In order to carry out my Game Plan, I am discovering that it is not going to be an easy process. My goals are to incorporate the use of technological tools into my physical educational classes that hopefully will motivate all students and increase levels of participation and physical activity. Some of the resources I have found that I am interested in using are the Wii Fit, DDR, and new phone APPS that can be used to monitor heart rate. There are obvious obstacles that I am facing that will make this task difficult. The major obstacle is obviously, financial. Funding for the types of technology I hope to use is not easy to come by. Other resources I will need to carry out my plan are finding colleagues in other schools systems that are effectively implementing these types of technology.
So far, I have found several physical education websites and blogs related to this very topic. I have also discovered there are possible grants available that could possibly help purchase some of the technology I hope to incorporate. Hopefully, I will receive responses to this blog post that will add insight to what I hope to accomplish.
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteWe share many of the same beliefs and ideas with regards to incorporating technology. The activities on Wii are great to use, as is Dance Dance Revolution. I have not used phone applications but would be really interested to see how it monitors heart rate. We have those expensive heart rate grip things so buying an application would be a nice replacement and basically a cost-cutting measure. Financing such technology is certainly a major issue but I feel that one Nintendo Wii consol and two Dance Dance Revolution pads are just as suited to be in a budget as new balls, sticks, rackets and other items are. The key with the technological items is that they can help more students to learn or enrich their learning.
Also, it is nice to see that you were able to find some blogs and websites that could lead to grants. Grants are certainly available but the channels that you have to go through are not always easy to navigate. Through grants, students have the ability to be more
successful, but that does not mean that every application must be accepted.
-RICH
Tracy and Rich,
DeleteI recently attended a MACUL conference (technology integration) and was amazed at a wristband that was demonstrated for possible use in Health and PE classes or even for personal use. The band is made by Jawbone and can be found on this site:
http://www.jawbone.com/up
It is pricey, but I believe it is cheaper than a Wii or DDR. However, it could only be used by one student at a time. The only reason I mention it is that you were researching grant ideas. If you can divert the costs from your budget through a grant or donations, perhaps this is an attainable device to use in your classes. The band can be plugged into your smart phone or computer and it will display your sleep cycle, your calories burned, your steps taken, etc. It sounded as though it could be of some use to you.
In more practical terms, you might easily integrate technology into your content by having the students blog about their lifestyle choices in terms of food and exercise. They could use the blog as a journal towards self made or teacher made goals. Fortunately, that could be done on their own time and not consume physical activity time in your class.
I have previously posted on other blogs and in the discussion boards about having students video other students that can execute technique or form accurately. This might be something that, with parent permission, could go on a class site to be used when reteaching or absences are an issue.
Hopefully, these suggestions help. I don't envy you trying to incorporate a typically sedentary activity into a content that is trying to fight just that. Good luck and keep up the great work!
Mrs. Jones,
DeleteThanks for the suggestions and website. I haven't had the opportunity to look it up yet, but I am very interested and hopeful it is something I can use. I think your idea about the blog is probably the most feasible and economical choice I can make. Thanks for your comments.
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteThat is great that you are trying to incorporate technology into your physical education classes. There are so many uses for technology in a physical education setting. I think most teachers tend to overlook this. That is great that you are researching resources to use for your needs. Not only will the technology help you with your students and record data, but it can also help your students. They would be able to visually see their performance in your class over time. I believe technology is useful in every part of education and should be incorporated. The mention of grants would be a great way for you to purchase the technology you need in order to help and motivate your students. I hope everything goes well and I hope you are able to find the funds you need in order to purchase the necessary technology or software you need to maximize student success.
Malissa
Malissa,
DeleteThanks for your positive comments. I do hope the grant thing works out, but it seems to be a long and tedious process. Hopefully, it will be something that can take place if I am able to receive some help.
Tracy, it seems as if you are on the right path. You have listed some great resources for integrating technology. If you can get your hands on 1 or possibly 2 sets of DDR I think you will find that there are a lot of great lessons that have been designed when technology Is limited. Check PEcentral.com.
ReplyDeleteI do not have any experience writing grants, but I would think that the obesity issue our country faces today would enhance our chances of getting grant money for fitness supplies. You may even have an employee in your district who specializes or has a lot of experience writing grants.
Mike,
DeleteI think you are right about the obesity issue our country is facing. I'm like you with regards to grant writing experience, so I would definitely need to find someone with experience with this matter. Hopefully, it can become a possibility.