There is a lot of useful information in this month's technology section. There are so many advancements in technology every day that people often don't realize how they can utilize the technology to directly benefit them with their physical fitness.

We start by talking about some new innovations in video games that require the user to become a physically active participant. Following that are two articles related to the use of heart rate monitors. The first one discusses the importance and versatility of a heart rate monitor, while the second article is a personal account of a woman who used it while pregnant to make sure she stayed in the "safe' zone when exercising.

Next we have information contributed by Dawn Sakaguchi. Dawn discusses how we can better implement technology in physical education, and she provides us with the National Education Technology Standards for Students. She goes on to discuss the "virtual gymnasium" project for students. Finally, Dawn talks about the use and benefits of pedometers, and how those can be integrated into the PE classroom as well. I hope you enjoy the section, and have a great November!

Angela Roth
Technology Section Editor

The following is a short article about a new video game named EyeToy. While playing a sport game, the user physically moves his/her body to generate virtual moves in the game.

Next, we look at another game named EyeToy: Groove with Camera, where the user has to perform dance moves to play the game. There are many different types of video games on the market that encourage the same thing, but with different ideas.

Since so many children play video games, here is one way to get them physically active. The following is an article from Bonnie's Fitware.Inc, describing EyeToy.

The EyeToy is bringing virtual reality into the hands of every game user. EyeToy is a device and a software program that essentially makes the player the star of the game. EyeToy involves a webcam and a number of games designed to work with the EyeToy. The webcam plugs into your PlayStation machine, and the games go into your Playstation. The game is then controlled by moving your body in the manner that you would within the parameters of the game. For example, in a boxing match, you would punch just like you would if you were in the fight. - source: site

To find out more about EyeToy, go to Bonnie's Fitware.

EyeToy: Groove with camera
First interactive videogame that enables players to dance in time with one of 28 licensed songs, from such artists as Elvis, Madonna, Jessica Simpson, Jamiroquai, and Fatboy Slim, with no controller or dance pad necessary. - source: site

World Tour Soccer 2006
The World Tour Soccer franchise returns to its roots to provide gamers with a familiar, yet enhanced gameplay experience with even more features, players, teams and stadiums. Now gamers can literally see themselves in the game as they battle against the world's best utilizing EyeToy functionality, exclusive to World Tour Soccer 2006. - source: site

MLB 2006
Coming off a stellar year, 989 Sports' popular baseball franchise has made the necessary off-season moves to provide gamers with the most authentic baseball simulation to date. Find out more...

The following reference was not acquired from an online source. But, online information about a 'virtual gymnasium' can be found using the links below.

What is a virtual gymnasium? Fiorentino and Castelli (2005) talk about the Adelphi University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's requirement of future PE teachers to utilize technology for a project aimed toward middle school students. The authors' goal for this article was to describe the use of video technology in schools, and to encourage other teachers to create their own videos.

At Adelphi University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, students were required to create video files to be used in middle school gymnasiums. The virtual gymnasium (VG) is essentially a video that simulates a "game-play" situation, such as dribbling around a defender. Each file focuses on a single motor skill with varying difficulties, each with 20 repetitions. VG encourages decision-making, and may offer a more comfortable situation for students who are anxious performing in front of other students. This article also talks about creating movie files, and the structure of the VG.

Reference:
Fiorentino, L.H., Castelli, D. (2005). Creating a Virtual Gymnasium. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 76 (4), 16-18.

A great advancement in technology is that of the heart rate monitor. It is a great tool for any person who exercises. It can be beneficial for the average person who just wants to walk for exercise, to those who are collegiate athletes. This article gives some insight into the benefits of having a heart rate monitor.

Why Heart Rate Monitors
Exercise equipment has advanced tremendously over the last decade. Today you can run on your treadmill at home, and then slide it under your bed. At the gym, you can choose a program that will all but exercise for you. But, while there are smarter machines, there are still more people not reaching their exercise goals. Why? Because they were never taught how to exercise correctly.

The 'no pain, no gain" theory is alive and well in most gyms and households today. People believe that they have to go all out to get the best workout possible. What happens then is the majority of people quit because exercise is too hard. Does that sound like you?

Maybe you have stuck it out, but just can't seem to get those last few pounds off. And it's not from lack of effort. You put your time in at the gym or on your home exercise equipment. But are you sure that you're exercising according to what your goals are? If not, a heart rate monitor may be just the key to get you the results you're looking for. - source: site

Read the rest of this article...

Technology can help us in many ways, and sometimes a convenient way to see the benefits of a particular technology is to read someone else's personal account of using it. This is a story told by Christy Dafter, who speaks of her own personal observations in using a heart rate monitor to help her keep her exercise within the "safe" range while she was pregnant.

Pregnancy and Heart Rate; My Personal Observations - by Christy Dafter
I started running when I was fourteen, so I was not new to running when I became pregnant for the second time at thirty three. With my first pregnancy at twenty-three, and just finishing a collegiate running program, I was burned out from running both mentally and physically and decided to walk for my form of exercise.

