In this edition of Technology and Physical Education I would like to discuss ways to prepare for the new school year. This will encompass a carry over value that can be accomplished with a summer fitness calendar, and then continued into the new school year.

With that thought should be the realization that learning never stops. Learning can be enriched by taking courses in the summer, and also attending conventions and workshops. Summer also provides a great time to look over the curriculum, and engaging in a mapping project so there will be no overlap and redundancy. This is also a favorable time to peruse past lessons, to see what worked, and to determine what needs to be amended .

Signing up for the NASPE listserv, from Sportime, will keep you abreast of all information in health and physical education being shared by teachers across the country.

Included in this issue will be a continuum of vocabulary terminology, and tips and tricks, to be utilized with software and hardware applications and programs.

Gerry Cernicky
Technology Section Editor

Please check the Technology Archives for other vocabulary terms, and to better understand the definitions below.

	Router: A device that forwards data packets along networks, located at gateways where two or more networks connect.
	Phishing: act of sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into giving private information.
	SMTP: a protocol for sending email messages between servers (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
	SSL: a protocol developed for transmitting private documents on the Internet (Secure Sockets layer).
	DVI: a digital interface standard to convert analog signals into digital signals.
	Bandwidth: the amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time. It is expressed in bps or bytes per second, an abbreviation for a unit of storage capable of holding a single character.
	Memory: internal storage areas of the computer. Identifies data storage in the form of chips and a word storage that exists on tapes or disks.

Curriculum Mapping - a web based application to record, in real time, essential elements of the curriculum, such as content, skills, objectives assessments, benchmarks, and reference materials.

Webopedia - searchable online directory and search engine for computer and Internet terms.

Teacher Planet - theme based lesson plans, rubrics, certificates, and worksheets.

PE Software - provides software, instructional materials, online courses, and professional development for the field of physical education.

Education World - lesson plans , professional development, icebreaker activities , preparation for the first day of school ideas.

Here are some tips to get the school year started on a positive note that will continue to make the process a successful and rewarding experience.

	Develop a classroom management program that is posted and understood by all teachers, students, and parents ( Hellison’s Model).
	Establish a PE newsletter to inform parents, and to introduce them to what is being taught in your curriculum.
	Make a school homepage (PE) that comes replete with lesson plans, rubrics, digital photos, and information of all activities and special programs throughout the school year.
	Check that equipment is safe and in good working order.
	Develop a fitness calendar that includes the entire school year to serve as a resource tool ( check out the Best Practices link at PE Central and the link for the calendar at Fitness Calendar.

	Develop a diary, or a blog, to jot down your thoughts and impressions of the day’s events. Did a lesson go well or badly? Why? Did a discipline problem arise? How was it handled ?
	Have an appointment calendar or contact list on your PDA to document events to schedule, and observations, so as not to forget problems that may occur later. For example, a student's parent called to complain about your discipline policy.
	A personal survival kit such as bandaids, ice packs, sanitizer, duct tape, and clothes.

	Prepare yourself in regard to the school building and grounds, including making all safety checks for all equipment.
	Review all school policies and procedures to make sure you are aware of fire and emergency evacuation processes.
	Make friends, not only with support staff, but other teachers and administrators.

	Make bulletin boards with rules, photos, skills, and appropriate objectives and upcoming events.
	Set up the gym depending on your individual teaching style. It will help to learn names, establish respect, and maintain class control.
	Obtain supplies and equipment that is appropriate to each grade level.
	Review lesson plans and materials. Develop a curriculum mapping project to see if there is an overlap or redundancy in the curriculum.
	Prepare materials for the students to take home and practice (homework or fitness calendars).
	As you move through the day, explain and practice class routines.
	Take pictures of students and save them for Parents Night, for class, or student of the month bulletin boards.

Armed with information, and tips and tricks from this issue, it is imperative that technology should be a vital part of the process. The first thing to be aware of is, to not only upgrade hardware, but also available software that comes from the manufacturer's website. This will keep equipment in good working order and possibly prevent future problems. Here are some tips:

	If your computer doesn't recognize a camera, check the connections. Be sure all cables are attached and snugly inserted in the camera and PC.
	To clean your PDA screen, dampen a clean, lint free cloth with a small amount of glass cleaner and gently rub the screen.
	One of the most simple, and overlooked ways to protect your computer, is to keep your applications up to date. In this way, you can configure when the updates are added.
	To handle a paper jam, don’t rush or pull paper out backwards. Instead, on the back of the printer, unlock the tabs to open it and gently pull the paper out.
	Use a digital camera to take photos of each class and place them on the bulletin board. Using Hellison’s model of social responsibility, track each classes progress in every month. Establish a class of the month award and place that best class on the bulletin board.
	Take photos of the students in action, and make a rubric of all the skills inherent to that activity. Next, use a Smart Board to display those skills at Parents Night to show them what the students really do in PE class.
	Make a slideshow and place it on the school webpage to show the skills that are utilized in the curriculum.
	Use a camcorder to make a video (VCD) of the students. This can be played back on a television for parents, students, and teachers, or a CD version that can be copied and shared.
	Make a homework sheet that can be accessed from the school homepage, or given to the students during PE class.
	Fitness calendars are a great P.R. tool to have the students use as a resource and carry over value. This can be used over the summer months and for a lifetime of fitness activity.
	Develop lessons using pedometers and heart rate monitors, and have a check up to prepare them to see if they are working properly.
	Use a PDA for grades, student lists, and reports. Update any software that is inherent to its correct functions.
	Make an electronic portfolio to follow the students progress to validate rubrics and grades. This should be readily available for parents to quell any problems or discussion of grades, etc.

Sound: Did You Hear That? (grade 4)
As part of the Grade 4 Physical Science theme on Sound, students learn about the anatomy of the ear and how the human ear is designed to detect vibrations. - source: site

Noise Pollution (grade 4) - Very interesting activity, using many methods, to record noise pollution in various environments of students - home, school, and community.

Interactive Body - This is a interactive, learning web site. Check out 'Spot the fake smile.' This site covers the body and the mind.

Science of Cooking - Describes scientific concepts behind the science of cooking at an elementary reading level.

Cells Alive! Information, with animated images, about cells of the immune system, bacteria and parasites.

Pedometer Partner Fitness Fun from PE Central - Purpose of Activity: To enhance fitness through the use of stations, working with another, and technology (e.g., pedometers).

Check out the health and technology links at BrainPop. You must subscribe to use, but this looks like an excellent learning tool.