Technology in P.E.

From my own experiences in my previous physical education classes, ones that I have taught, and from what I have heard from fellow colleagues, technology is not used very often in physical education classrooms. I understand why; students are meant to be active, learn the fundamental skills, and participate in cooperative games with peers. After spending quite some time surfing the internet, blogs, and twitter, I have found numerous resources of ways that technology is being used in physical education classes. Creative physical educators are sharing their knowledge so that more teachers and students will benefit!

Personally, I would love to incorporate technology into my physical education classes at times. The reason I say at times is because I still think that developing fundamentals and skills are critical and very important in the gymnasium. But, I do believe that bringing technology in can get kids excited about learning in new ways (and that we can still be active by doing so!)  

I will share with you a few websites/ideas that I came across tonight that I am excited to use in the future!

• This link and this one are two videos I found on Youtube where younger students are able to throw balls at a particular moving object on a screen. The technology used are powerpoint, projector, and an ipod. 
• Mr. Robbo "The P.E. geek" is a teacher who blogs numerous ideas about technology in education. His website has so many ideas! Some of my favourites are his suggestions for apps on ipads or androids. A few that I found particularly interesting are apps on assessment, music to workouts (timing for breaks, etc.), classroom attendance, step test, and sports rules.
• This powerpoint has ideas from several teachers who have added so that others may benefit. From this I particularly like the idea to use video performance as feedback, using QR codes, and using video games such as Wii to play fitness games. 
• Another awesome teaching technique from this powerpoint is to use the flipped classroom approach, teaching students the rules of a new game prior to class in a video that they are required to watch, so when they come to class they know how to play the game. 
• I found a great teacher on pinterest to follow, Gretchen Jessel who has pinned many ideas for P.E in the classroom, at home, and at recess time. 

It looks as if I will be kept busy exploring these ideas more over the next few days! I hope that these links and websites lead you to figure new ways to use technology in your P.E. classrooms. :)