I feel that I need to keep putting myself in my student's shoes and think of what would be the most effective way for them to receive information. It can be tricky for physical educators to find ways to incorporate different types of technology simply because the majority of our time is spent in the gym, weight room, swimming pool, etc. With that said, I do think incorporating things like podcasts could be a great way to gain students interest and keep them engaged.
A few years ago I changed the way I structured my classes, incorporating interactive folders. These are folders that I keep in my classroom that include cornell notes for each unit of instruction, weight lifting charts, diagrams of the muscles of the body, fitness testing scores, and a place for them to set personal goals throughout the semester. Incorporating interactive folders was the best thing I've ever done for my students. They are more engaged and are able to grasp the information through a variety of ways.
The folders also allowed me to start using more technology in my classes. Once I had a structure for them to take notes, I was able to use the smart board more effectively. Not only am I able to use the smart board to present the notes as we talk about each unit, but I can also incorporate videos (I think their favorite is the amazing badminton rally from the Olympics). They couldn't wait to get back in the gym and play after watching that. It has also allowed me to present information from the CDC website, such as the map of obesity rates across the country over the last 25 years. By using technology effectively I can keep them engaged without losing valuable time for them to be physically active.
This brings to start thinking of ways to have them use podcasts as a means of gaining information. By having them listen to podcasts on their own time it allows class time to be for more physical activity. It might also be a great way to incorporate a class blog. Students could be required to listen to a particular podcast and then post their reaction on the class blog.
It's a delicate balance for physical education teachers to use technology, but when done effectively I think it can be very powerful for students. We don't want to lose the time students need to work on the physical skills they need so desperately, but we want them to leave our class gaining the knowledge to be able to live a healthy life.
A few years ago I changed the way I structured my classes, incorporating interactive folders. These are folders that I keep in my classroom that include cornell notes for each unit of instruction, weight lifting charts, diagrams of the muscles of the body, fitness testing scores, and a place for them to set personal goals throughout the semester. Incorporating interactive folders was the best thing I've ever done for my students. They are more engaged and are able to grasp the information through a variety of ways.
The folders also allowed me to start using more technology in my classes. Once I had a structure for them to take notes, I was able to use the smart board more effectively. Not only am I able to use the smart board to present the notes as we talk about each unit, but I can also incorporate videos (I think their favorite is the amazing badminton rally from the Olympics). They couldn't wait to get back in the gym and play after watching that. It has also allowed me to present information from the CDC website, such as the map of obesity rates across the country over the last 25 years. By using technology effectively I can keep them engaged without losing valuable time for them to be physically active.
This brings to start thinking of ways to have them use podcasts as a means of gaining information. By having them listen to podcasts on their own time it allows class time to be for more physical activity. It might also be a great way to incorporate a class blog. Students could be required to listen to a particular podcast and then post their reaction on the class blog.
It's a delicate balance for physical education teachers to use technology, but when done effectively I think it can be very powerful for students. We don't want to lose the time students need to work on the physical skills they need so desperately, but we want them to leave our class gaining the knowledge to be able to live a healthy life.
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