Technology in Physical Education and Coaching

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Technology in Physical Education and Coaching
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Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

Karen,
I use video in taping my team every game. Our school pays someone to video all of our games. We will have film sessions with our players. We will usually have this on the day before a game when we are not running them as hard. We also scout the other teams that we are going to play. We will order pizza and we have the players break down the films with us. This gives them a better understanding of our opponent.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I have used audio and video when teaching aerobic classes and it was very useful when teaching self defense and awareness classes. The purpose of the audio and video in aerobics was useful when I was not capable of teaching the pilates and yoga. The self defense tapes we used were very useful when we taught manuveres to get out of holds and to show the classes the various ways to stay safe on the streets

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

Hi Suzanne:
what curriculum do you use for teachign self defense and at what grade level do you teach it? What videos did you use for teaching the unit? I have been intereeted in doing this as a unit but am limited in knowledge. We have brought in guest speakers to teach a little bit about it, but it is hard to find someone to do it each semester and scheduling it can be difficult.
thanks,Mary

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I constantly use audio in my teaching if I am inside during winter or rainy days. Using appropriate music during warmups, game play or glo -time bowling adds great atmosphere to the gym. I would not use it every day -however once or twice a month is perfect.If I teach my dance/jump rope unit ,I always use a varietyof music.
The video I used when started to teach was on a film loop. It worked perfect for a seperate station when teaching asport or gymnastic move. I very rarely ude a video since I do not have a television in my gym (on purpose!)Luckily, I work closelywith my music teacher and she will kindly show a small segment of a dance or geo motion performance for me.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

We do use MP3 players, Video as well as still cameras, and a variety of radios and tape players. We video the children in their final stages of both Rhythmic Gymnastics and tumbling. This way we can show them what their routine looked like and how it could be improved. We have the students put their routines to music and this is when each group has the ability to use a tape/cd player. We are lucky that we can ask for these things from our parent teacher orginazation. The funding of this fantastic equipment would be the biggest obstacle. We did think of fundraisers (shoot-a-thon) that we could do in case the funding was not given to us.

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I will use your idea of asking the PTA for funds to purchase a nice video camera and wireless microphone for our department. It seems when we want to use the school purchased one someone else is using it and it has to be reserved way in advance. With weather and assemblies etc. phys. ed. scheduling is sometimes tough. It would be nice to have our own video camera. I would love to use this for dance routines!

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

Hi, When i started coaching at Marist i would video our matches to look at after the event. After a few seasons i stopped because it was to time consuming. I was teaching full time and coaching at Marist. I have used the video in the past teaching to put together little snap shots for community night, which is when the parents come in to talk to the staff. I was also teaching solo so it was hard to video and run the class, now we team teach at times and it would be much easier to video parts of the class. Just recently i taped one of my high school classes for the Games Around the World class from Fresno. I would love to use high speed film annalysis. When i was working on my masters thesis at West Chester U. in PA. I did a high speed film analysis while heading a soccer ball at moderate speeds. I was trying to determine the change in head acceleration before during and after impact. It was a lot of fun. Most of the obstacles are facilites and schedualing. We do have a camera in the department. If i were to plan ahead schedual space in the big gym(with bleechers) and work with a co-worker that would be the most effective way to get it done.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I hope this works since I have no clue as to what the instant messenger box(above)is for or the box next to it.
I have used video in coaching basketball. I used it to tape players during practice when they were shooting free-throws. It is often difficult for students to visualize/understand what you are telling them about their technique. It helps if you show them what they are doing and tell them how to correct it. You then can tape them again, and show them how they have attempted to correct the form or not. It was very useful and the girls responded well to it. I recently tried this in a junior physical education class. I wanted to video tape two boys playing pickle ball. They are awesome players and I thought that I could use clips of them performing different skills as demonstrations when teaching pickleball skills to our sophmores. I checked out the video camera from our media department and got to my office and found that it was a video camera from the dark ages and there was no battery. I called the media specialist and asked for a battery pack. Due to budget cuts,there are no more batteries for the cameras, so I had to use the plug in adapter and extension cords. What an inconvenience to have to deal with the cords.
I would like to learn how to use one of the digital video cameras our middle school technology departments has purchased. They are small and would be easier to use than the dinosaur I used. Time is always a factor in learning to use new equipment. I am grateful that our school district has inservice days for professional development, but I wish they would let us choose the areas of professional development. Much of what is done for inservice professional development, like six traits writing, does not apply to the PE environment. It would be nice if our department could focus on things like this that are more relevant to our teaching environment.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I have used video in my PE classes - I use it to tape students in certain activities and our department also uses some exercise tapes when we are confined to our small "multi purpose" room. I like being able to tape the students doing a certain activity and then replay it back - normally I let them watch themselves on the day I give them their grade for the particular activity, but I can how letting them watch themselves before they do their final "routine" could help them. The problem for me is time and equipment. It isn't difficult to tape them - that can be done at anytime, it's finding the time to have the students watch themselves and critique themselves. As for the equipment, I have to reserve it way ahead of time and that makes it difficult. The most recent problem I had was that I taped an activity, but the equipment that I needed to have the students watch it on TV was misplaced, so the only way they could watch themselves was on the little tiny screen on the camera.

