Tech Topic # 4: Projectors

Projectors are one of the most simple and useful types of technology in physical education.  You can make it a focal point of a lesson or just have it up all class to post simple skill cues.  Ipads and computers can easily hook up to a projector.  If you are typing or writing you're students can see you type and write in real time.  Projectors are great for showing videos to an entire class.  It is also great for diagrams and showing students how to perform an activity.  It is amazing how simple the projector is and all it can do in a classroom setting.

Tech Topic # 3: Ipads

Before  coming to Slippery Rock I would have thought that Ipads had no place in physical education, but I must say I was wrong.  There are countless apps that all have excellent uses in physical education.  The easiest and one of the most applicable uses is simply using the camera and video recording capabilities.  Students can see how they are performing a particular skill first-hand to see how they can improve.  There are a plethora of reading and math apps that can be used in interdisciplinary lessons.  As  mentioned in my previous blog there are even apps that can be linked to heart rate monitors via Bluetooth!  So don't think you have to be a couch potato to use an Ipad and incorporate it into your physical activity!

Tech Topic # 2: Heart Rate Monitors

My favorite use of technology in the physical education setting would be heart rate monitors.  What better way to gauge students' activity levels than to see your heart rate first hand?  There are many different types of heart rate monitors, but my personal favorite is the chest strap model.  This model measures your heart rate by the strap and sends a wireless signal that is sent to a wrist watch receiver.  I like this type the best because it allows you to see your heart while still working out comfortably.  Certain types of this model also have applications that can be accessed through tablets or computers.  These applications allow you to see everyone's heart rate all on one screen.  It's very beneficial for students and teachers to see all the heart rates at once via a projector.  My experience with this type of application showed that all students work hard and try to compete among each other.  It also shows that all students are giving forth the same effort even though it doesn't always appear that way.  I look forward to implementing heart rate monitors into my classes in the future!

Tech Topic # 1 : Pedometers

My first topic I will be discussing is the use of pedometers in a physical education 

setting. Pedometers are a fairly cheap, easy to use, and accurate way to measure physical activity levels for students.  Every field teacher that I have been placed with thus far utilizes pedometers.  They are very time efficient for putting them on and taking them off.  My field teachers also used a "step count goal" for  each class to provide extra motivation among students.  I feel as students also like the use of pedometers as they have little competitions with each other to see how can achieve more steps.  This competition is beneficial for both the students and teachers.  The pedometers also show how vigorous particular activities are.  Throughout a school year students can see firsthand what activities increase physical activity levels by looking at their pedometers.  All my experiences with pedometers have been positive and I encourage all other physical educators to to take advantage of pedometers in class!