Plus, I had always heard that it was dangerous for a pregnant woman to let her heart rate get too high during exercise. I had no way to monitor my heart rate then except to stop and take my pulse, and that just was not convenient, or accurate, for that matter. I figured I would walk at a leisurely pace and that should be okay. Now, looking back, I wish that I had had a heart rate monitor then. It would have made exercising a lot easier and would have made me feel much more comfortable being able to constantly monitor my heart rate while exercising. Read the rest...

Dunn & Tannehill (2005) talk about the use of pedometers in physical education classrooms, that are used to promote physical activity in students. They suggest that pedometers can be used to measure a student's level of physical activity during class, which in turn may encourage some students to take responsibility for their performance, and increase their activity level.

The authors state that, ideally, each student should have a pedometer, but they realize how difficult that task could be. They suggest that obtaining pedometers for each student could be possible through fundraising, grants, or other creative ideas.

Teachers can begin pedometer use by first instructing students on how pedometers operate, and how steps are counted. Once this process is complete, an organization system can be started with pedometer goals and record keeping of steps counted.

The authors offer several examples of schools that have had positive responses from students who used pedometers in class. One middle school teacher talked about her experience with students using pedometers in class. She stated that students wanted to wear the pedometers daily. Another teacher said that during a volleyball game the ball had gone out of bounds, and while one student ran after it, the others ran in place.

In addition to students being excited about pedometers, students can also use pedometers to promote discussion topics, such as exertion levels and calories consumed (Dunn & Tannehill, 2005).

Dunn, L., Tannehill, D. (2005). Using pedometers to promote physical activity in secondary physical education. Strategies, 19(1), 19-25.

GAMECYCLES - descriptions taken from source.

GameBike™ is an interactive fitness bike equipped with magnetic resistance for a smooth quiet ride. GameBike interacts with videogames on Playstation™, and Playstation2™ game consoles. Use the optional adapter kit to play games on the Xbox™, GameCube™ and even your PC. Control your speed by pedaling and steer with the handlebars. Comes with a game controller for all other game functions. $349.99

NeoRacer - New from Europe! The NeoRacer is a portable home fitness bike which can be used alone, or with the optional controller to interact with video games on any PlayStation™, or PlayStation2™ game console. Use the optional Adapter to play games on your PC.

When playing games, your pedal speed controls your speed in the game. The NeoRacer can also be used while watching TV, working on the computer, or any other activity where you are sitting down and your legs are free. It utilizes magnetic resistance for a smooth quiet ride. $159.99 for bike (Controller Optional)

GameBike PRO is for the serious cyclist. Its industrial-quality components and smooth electronic braking mechanism provide a truer cycling experience. Built-in computer provides 6 hill profiles and heart-rate training programs. It interacts with video games in the same way as the regular GameBike. $1169.99

The GamerCycle does not control videogames. Instead it controls the television. As long as the user pedals, the television show or videogame can be seen. When the user stops pedaling, the TV screen goes blank. It is an effective way to insure that kids (or adults) get the exercise they need. $299. (Another source of information.) See Child Fitness Information, and Child Obesity links.

Island Worlds (Coming Soon)
Island Worlds is a PC software application which enables you to explore 3D worlds, alone or with others over the internet while exercising. You can explore worlds alone using any stationary bike, treadmill, stair stepper, or other form of stationary fitness equipment.

Exploring worlds with others requires interactive fitness equipment. Presently only the NeoRacer, GameBike and GameBike Pro have this capability. Island Worlds also comes with a World Editor which allows you to create and customize your own worlds.

StairCycle Innovations
StairCycle Innovations® offers the first and only step exercise system that can be used indoors or outdoors for fun, transportation, and physical fitness - for all ages. Payments plans available where you can purchase a StairCycle and pay in three monthly payments.

AquaJogger®
The AquaJogger® comfortably suspends you at shoulder level in deep water allowing you to breathe normally and move freely while performing a wide variety of water aerobics exercise.

Bop-It
A challenging, stimulating game for little hands or older, arthritic ones. Upbeat, jazzy music creates a fun atmosphere while Bop-It calls out instructions for you to pull or twist the handles, and the commands get faster as you respond. Play it by yourself or with others.

Talking Jump Rope
This beautiful red jump rope announces the number of jumps you've taken, the calories you've consumed, the time you've been exercising, and the time remaining to completion of your exercise target. The rope is 10 feet long, and it is adjustable.

Kilowatt
Build muscle strength while playing video games. Also read an article about this game at BBC New.

Boxercise
Boxercise is one of the most effective forms of cross-training available today. It combines use of both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems with the systematic recruitment of both fast and slow twitch muscle fibres in a manner that not only ensures a diverse workout, but also enhances sports specific senses including hand-eye co-ordination, balance and timing.

Uncovering the History and Science of Blood
grade level: middle school
In this lesson students will learn about blood types, blood transfusions, and scientists who have furthered our knowledge about blood. They will research blood donation, learn new concepts and vocabulary, and create a skit based on key historical figures who have helped society unlock the mysteries of blood.

Exploring the Complexity of Blood
grade level: high school
Explore the history of the scientific study of blood and the heart, and define key terminology related to the study. Describe the work of key figures in studying the human circulatory system, and explain how contemporary culture affected their work.