I certainly could use it much more - I have a friend who video taped a student using the equipment in the weight room and then up loaded it to his palm - in class when a student needs a quick "how to", he pulls up the video and lets the student watch. I would just need to organize my time a little better to allow the studnets time to watch. I already stated the equipment situation, but I know I could get around that. I could easily use my personal camera - and I could then immediately burn a DVD that the students could actually take and view on their own time. These are things I haven't actually thought about until now and I could start implementing some of these ideas today.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

Hi- Yes, I have used audio and video in my teaching. I have used instructional videos to introduce dance routines and moves. In my fitness classes I used video to show exercises on the exercise balls. I have also used video to introduce Tae Bo moves to my students. The biggest obstacle was having a class of 30 watch these videos on a small t.v. screen. Not every student could always see, while trying the move. I would tell them to model the student in front, only sometimes that student did not have the best technique.
To overcome this problem I would try to break the class into smaller groups, offering more than one activity. We as a department requested a large screen projector that could project the video/dvd on the wall for viewing. This past year we recieved this and it made a huge difference in showing video/dvd to the class.
I would love to introduce video clips of student performance in my classes. I would use them as a tool for students to analyze their skills. The obstacle, make sure parent permission is given for students to be video taped. solution, I could type a form letter of permission to be taken home by each student to be signed by a parent at the beginning of the year. I would emphasize its use for instruction.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I have used video technology in my coaching career. The biggest obstacle I see is staying current with the technology, as if we as a coaching staff do not stay up-to-date their will be another school in our conference taht is up-to-date and that may be the difference in the outcome of the game.
Another big obstacle is financial. With a limited budget, it is impossible to stay completly current. We try to fundraise to cover costs, but their are many other essential costs that also need to come out of the budget.

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

Unfortuately, cost is a big obstacle, in any venue including technology in it. Especially since in a few years it is considered old. It can be very frustrating.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I use both audio and video in my class.

I use audio during our dance unit with songs that give directions (ex. the cha cha slide) to observe listening ability, songs with different beats for rhythmical enchancement, as well as general music for circuit training.

When I am teaching a new skill or starting a new unit, I download videos off the local PBS website to show what the skill 'should' look like and breaks down the movements. I use the lcd projector to show the films, segments, powerpoints on a large screen.

Obstacles I found are that there are NOT enough educational videos about PE related topics for download for free. Our school has a subscription for the PBS site and that is free, but the selection for PE topics is very limited. I try to find other segments or video clips off the internet that are not copywrited and use them briefly in the class.

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

It sounds to me like you do a nice job incorporating audio and video into your lessons. I especially like the idea of downloading the video and showing it to the class. I haven't been able to do anything like that at my school, but would like to start.

I've run into the same problem as far as trying to find videos on the Internet that are free (or inexpensive, for that matter). I wish there were more. Maybe that's how we can tie in the use of audio and video into our classes...create free videos for the Internet.

Keep up the good work!

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I've used audio and video in my coaching, but in a different fashion than what's typical, I'm sure. At the end of the season for the last five seasons, I've created a video for the girls on my swim team of the last trip of the year (our state meet). This video includes a highlights video (set to music), pictures, and even a bloopers video. I make a copy for each of the girls who was on the last trip and they have a nice souvenier to watch over and over again. They've become quite popular.

If there were no obstacles for me to do this during my class, I would use the audio and video to show techniques for various activities. I've often thought of creating a movie for the weight room and proper lifting techniques. This video could be shown to students who missed the original talk. I would also like to do one in Spanish because we have so many Spanish-speaking kids at our school.

The programs that I've done all of this on is iMovie and iDVD on my Apple computer at home. I would love to have an Apple computer at work, but my school only buys Dell computers. That's a huge obstacle that I don't see changing any time soon.

