"Does technology in PE enhance or increase the time available to engage in physical activity?"

I was reading the latest JOPERD (Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance) and this question was posed for people to discuss in the upcoming issue. I thought it was a very intriguing question since one of our classes this semester focused on incorporating technology.

My viewpoint is that I do not think that technology can necessarily increase or enhance physical activity. Physical activity is defined as any physical activity done to improve health and wellness. One can perform physical activity without being in an physical education class and engaging in physical activity, does not mean one is learning. In that sense, I do not think technology is necessary to be physically active.

I do not think that technology necessarily enhances physical activity; however I do think it promotes learning which should be the main focus of any class. In PE, we want students to learn, just as much as we want them engaged in psychomotor activity that contributes to their learning. So if incorporating technology means that the students will learn, that is great but one has to find that balance between teaching cognitive content and psychomotor content. If teachers are teaching students how to navigate a site to type a report on a concept, then that is taking away from being engaged in physical activity.

There is a fine balance between incorporating technology in PE. I believe it should be well integrated to help students in the learning but not take away from their physical activity. One example could be having heart rate monitors for the students to track their exercise intensity or pedometer to track their steps. The teacher can help them analyze this data at the end of class. Students can also complete a video showing their understanding of different concepts. Instead of working on it during PE class, students can work on it after school.

Technology solely does not improve or enhance physical activity. I think it has to be well embedded to allow students to learn without compensating their physical activity. If while incorporating technology students are learning and are active in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 50% of the class time, then the teacher is being successful.