbents
and software programs that are hooked up to TV screens. <br
The easiest first step to incorporate technology into physical education is to use pedometers. The cost is inexpensive and
they are easy to use . The activity is simple and its just anther way to motivate students to move , as well as promote the
concept that movement is what’s important for health . The pedometers can be accessed on a free basis ,such as , McDonald’s
in their Senior lunch menu and from Special K cereal. There are a myriad of programs that promote walking and the pedometers
serve as a great technique to exercise everyday.
· There is a partnership with hospitals that provide information , programs and facilities to fight the obesity crisis and
establish guidelines for healthy living. Within the community are walking programs that help raise money such as , MS , Heart
, Diabetes , Cancer , Autism and Cystic Fibrosis programs. This will be an important time to use the pedometers to keep track
of miles and steps .
Participate in small sided games and situations and track the number of steps during a game while the students are wearing
the pedometers. Establish a time limit and when time is up , instead of counting goals or scores , the students write their
number of steps on a personal chart . They will then be able to add their steps over several days and compare the amount of
time in a game , such as tag .
The students will need instruction on the value and use of the pedometers. They will need some practice time and experiment
how to use them. Divide the students in small groups for a scavenger hunt and work sheet in an integrative project . Include
different types of movement as they travel to find the objects. Track and record steps and compute the steps over the entire
course or boundaries. This math project can be discussed and used for estimation , addition /subtraction and multiplication
, and classifications for a science project of plants, rocks , and soil .
The Digi-Walkers can compute calories and calculates your steps by taking the stride length and multiplying the steps . Here
are some examples of the different types of pedometers :
1. Digi-Walker 701
2. Yamax Dig-Walker
3. KenzLifecorder
4. Omron HJ-112
5. New Lifestyles NL-2000
The pedometers have a range from free to more expensive , which monitors calories burned, and determines basal metabolic
rate . But, there are models that monitor just steps with no extensive set ups .It doesn’t matter what pedometer is
used , but instead it matters that the steps taken each day will lead to a healthy lifestyle. The new generation of game
consoles has brought physical activity into the world of video interaction. Each device offers unique items and works with
software designed for it .(games) .
The Microsoft Xbox 360 was the first game console to be equipped with a removable hard drive add –on for storing
game saves compressed into ZIP archives and content downloaded from XboxLive to eliminate memory cards. Most games also used
the hard drive as a disc cache for faster game loading times
Nintendo presented the Wii video game console armed with a wireless transmitter. The Wii Fit is an exercise
game consisting of activities that uses a Wii Balance board peripheral, which practices with Yoga , aerobics, strength and
balance games. The balance board measures weight and center of gravity. Included is a remote controller that can detect acceleration
in three dimensions from the LED sensor bar . There is a game series that features tennis, bowling, ,baseball ,golf and boxing.
The exercises simulate skiing , snowboard , running and dance positions.
The PlayStation(3) has the ability to play Dvd’s without any extra equipment . The graphics are fantastic and
the speed is much faster than previous versions. Some positive accolades are its backward compatibility with previous versions,
and the ability to play Blu-ray discs for a richer , realistic experience . It is a portable station to play movies, songs
, games , and impressive slide shows. The parallel processing makes the game controller an easy process to manipulate as an
extension of your body.
The XaviX Port is a gateway to television interaction . The console uses cartridges and a special wireless controller
.The controllers are shaped like equipment in sporting events such as , bowling , baseball ,fishing ,tennis and boxing.
The sensors pick up the users action and transferred to the screen. The EYEHAND activity improves dexterity, cross lateral
training and reflexes. There is a Lifestyle Manager , Step Sensor and Studio Fitness to burn away calories and improve
fitness . There is a Jmat to record steps on a screen that will detect the number of steps in a designated time limit.
Virtual based equipment and learning comes in many forms. It is more than an entertainment phenomena , but a way to particpate
in aerobic activities and learn by exercising . The motivation of the virtual devices will employ the students to work hard
to meet the national standards.
Glove Radar will assist to develop throwing capabilities . It provides instant feedback n their velocity and learn
to use proper throwing mechanics. The glove is worn by the receiver of the ball . The Glove Radar measures the speed of the
approaching ball a few feet before the ball is caught. It is a microwave Doppler radar , not an impact sensor. It is powered
by single cell 3v lithium battery that displays miles-per-hour speed on a liquid crystal display(LCD). The Radar Glove attaches
to any glove by a strong weather resistant nylon cord. The cord is inserted through the eyelets , and then secured around
the glove’s lacing or wrist strap and tied into place behind the glove’s fingers , where the Glove Radar can survive
the pounding of repeated ball impacts.
Eye Toy camera ( stand alone) – with the USB camera , you can create custom characters by snapping a picture
of your face and placing it on the characters. You can make a hover board racer lean , duck, jump and do tricks simply with
your body movement.
Cat Eye Game Bike is a plug and play video game controller. The bike transforms gaming into an interactive experience.
It controls every movement on the screen with your own body movement. There are controlled steering ,speed ,turns, and strategy.
The plug and play connects to a PlayStation and other video game consoles. There are over 50 speed related games that include
car ,speedboat and motorcycle games. A built in fitness computer handicaps users of different fitness levels of hill programs
and heart rate training.
Cycling/racing race on courses around the world , race against your own recorded rides peddle , shift gears, race,
and design programs for cycling performance. The continuous screen displays cadence , speed ,heart rate, power , elapsed time,
percentage of grade and positions of all the riders.or “live” against others in the class. The overall fitness
builds body endurance , cardio-vascular system , abdominal(s) and cycling power fitness. The interactive activity enables
the user to steer .The immediate feedback analyzes the heart rate , cadence, power, speed and slope with a second by second
table display or graph.
Nike Ipod Nano Interactive shoes this is a tracking system that uses a sensor in one of the shoes to wirelessly communicate
with a device that attaches to the Ipod. The first order of business is to purchase the Nike sneakers and sensor . A Nike
armband and Nano complete the transaction.
Next, plug the device for the Ipod into the USB port on a computer. Select a menu from the Ipod Nano to chose your program.
. You will be instructed to begin walking to start the communication process ,and tells you to press the middle button to
start the workout. When finished ,you touch the menu key and scroll to the bottom to end the workout. Attach the Ipod to the
computer and Itunes ( make a user account on the Nike.com website . ) There you will see your workout , including graphs,
and then be able to set goals based on calories and time.
DDR (Dance ,dance ,revolution ) is a game played with four arrow panels to go up, down, left and right ; the four
main directions plus right and left diagonals . The panels are pressed using the players feet , in response to arrows that
appear on the screen in front of the player. These panels/arrows are synchronized to the rhythm or beat of a chosen song ,
and success is dependent on the player’s ability to time and position the steps . Performance is reflected on a Dance
Guage/Stage or life bar. Once depleted , the player receives a grade and score based on their performance. There are different
modes the player can choose to play or stop the predetermined songs.
Treadwall is a rotating climbing wall that moves by body weight alone. It can be used for warm ups, workouts , and
training. There are similar products that include climbing walls ,traverse , free standing and top rope climbing. The technology
gently moves the wall downward as you climb ,always keeping your foot just a few feet off the floor . A simple turn of the
wheel changes the angle of the
Heart rate monitors are the best way to stay in target zones for a healthy lifestyle , to improve fitness and maximize
performance. Just click below and find a wealth of information from Beth Kirkpatrick .
BETH KIRKPATRICK
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