The best hope that I have for overcoming this obstacle is work out with the tech people at school for me to be able to bring in my own laptop to use. If I could do that, I could make the movies right at school on my laptop. I can see this working out.

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

Hi James! I love your idea of making a movie of the seasons' highlights. I have only done PowerPoint, still pictures for my teams at the end of the season. I am definitely going to look into making movies for my teams in the future. Thanks for the idea. - Lisa

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

James,

I agree with you that Macs and their iPhoto and iMovie programs are great. I love the fact that you can just drag and drop items anywhere. I am still learning, but so far I am impressed. I think making video for students that are new or have missed class for awhile is a great idea. I have heard of schools making a welcome CD for new students, that come in the middle of the year. What about making videos on your Mac and burning it onto a DVD for students play on the dells at your school?

Great idea and I hope your school get some Macs.
Eric

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

The obstacle for me (and I am sure, others) is money!Every year our budget gets smaller and smaller while our student population stays the same. For me, I write a grant each year. This past year I received a grant from a local educational foundation for the purchase of 5 Playstation2 and the Dance Dance Revolution DVD's for my morning fitness club that I run 3 days a week. The kids absolutely love it. I have a digital camara and a video camara (both received from grant money) that I use to take pictures and movies of the kids. It is a middle school and most of the kids love to have their pictures taken. I will have a trifold set up at the educational foundation celebration in the fall displaying how I spent the money on the DDR with all the pictures I have taken.

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

You have great ideas for your classroom. Some ways we have raised money is by having a 3 on 3 basketball tournamnet, an all school dance, plant sale, family pictures (hired professional to take pictures). All of these are great money makers with a little effort. If you ask people you would be amazed what you can recieve for free. Good Luck.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I have used audio as well as video in my teaching assignment. In Theory of Safe Driving, I use video to show quick clips on teens and drinking and driving. I have used music as a motivator during warm up runs and find that the students pick up the pace with the music. I have also used video to evaluate my softball players batting mechanics. The girls started to understand the things that I have been talking about regarding their contact point with the softball.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

We have used both the radio to encourage the students, as well as videos to demonstrate live gameplay in certain sports, but our newest technology is DDR. The biggest obstacle with this is that there are only two participants at a time on the actual pads which makes it boring for others, as they just dance on the ground on markers/polyspots. I feel that there is only one way to overcome this as to get more pads, or, utilize this as a stations rather than as a whole unit.

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

Holly,

We are in a similar situation at my school. We were granted funding to purchase a DDR system also. We have one system already that is borrowed from two of the other teachers. So we will have a total of 4 pads plus practice ones. We plan to use them in our fitness center as extra stations. We have 30-35 students at a time in there and needed more stations. We are hoping this will cut down on the standing around waiting.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

Yes, I have used video and audio in my lessons. I find audio is a great motivational tool to help get students moving. I use it also as a way to stop the class to give instruction or demonstration. I have also used video to demonstrate a certain game that is new to the students.

The main obstacles I have found have been getting the equipment set up in a safe spot and making sure that it doesn't take up too much time. I want to make sure I am getting the student moving as quickly as possible. So I double check that the video is at the right spot and completely ready to go when needed.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I use audio everyday with each class. I have my student’s jog for about 3minutes to music. I also use audio during station work so the student’s know when to stop their station and get ready to move to the next station. I would love to use a microphone on a regular basis but I work in an old building and do not have the proper wiring to make that possible. As far as video goes, I have used it a little to help my student’s understand how a game is to be played. I would use video more but getting a television down to the gym can be hard and they are usually checked out to classroom teachers. I could try and put the videos onto a DVD and play them through my computer with a projector hooked up to it so the screen is big.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I try to use audio on days that we have our fitness days. Our fitness days are based around either a cardiovascular workout, muscular strength/endurance or a combination of the three. The use of music is a great tool to get and keep the students moving. I play upbeat music for the activities. My students also know that when the music stops, they stop and either listen for instructions or move to the next activity. Since we are in a fairly new school, 4 years old, our sound system is great. With the ability of the remote, it makes using audio much easier than at the old school.
With video, I have in the last couple of years, used more during our dance units. I would tape several groups doing their dance routines, then take the tape home and assess their performance. The last two years, I have been doing sport specific skills test to video. In tumbling unit, I have a tape were I recorded several adavanced students doing the stunts. This allows them to see how they are done.
What I would like to do, is have the students self evaluate themselves more that what they are currently doing. I am hoping to get ideas about doing this from this class.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I used audio and video during my student teaching semesters to evaluate the types of feedback I was giving as well as classroom management.

