For years now there has been a growing concern for the number of school children becoming obese. This rise in obesity is due to many factors, but, one in particular is the lack of participation in physical activity during and after school hours. Today’s world is filled with what appears to be more appealing activates such as watching TV and, of course, playing video games.
Physical Education teachers have been battling with this issue for a while now and many realize it is impossible to force students to participate in PE for the enjoyment that it should be. As a result many schools have decided to stop fighting against the gaming world and instead join them. More and more school are using the Nintendo Wii as a PE incentive to get children involved and active during physical education lessons. Sounds crazy, I know, but Nintendo really have devised something genius! Could this be the solution to many PE teachers nightmares?
Using the Wii in physical education provides a whole class fitness innovation. One game in particular is Wii Fit Plus. This game has been developed to allow a class of X number student to participate all at the same time. Everyone is involved using Wii Active Practice board while one person leads the class with the Main board. While the students are using and developing a number of skills they are also continuously performing at an active level. Teachers found that children of all ages saw it as a fun and exciting way to get involved in PE again.
I have yet to see this being used in any school I have worked at but I can definitely see the benefits. However, like all things there is always a negative side. Can you think of any issue that may arise from using such a devise in a physical education setting?
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Excellent topic and question...though the Wii Fit is fun and very beneficial, I don't think it will ever compare to just simply working out. With the exception of the yoga and basic core workouts, Wii tennis will not give you a better workout then actually playing a game of tennis. Younger kids should go outside and be active and try to get the weight off by eating healthy and exercising instead of relying on other 'easier' methods.
ReplyDeleteMy Daughter use a Wii fit to get in shape for cheerleading. Being big, she is a bit self conscious about working out in a gym. After the excercise is over she can treat herself to a game which require motor skills cognitive processing
ReplyDeleteCheck out the Wii on the Food Network where you can be the next Iron Chef. You get to practice your knife skills, mixing skils, following directions and plating skills.
George
George and Lori thanks for the comments. Lori maybe I can convince you a little more on the benefits of the Wii in PE in my next blog. George thanks for pointing out the Chef game, I had a look and it really amazes me how adaptable the Wii is. I feel any subject in education can benefit from such a ‘cool’ devise.
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