Chapter Technology and Resources C H A P T E R

Pedometers Record the number of steps taken by measuring the upward motion of the hip –Indicate general levels of daily physical activity –Motivate people to be more active Recommendations –Girls: 11,000 to 12,000 steps per day –Boys: 13,000 to 15,000 steps per day (continued)

Pedometers (continued) Pedometer uses in physical education –Overall school goal to accumulate steps (walk across Colorado; walk the Appalachian or Oregon Trail) –Calculate steps, miles, time –Steps in PE lessons/competitions between classes –Help students set goals to reach step recommendations –Connect steps with health and fitness

Pedometers

Heart Rate Monitors Measure physical activity intensity levels –Determine if working at moderate to vigorous levels –Immediate feedback –Connect intensity levels to perceived effort –Quick and accurate (continued)

Heart Rate Monitors (continued) Considerations –Data is downloadable to computer programs. –Complete classroom sets can be costly Many programs apply for funding or seek other external sources for purchasing heart rate monitors –Issues of putting on sweaty or wet straps –Beltless or strapless monitors are a good choice for many programs.

Strapless Monitors

Accelerometers Measure time and intensity of movements to measure physical activity Appear similar to pedometers Currently expensive and difficult to analyze Used most often in research at present

Body Composition Devices Skin calipers –Experience greatly affects use; not a reliable tool for physical education Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) devices –Analyze electrical conductivity of tissue and fluid –Readings may be affected by the time of day or hydration levels. Use results with caution. –Easy to use

BIA Unit

Exergaming Interactive video games are popular –Dance Dance Revolution, Wii Fit systems, game bikes, light boards Considerations –Immediate feedback and motivation –Some provide low- to moderate-intensity levels –Cost, storage, and use with large classes are concerns

Other Technological Devices Handheld computers (PDAs, Palm Pilots) –Software allows for instructional use (Word/Excel) GPS units (global positioning systems) –Learn about distance, time, direction, and tracking –Geocaching is a technological game of hide and seek iPods –Store a variety of music to play during class

Online Resources YouTube.com –Use for a skill demonstration or lesson opening to spark interest –Allow students to create instructional videos Educational Information –NASPE Web site: AAHPERD.org Teacher’s Tool Box, grant funding information, advocacy materials, teaching resources, bookstore, current PE news (continued)

Online Resources (continued)

Physical Activity Programs

PE Equipment Resources –Visit local and online resources Go online to view equipment or request catalogs Examples of nationwide equipment distributors FlaghouseSportime Great Lakes SportsToledo PE Supply Gopher SportsUS Games NascoWolverine Sports S&S

Summary Lots of technological tools and resources are available to help you do the following: –Enhance motivation and instructional efficiency. –Measure physical activity. –Generate new activity and lesson ideas. –Purchase physical education equipment.