If there were not any obstacles, I would love to use video in my class to create projects. I would use video for the purpose of the students completing self-assessments when learning sport skills. I would like to use video for the students to create fitness commercials. Also, I think video could be used during PTSA and parent conferences so the community could see what students are gaining from the physical education experience.

The biggest obstacle is money and I am trying to find some creative and healhty fundraisers to overcome that obstacle.

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

Lee Ann,
I like your ideas for student projects. Fitness commercials are a great idea! So many of my students seem to be in poor health. They don't eat right, exercise enough, or get enough rest. A fitness commercial by students might motivate them to become more health conscious. I also think showing these commercials during PTA meetings or at parent/teacher conferences is a great way to inform the community of what "good" is going on in P.E.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I have limited experience using audio technology in class. The two ways I have used it is when we give the fitnessgram test and we use a cd to give instuctions to the students. I have used music in my class to help motivate and also give instuctions, such as, everytime a song ends, the students should rotate stations. I have used video to show my students how a certain technique should be done and to instruct certain activities, (taboe, yoga, pilates). I have video of my basketball athletes that we go over for most games. I show them good things they did and some things that we could of done differently. It does help a lot.

One obstacle is money, which is always a problem. I have asked the technology department to use thier camcorders many times and it has worked out great. We have grants to write for a music system and video cameras for the PE Department. How I have went around this is by buying my own video camera and using it for school purposes. One other thing to think about when putting students on tape is to make sure you have approval from adminstration and parents.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I love using audio in the gyms. I wish I could use it for all of my classes. I use my ipod and ipod docking station to take music outside. I use both for my fitness and yoga/pilates courses. We also have a portable CD player that we use for these classes as well. In our larger gym we can plug the ipod right into the pa system. I have yet to use video as far as recording student skills/games. I use video in our CPR course as required by the ARC.

I would like to use video when I coach girls soccer. It would help the girls assess themselves. Sometime you can continually point out what they need to work on, however, a light bulb goes on when they see if for themselves. The same would be true in a PE class. It just seems like we don't see the kids often enough, that setting up a video and using it for some type of assessment would be too time consuming. Maybe I could use the flip video b/c of its convenience and burn all the little clips onto a DVD and we could assess on a rainy day or when we lose the gyms for events.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I always use audio music in my class when I have the use of the gym. The music motivates the students to try harder and to move a quick as the rhythm of the music.

As for video, I always use the HBO special Journey of the African American Athlete during Black History Month to provide some historical perspective. The students are always amazed by the fact that these athletes had to fight to play.

Our school has access to videos and video streaming but there does not seem to be much for physical education so I have not used it in my curriculum.

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I also use audio music for my PE classes. For elementary age students, I made a CD when I teach movement concepts and general space. We also use it in the weight room for my conditioning and fitness classes. If the kids can't agree on what music they like for motivation, they have to use ipods with headphones.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I have used audio and video both in my teaching. I used audio daily in both aerobics and my dance classes. I have specific aerobic CD's that I use when I teach the class as well as use aerobic DVD's, for pilates, toning, yoga etc. In dance I teach this class, but utilize CD's daily and also IPOD's. I do not have any obstacles with using this type of equipment for my classes since the class is designed to use this technology.

In my regular PE classes it is more difficult to use this type of technology since the main gym is not set-up with a TV or easy access stereo system. The main obstacle I find in the gym, is the amount of classes we have running at a time to find a quiet area to use a video for a teaching tool. On average we have 3 or more classes on the floor at a time. What we have found we have to do is go to a classroom, but then the students are not dressed down that day. The school I am at is growing over 100 students per year right now, which now is impacting ever finding an open classroom any period.

To overcome this obstacle we do have computer labs you can reserve, but you may not be able to bring all of your classes down that day if it has been reserved to another teacher the same period you want it. The computer labs are nice and we can accomplish many different things when we use them, with powerpoints, video's etc.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I have had my students use video to record and then analyze their performance of a skill. The only concern I had before using this lesson was would my students be able to handle the responsibility presented to them. The lesson is student participation driven. They are presented with the roles for each job duty(recorder, observer, performer)and then ask to complete the task. I found that students enjoyed the independence and responsibility aspect of the lesson.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I have tried to use videofor baseball coaching, specifically for hitting instruction. Some of the problems I encountered were that in order to give comprehensive feedback, you need to video at more than one angle. In addition to that, in order to address all the hitting zones the batting practice session has to be fairly long, which in turn, may be reinforcing bad habits. Lastly, if the instructor is holding the camera is can be difficult giving immediate feedback and you are restricted to only reviewing the tape.

