The Use of Technology in Pedagogy

When children use technology, one usually associates it with video and computer games along with various other toys that promote the inactivity of youth. So, initially, one would assume that technology and pedagogy would not be two areas that could benefit each other. True, the decrease in physical activity in children can be partially attributed to the prevalence of video games and other technologies, but I believe that this love of computer-generated activities can be used to the advantage of teachers. Since many children enjoy activities involving technology more than those involving physical activity, teachers should incorporate these video games into the classroom, or in this case, the gym.

Recently, companies have been developing new technologies based on their knowledge of the increasing desire to be more physically active but lack of interest in anything not involving technology and have created video games that involve physical activity, such as WiiFit and Dance, Dance Revolution, just to list a few examples. These types of games along with others can definitely be further developed and used in the classroom to make physical activity more enjoyable for children who enjoy the competitive nature of video games more so than that of actual sports. By incorporating this idea into a Physical Education environment, children will become more enthusiastic about P.E. and physical activity in general.

I, however, do not believe that this should be the only form of physical activity in a P.E class but more of a reward for working hard or as an activity to be enjoyed every other week. In my High School, for example, we had to wear heart rate monitors every Friday and run laps with the goal of remaining in our target heart rate zone. Few students enjoyed this form of physical activity and most of them would try and come up with ways to slack off. This is why I think we should use video games as a more up to date and enjoyable technology. I’ve seen on the news that some schools have started using new methods of technology in P.E. classes that involve video games. In these schools, the kids use exercise machines, such as stationary bikes and treadmills, that are hooked up to a screen that projects their progress in a race. In this case, kids are more likely to enjoy participating in the activity since it incorporates physical competition into a video game. This will help them develop a more positive attitude in regards to Physical Education and physical activity in general.

While I am aware of many other forms of technology that can be used for pedagogy, I still believe that Physical Education should consist mostly of children playing real sports and games with each other. These social interactions among students during competition help build life skills like leadership, teamwork and helping others in addition to the health benefits of physical activity. This is why I think it is important use technology as a reward that will help create a positive attitude regarding physical activity and its health benefits.