Wii Fit

[cmj0333]

There was a posting about using Wii Fit in PE in the elementary section, which made me curious if anyone thought that using devices such as Wii Fit, DDR, and things of that nature in a high school level physical education class are a good idea? Do you think high school students would enjoy that more than running a laps or traditional exercises?

Thank you for your responses

[hollibaughne]

Yes! I think the students would love it. The generations are changing and we as teachers need to adapt with those changes. It may seem different, but this generation of students are very interested in video games and virtual reality.

Virtual Reality (Wii Fit) is definitley a way to get students motivated and excited. Imagine all of the students who sit at home all night when they get off school and play their video games. If we could introduce them to a fitness unit that had them playing a video game at the same time, I believe we would be able to motivate an entire new group of students.

Some students are good at the traditional sports, others may excel at technology and video gaming. This would be a great way for different students to showcase their skills and interests.

[Kelly Bruder]

I think that using WII Fit and DDR are awesome ideas! This generation is driven by technology and PE classes need to get in gear. Its something new for students to do and enjoy. If they like it in class, then they'll want the device at home and isn't that our goal? Having students stay active after they leave the gym? Incorporating new fitness technology is a great idea that I think more teachers should look into!

[jah2280]

I have a Wii fit and i'm a sophomore in college and I love it. Not only does it keep track of different statistics like BMI, weight loss, and minutes of daily activity, but it has different types of exercise. It offers balance games, yoga positions, aerobic exercises, and even strength training. It explains the concept before you do it so you know how to do it correctly and it gives feedback. I think it's a wonderful idea and it also gets the students a chance to interact while working out so it can be fun.

[djp1930]

Wii Fit is a great idea for students in schools. Although it is a game, it will help all children and students stay fit. Almost all children like video games and to some sort, wii fit is a video game. So if it makes them happy and have fun doing it, why not let them do it in physical education. It will make them look forward to coming to class.

[Chris LaRocca]

There are many different student interests. Myself in highschool I would have chose to run. However I know many of my friends who would have preferred DDR. I would strongly suggest if Heart Rate monitors are available to you, let the students have the option. As long as they are reaching their target heart rate for the required amount of time, I would give them the opportunity to achieve it in a way that appeals to them.

[JDD7096]

From my own personal experience, I absolutely loved Wii Fit. I could have played it for hours. I was doing the "balance" section and was skiing down hill, weaving in and out of the cones and it was so fun. It motivates you to keep doing better and unlocking different fitness workouts. I unlocked the aerobics and kickboxing workouts, and they were also amazing.

[loftis20]

We use DDR at my school and the students absolutely loved it!! I also have an Adaptive PE class that really liked to play too. I never thought that it would get to a point were I would use a video game in my class. But this is more than a video game it is an intense workout for all skill levels.