Journal 9

"Activating Your School: Movement-Oriented Learning" By: Pete Rognli

"The School of the Future" in Minnesota is only one of a few schools bringing fitness into the classroom. There labtop idea, as well as podcasts and e-books, are great ways to multi-task and keep fit at the same time. A school in Downey, California actually has a virtual aerobics lab, with over 60 machines, 6 of which involve video game technology. This includes treadmills with some levels, as well as some cycling options. Other schools have even gone so far as to bring consumer items into the classroom, such as DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) for cardio, as well as Nintendo's new Wii system, which simulates activities such as golfing, tennis, baseball, etc., though with much less success as the controls can be done with little effort if the user knows how to use the technology. I believe that technology and physical fitness will inevitably cross paths in the educational world, and that instead of waiting for it, schools who have the financial resources should jump on the bandwagon and see if it takes physical fitness, a worry in schools right now, to the next level, where students work out willingly and hapilly.

Q1: How expensive is it to upgrade to these machines?
A: For something like DDR, it's 50 plus the system (50-500), A wii runs 249, and the virtual systems in the aerobics lab I coudln't find information on, but it would definately be a decent amount.

Q2: Has it had any benefits?
A: The school in Downy has reported a 50% increse in the use of their lab, which is also open 2 hours Monday - Thursday after school.