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I agree with the difficulty when using digital equipment. I use video equipment at a lower level. I implemented the use of video technology during PE lesson when students are learning to identify the critical features of a skill also know as skill analysis. I find in the beginning it a lot a work but the end result is worth it. I can't agree more with the problems you stated. I suggest teaching the players to use the equipment so you can spend time giving feedback. I thought it might even to a good tool to use for a Summer Hitting Camp? That way you can work with your players, maybe bring extra helpers/professionals? to assist you in providing feedback? Record performances go in cool room review performance identify errors and then right back out to field to apply corrections.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

As far as audio is concerned I play music everyday. It helps to keep the students motivated and moving. If there is wait time, which we definitely keep to a minimum, often I find them dancing to pass the time. And I had used a microphone to help me with saying the cues while we danced.

As far as video, it is often cumbersome to find a machine that works. I also only see my students two times a week and every week we switch skills so it is almost impossible for me to use it effectively. What I would like to do is use a digi camera and take photos of each cues to create cards that list each phase appropriately. I believe when they see a student they are more interested than when they watch or observe an adult.

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

K.

I have utilize the digital camera for taking pictures of PE classes for our end of the year celebration. I like the idea of using it to show the cues for a skill. That would be great to have different students showing different cues from the class that you are teaching. They would be excited to see a fellow classmate. You could also use the photo's in an evaluation setting (i.e. chose the correct cue from the pictures). I also use the digital camera to celebrate students that walk to or at school. They really enjoy being "famous" for a week.

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I must admit that I don't use music as much as I could and probably should especially with the younger grades. Working with rhythm and beats.
I have used my digital camera to take pictures and use them in different games and lessons.
Your idea of using photos for cue cards if great!!!!

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I have used video in the past as a preservice teacher for feedback during my teaching experiences. I have also used video for aiding instruction in jump rope lessons (doing a workout/ jump rope routine along with a video). One major obstacle to overcome for my teaching is sharing a gymnasium with another teacher who is teaching another lesson at the same time. It makes it difficult for students to hear and focus on the lesson. I have tried to overcome this by moving class to another location better suited for student's listening (i.e. outside or in the classroom). I use music quite often in my teaching for motivation and other times for instruction (i.e. square dancing). Again, finding appropriate space for students to hear it imperative, so I have moved classes outside in a shelter or to a hall way.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

Last year during our week of field day events, my friend and I took pictures and videos of the events. We made a video presentation and presented it to the entire school.

This year I would love to be able to make a fitness or dance video using my students. One of the obstacles that I may come in contact with is that some parents may not want their children in the video. If it is only a small amount of students, I would have those students help me with the making of the video. I would post this on my e-board for parents to see.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

Jennifer, We do something simmilar. We take pictures the three days of "The Great Race" and plaster the pictures on large bulletin boards we have in the hallways. We try to have each student represented at least once. The students love to see themselves on the walls as they pass by. We have virtually no destruction of the boards because they love seeing themsleves on display.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

In reply to Holly's e-mail, I too have used DDR and music. These are two things that I had forgotten to state until I read her message. I feel that DDR is great for coordination and it is a lot of fun, but I also like to teach kids to dance in a less technical manner.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

The district bought a small portable sound system for each elementary school. The P.E. teachers were given these systems but, it was known that anyone could borrow it. This came about because most if not all classrooms in the district had sound systems installed along with computer projectors (what are they called.). I was out of school for awhile and the libririan took my sound sysyem. I did not need it in the gym, my voice carries just fine but, it came in handy elsewhere in the school.
I have not used video much other than on my laptop but, I think it would be great to show my students videos of other kids performing an activity so they could see how it is supposed to be done.
Also, I could get video of my students and let them watch themselves so they correct mistakes in technique.
We have privacy issues, students need to provide release forms to be videoed. Plus this takes time and if I am focused on filming my students what happens to classroom discipline. I hope there is a median.
My biggest wish is for heart monitors. I wrote for a grant a couple of years ago but, no deal. Fifteen monitors, then I would double the kids up. I could work this unit into my present Fitness unit, integrat math, reading, writing, maybe some day.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

Ken- I too was gone from work for awhile (on sabbatical) and some of my equipment was used by other teachers. While most of the time I don't mind sharing, I do when it is damaged or I don't get it back. I wish I had a lap top at school!

