6 Ways to Integrate Technology into Physical Education

Teaching physical education can be challenging for any number of reasons, from a lack of equipment to keeping students engaged. To meet these challenges, some educators are turning to technology in physical education to create more dynamic classes that work for students with a wide range of fitness levels. Here are some examples of technology and how you can use them in your classes.

Pedometers

Pedometers are probably one of the first examples that come to mind when discussing technology and physical activity. Measuring steps is one of the easiest ways to assess physical activity, and pedometers can be used by people of all ages. Another benefit of using pedometers is that they can be used in a variety of tasks, such as doing household chores or scavenger hunts. One issue to remember with pedometers and heart rate monitors is that target rates vary by ability and activity level, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Heart Rate Monitors

Heart rate monitors measure a student’s pulse during activities. Using these devices allows educators and students to aim for an individualized target heart rate that is challenging to maintain but not too difficult to achieve. By customizing student goals, students feel more involved and more empowered to continue with fitness. Once more, there are different target rates depending on age and ability, so remember to take those into consideration.

Health Tracking Technology

Using the data from heart monitors and pedometers is vital to creating a long-term plan to advance health. Some pedometers and heart monitors have built-in connectivity, making the process easier. Using tracking programs or monitoring systems provides educators with tools to create custom goals for students. These kinds of programs allow for instant feedback so students have the opportunity to adjust their goals and how they wish to achieve them.

Mobile App Technology

With the explosion in mobile technology, physical educators have a wealth of tools. For example, MapMyFitness and MyFitnessPal offer movement tracking and nutritional support. Some apps also help improve athletic activities, such as basketball. Then, the students can compare what they’re doing with what the app instructs. Another idea is to use Google Earth to show students distances and challenge them to walk those distances—for example, the height of Mount Everest or the distance between their home and another location.

Physical Education Videos

Sites such as YouTube and Vimeo offer educators a wide range of tools. If an educator wants to teach something such as dance or yoga, there are a variety of how-to videos that can apply to any age group. Additionally, some educators create video projects in which student groups create an instructional video to teach the rest of the class.

Gaming Technology

There is a steady market of “exergames,” such as Wii Sports and Dance Dance Revolution. To implement this technology in physical education or any classroom, have a few students use the controllers (taking turns is crucial!) and have the rest of the class follow along. For these games and any video resources, projecting the video onto a wall or screen lets everyone see what is happening.

Adapting new technology in physical education can be challenging for instructors. Sometimes, physical education teachers can feel as if technology does not apply to their subjects. However, by embracing technology, instructors create a more varied and dynamic classroom. They can also appeal to the interests of many different students and ability levels. Using technology to teach physical health enables educators to create more activities and to demonstrate the importance of setting and achieving goals.

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