Technology brings ‘new P.E.’ to schools By, Denny Carter

This article can be found at
eschoolnews.com/2008/06/10/technology-brings-new-p-e-to-schools/
Good article. Talks about how many schools across the country are bringing more and more tech in to the PE class such as heart rate monitors, video games like the Wii Fit and DDR. Carter also tells us about some of the many grants there are out there to get this expensive equipment.
With the technology age we live in today with the kids being digital natives we have to look to these type of programs or encourage the students to play these at home. Fact is we do not see kids at the park or bball courts as much as in the past. Things are changing, these kids are tech savvy. With obesity on the rise we need to do all we can to get them active.

"Gym Goes Online"

The article I read “Gym Goes Online” by Stacy Andell (web address à http://www.edarticle.com/k-12-subject-areas/physical-education/gym-goes-online.html )

is simple and to the point. The author talks about PE and how it is moving from the traditional team sport oriented program to a more individual fitness oriented program. I agree that this is the way programs should go but the reasoning is all wrong. Andell points out that time is taken away from PE due to standardized testing and we have to help the students improve their own fitness levels and knowledge so one can do it on their own. Yes on the fitness goals but no on the loss of time. If there is ever a time to increase PE time it is now. A time for students to unwind and let out the pent up energy which will help them is all areas.

Ardell tells the reader that many programs are going to an online type of monitoring program where the students do PE on their own and track it online. The teacher helps the students with goal setting and monitoring but the activity takes place outside the class. Sounds cool but nothing can replace the class setting and in person interactions with the teacher and other students.

I do agree that PE programs have to change around the country, but not for the reasons of a time cut rather to help the students gain a knowledge and understanding on how to stay fit for life.

Professional Learning Communities

I just read an article on PLCs by Martin which had a lot of good info on the topic.