Chapter 14

Before reading Chapter 14 of M. D. Roblyer's Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching I did not think that technology had anything to do with physical education or health education. I actually thought that technology has mainly had a negative affect on physical health because it has resulted in more people using the computer or television instead of exercising. However this chapter, "Technology in Physical Education and Health Education", showed me many ways that technology could be beneficial in these areas.
New equipment has been developed that allows people to exercise more effeciently. Also, pedometers, heart monitors, and other devices allow people to track their own progress and analyze their own fitness levels. These devices are god ways to motivate those exercising. When showing students how to perform specific exercises, drills, or sport skills, model demonstrations are frequently very helpful. Technology has allowed these demonstrations to be done using videos, and shown over and over, from different angles, etc.
The Internet is also beneficial for students if used the correct way. Students can talk with experts in physical health. They could also research health topics, and effects of certain activities, medications, food, etc. Some software programs, or even programs on websites, can allow students to track their own nutritional status and use programs to help them. Also, videos can be used in PE or health classes to show, first-hand, the consequences of ill-advised choices related to health. Technology can help a physical education or health class in many ways, but it is important not to let technology take over the exercise and actual physical activity of the class.