Technology will definitely play apart in my teaching career. I will be able to use technology for assessment, physical fitness improvement, motivation and much more. As long as technology is used correctly and efficiently in the classroom it can help teachers bring a positive element to the class.
There are different technologies that teachers can explore with in their classrooms. Personally, I will utilize heart rate monitors and pedometers to help motivate my students to stay active during class. I will also use the heart rate monitors and pedometers to help with the assessment aspect of my class. I will set standards that my students have to meet for how many steps they should achieve in a class period and how much time during class they should be in their heart rate zone. The heart-rate monitors come with a computer software program that can specifically help me track students progress throughout the year. With this data I will be able to use assessment fairly because I will have numbers to show students and parents when questioned about grades. Heart rate monitors and pedometers will help me take the guesswork out of physical education grades. (http://www.eschoolnews.com/2008/06/10/technology-brings-new-p-e-to-schools/)
In addition to pedometers and heart rate monitors I would use Dance Dance Revolution as a fun way to get my students physically active during class. According to a New York Times article not only is D.D.R effective for getting children physical active, but it also may help with cognitive function. Furthermore, D.D.R. is an activity that promotes lifetime physical fitness more so than team sports and games traditionally taught in physical education classes. This game will definitely motivate students to be active in P.E. class because it is fun and it is a more individual activity. Students don’t necessarily have to be good at the game for them to get a good workout in too. (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/30/health/30exer.html)
Moreover, the use of DVD or tape players and video cameras would be helpful in a P.E. curriculum. Teachers could utilize the cameras to tape different skill tasks for the students to watch on a TV monitor during class. This would be best utilized if a skill has too many steps to complete and would be easier to explain through an already taped task demonstration. Also, this type of equipment could also be used to display physical fitness tapes for the class to follow along with, such as P90X. A projector to play these tapes and DVD’s would be even more efficient for showing a large group of students these tapes. Teachers could utilize cameras to tape students form when performing certain skills and analyze it to help them become better at the skill.
Overall, there are many important ways for teachers to use technology in their physical education classes. With technology continuously growing and expanding there is no telling what physical activity phenomenon will be the next big hit in the physical education department.
I like how you will use technology to motivate the students. I think tapes and DVDs are a good learning tool. I think DDR is outdated but I know you have to come up with ideas. I think you are on to something.
ReplyDeleteAriana,
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of the types of technologies that you plan on using in your classroom. I think they will be an important asset to the lesson. Heart rate monitors and pedometers will help the children remain healthy outside the classroom and possibly help them set fitness goals.
The DVD and tape players would also be a good idea because it would help demonstrate skills to students that the teacher may not be very good at or able to demonstrate it very well.
Good overall ideas on technology. I like how you talk about how heart rate monitors and pedometers can be used to actually assess the students for a grade. This type of assessment is great to use to assess total physical activity, which will help enhance the students overall physical health and fitness. And the use of software to supplement the devices is much more relaible to help you see how each students stacks against eachother and you goals for them. All in all, one must remember that these things are expensive. Personally I would't use DDR due to the massive expenses it would cost have enough for everyone. Unless you duck taped squares on the floor to follow. Overall, I think DDR is not motivating enough for students.
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