Have You Heard?: 2011

Monday, April 25, 2011

TV Time?

I observed a class at Waterloo West today and I loved that they have flat screen televisions in their fitness facility! The students were watching the news while they worked out and they actually seemed to be interested in what was going on. The teacher told me that they also watch instructional workout DVD's that show them how to do the exercises. This is just another great way to involve technology and Physical Education. I'm excited to see all of the opportunities that I'm going to have at my school. I want my students to be exposed to multiple ways to exercise. This may mean doing it from home while watching a video or while watching the news on a treadmill. Media is making its way into our schools and I'm excited to see where it's going to take myself and our students.

Photo used by permission: Old Shoe Woman

Polar Opposites

Not many schools are incorporating heart rate monitors and accelerometers in their classrooms. There are a few Physical Education programs that are using these and they are seeing fantastic results. Many other teachers are getting involved and some classes are making it a semester project to report on the results from throughout the semester. I love the activity by other classes! Staying fit is a lifestyle. I want to be a model for my students, school, and community. I would love to receive Polar watches with heart rate monitors and accelerometers because I think they will help students, faculty, and their families focus on their health and what they can do to make it better. PolarUSA is a great company that is helping schools out by making sure kids are engaging in activity for a adequate amount of time. I love the initiative taken by them and area schools to start making America healthy, one student at a time. This new shift in added technology is a great addition to the schools today and a huge leap from where we used to consider normal.

Photo used by permission: ario_

Projection of the Future

I'm excited about where Physical Education is going. P.E. programs are starting to include more media than ever and that bodes well for a young guy starting up. One tool that I'm particularly excited about is a projector. I recently visited Grundy Center and witnessed the elementary and high school both using projectors in their gym. It was great to see how they were used and all the benefits that go along with it. They are fairly inexpensive and can be used for a number of activities. The teachers had their computer hooked up and they were able to use all of the resources on a larger screen. The Grundy Center P.E. program is doing a great job of integrating many different tools to keep their kids at the head of the pack. I'm excited to see all of the resources I will have at my school when I get into the field and start making a difference!

Image from www.hopsports.com

Monday, March 7, 2011

ipad 2

I really want the ipad 2. I want to get one to use in my classes when I become a Physical Education teacher. After visiting Grundy Center, IA and seeing their P.E. program, I'm very excited about incorporating projectors, computers, and other tech equipment in my gym. I would be excited to have lessons, videos, and music on my ipad and hook it up to a projector using the new HDMI output. It has a lot of great features and it looks amazing. The new Face Time feature would be a great tool to talk with other/past teachers in my field. I am ready to introduce new technology into the Physical Education field. I want my classroom to be cutting edge and I want to be able to keep up with my kids and the latest trends. I love getting new gadgets and playing with them to learn all of the shortcuts and cool things I can do. I guess it's a good thing I want to teach P.E. after all!