Exergame Lab (4/9/12)

In last Monday's Motor Development lab (4/9/12) we got to play around with the Exergame equipment. We started the lab off by playing a scavenger hunt using the scanner on our smartphones. This was an introduction into what our lab was going to be about.

Using the Exergame equipment is great and it's a unique experience. Many schools can't afford this equipment without PEP Grants, so not a lot of students are exposed to this technology. Also, not everyone agrees with using technology in a physical education class. Exergame equipment allows you to mix technology with physical activity.

There's equipment for all age levels. Hyperdash & the Fisher Price stationary bike would be good for Pre-K age through about 3rd grade I think. With Hyperdash you can set up the discs around the classroom or gym and have the kids play by colors, or by numbers using there math skills. With the Fisher Price bike students peddle along to collect letters and/or numbers along the race route that is on the TV. The next level would be the bigger stationary bike, along with the stair steppers connected to the XBox, and the Dance Dance Revolution-like system.

All of the equipment uses coordination skills & physical activity while, essentially, playing video games. Today's children love to play video games. Exergame equipment allows us to merge video games and physical fitness with one another. I think that kids will love the different systems that Exergame has to offer. It will make students want to be more involved during class. I think that using Exergame in physical eduaction classes is an excellent idea!!