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I have used audio technology in our cardio kick boxing classes. the staff use a wireless headset mike to issue instructions to the class so that they can hear above the music that we play during that class.
We use video on a regular basis to overview sports such as badminton, and for CPR instruction.
Video is also used in our sports medicine class to demonstrate taping techniques and emergency procedures.
We also reference animated websites to reinforce such concepts as blood pressure and anatomy.
The usual obstacles apply as in obtaining funding for the equipment and having enough space for large classes to see and participate in any computer or video related program.
to obtain extra funding, we make grant applications to the local PTSA or our community education foundation. Our next ambitious project is to get funding for a Nintendo Wii activity program that we plan to introduce in a recreational activities PE elective.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I have used music in my classes for years. The music keeps the students moving and cues them as to when to start or stop an activity.
The obstacle that I find is when traveling to other students I don't have the same access to the music that I use.
To solve this problem I have burned copies of the cds that I use and put them into a travel case. At the beginning of each school year. I take the case to the new school and have access to my cds.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I use audio/video throughout the school year in my PE classes. I implement it in my fitness unit (Tae Bo), dance unit (PowerPoint slides), Bowling unit (teach scorekeeping), Juggling unit (instructional video), and Orienteering unit (mapping skills). I find the students stay on task throughout the audio/visual presentation and it's a great way to "start" a lesson or unit to get the kids motivated and excited for the activity.
I used to have obstacles that prevented me from using it in the gym. Before I opened the new gym, I had to take my students to the music room, cafeteria, or library to present the videos before the lesson. Now,with the new gym, I simply lower the movie screen and use my lcd projector to show my videos. I have my laptop/dvd player on a cart with the projector and I can easily use it as soon as my students enter the gym.
The only big obstacle I have had in the past was MONEY. It's very tough to implement a lot of the newer technology in PE because of cost. I would love to have the Dance Dance Revolution package for my dance unit. Only $2500!!! And, I've waited almost 5 years to be able to afford heart rate monitors.
I have asked for some financial "help" from my PTO, student council, and parents. I have also participated in the American Heart Association's Jump Rope for Heart event every year. With this fundraiser, I have been able to earn an additional $500 for my PE program. I use this money towards some of the technology I want (videos and games).
There are ways around a tight budget. It may take a while...but in the end, it will be worth it.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I used audio and videos a lot in my classes. My lifetime fitness class has sometimes 3 different videos going to give variety. They then just keep moving to new stations and they like this so much better than doing one thing all hour. If we are not using videos that day I use music to give them energy. My weight lifting class has to have music!! (I always pick the music because they would pick songs not appropriate.) Music in my physical education classes is a must. The energy level just goes up so much. Sometimes I put on the old dance songs and they are dancing to the music and playing the game as well!! They are having such a good time.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I have used audio and video as an introduction to different life-time sport units we have had in PE class. It is a great way to catch students attention and motivate them to participate. One example is from our table tennis unit. I recorded the final match of a world championship contest. As an intro to the lesson I showed my class the last few minutes of the match. The last rally ended with a flurry of amazing shots with the crowd going wild. The students really got a kick out of how intense and fast paced the game was. I have also used audio and video as instructional aids in our weight room. We have a computer in the room that I have used as a tutorial for different stations set up in the room. Students can access the computer to get instructions and lifting suggestions for each station. The only obsticle I run in with this is sometimes one than one group wanting to use the computer. Having a computer at each station would be ideal.

Re: Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I really like the idea of video instruction in the weight room. I am presently building our weight room and had not thought of using technology as a teaching tool in the facility. Having students see the correct way to lift visually would allow me to move freely through the area rather than having to do as much direct teaching.

Re: Discussion Number Two (2)

I have never used audio and/or video in my teachings. I would use videos to record a student's particular sports skill. I would utilize a software program showing the correct way to perform that particular skill. Next the students would engage in individual stations or a game situation to practice the intended skill. During class time I would video tape the students performing these skills. Lastly, each student would review the model performance and then view their own performance. Both supportive and constructive feedback would be offered to assist the students in improving their performance. (This would be done at a station to maintain privacy and provide the rest of the class with additional activities.
To assure that I would have the necessary equipment, I would have to plan in advance on reserving the camcorder. I also need to preview and purchase some instructional software. My department's library is very limited in this area.

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