Online PE Assignments

Have you ever tried an online assignment with your students?  I think this would save time in class and paper.  I was worried about computer access for all students, but our school just started before and after school computer lab time.  The students have planners where they can journal their data and transfer to the computer at a later time and submit.  I would like to hear some thoughts and/or ideas that you've tried to incorporate.  Our district is very interested in display of written work and I believe this would be a great opportunity to assign it out of class and keep them more active while in the gym!

Other Blogs

Does anyone use a different blog to communicate about PE?  If so, what blog(s) do you use?  If you don't blog, are there other ways that you communicate with others in the field? Maybe a forum, etc.  I was just curious if anyone uses or will begin to use this type of communication in the future and if you think it is beneficial.  

THE END IS NEAR.....

Although we have several assignments left, I feel like the end is near. It has been quite a busy semester in addition to working on Phase I of the practicum project. I might feel like something is missing once this is all over. These classes have kept my time so occupied over the past few years. Is anyone else close to the end and completing the program? Do you feel the program has been beneficial?

Game Bikes, DDR, etc.

Does anyone have a fitness room equipped with some or a lot of the DDR, game bikes, etc.? We are in the process of acquiring new space at our school and I'm looking at different ideas. If you do have this type of equipment, how long have you had it? are there any issues with functions or other problems that don't allow for use when needed? I'm trying to get an idea of how long equipment like this will last. We all know technology has an end or a time when problems begin!

Epulse Heart Rate Monitor

Did anyone look at the epulse heart rate monitor on Saturday?  I would like to try this monitor out to see if it would hold up with students daily.  The idea of not having them wear a chest strap is great.  That is the biggest complaint I get while having the students use them.  My one concern after thinking the monitor over was how do you clean it?  I looked for information online and saw that it can be cleaned with soap and water, but not submerged in water.  The monitor has an elastic band that goes around your forearm, but how sanitary is that after a student sweats during a class period.  Then, the next student comes in to put it on and is grossed out by it.  Also, how sanitary is it if there is not a way to clean it in between each class? Just some thoughts and concerns I wanted to share!  I guess there is no perfect answer to heart rate monitors.  They all have pros and cons.   

Presentations

Today, all of the students presented a chosen technology topic during a workshop.  It was interesting to hear all of the researched ideas and how to implement them into our programs.  The other participants seem to enjoy the topics.  I was particularly interested in seeing how Mohawk created their fitness room and the cost involved.  I will look to attend that session at the PSAHPERD convention in Pittsburgh.  

Fitness Center Layout

Our district is in the process of remodeling the larger gym in our high school.  I requested additional space for a larger weight room to add fitness equipment that has never existed. Construction will begin in February and I'm on the hunt for ideas of fitness centers, fitness/cardio lab, etc.  Can anyone offer some input or ideas of what you have?  I'm the only PE teacher that has a strong interest.  The other teachers don't care much if any changes happen at all.  I would appreciate thoughts and what works for you. Thanks!