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Molino Park P.E. Program Using Video Games To Get Kids Moving
November 7, 2008
One North Escambia school is using video games to get students up and moving.
Molino Park Elementary School demonstrated its “exergaming” program Thursday morning for the media and physical education teachers across the area.
“It is just awesome,” fifth grader Jalyn Bodiford said while following along in “Dance, Dance Revolution”. “I like the way it keeps you feet moving, and how it has different levels.”
Molino Park’s physical fitness program has implemented four gaming systems into the program, allowing students to enjoy not only the dance program, but other sports like golf, boxing, bowling and tennis.
“This is not meant to replace regular physical activity,” Molino Park physical education teacher Rod Voss said. “It is meant to teach them how to play a sport and how to be active. It can’t replace getting outside and doing something. But love this stuff.”
And love it they do.
“It’s awesome. It’s such a cool learning experience to be able to play these games,” Kristopher Reber, a fifth grader, said.
“It’s a lot of fun, and it really gets you up and moving,” Haley Brown said of Dance Dance Revolution. “This is the coolest thing.”
“Everything is like the real sport,” Molino Park physical education teacher Chad Hetherington said. For example, playing the tennis game requires the correct combination of backhand and forehand swings; just randomly swinging the club toward the video ball will not work.
“It add a whole new excitement to our program,” he said. “It’s really a great thing.”
The equipment was purchased with funds the school received from school picture sales. The school has about $3,000 invested in the program.
For more photos from Molino Park’s exergaming demonstration, click here.
Pictured above: Molino Park Elementary students demostrate “Dance Dance Revolution” Thursday morning. Pictured below: A game of Wii tennis at Molino Park. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
3 Responses to “Molino Park P.E. Program Using Video Games To Get Kids Moving”
I would have totally agreed with you prior to my family getting a Wii! If you really get into the competition (as my family does) than you are moving more so than some sports. We have a rule in our house that if you are playing Wii you are standing up. Some games can be played sitting on the couch, but we didn’t buy the Wii for that. I don’t believe any school wants this to replace going outdoors, but there are a lot of days (rain, cold) that outside is not possible. I know for a fact that Wii and dancemats can seriously give you a work out, if you actually give it some effort. I actually commend this school and the makers of these products. Instead of another Zombie-inducing video game, they are giving our kids an alternative that actually makes you move. I hope other schools on the north end get this wonderful opportunity — HINT HINT!
I know I’m going to get virtual rotten tomatoes for this comment, but here goes anyway.
We have a Wii with WiiSports, DDR and many, many other sports games. They are not just like the real thing. Yes, you have to incorporate hand-eye coordination, but other key elements you don’t use. DDR is much like arcade DDR, but as a former dancer, its a fraction of the rigor of even a simple dance routine.
I’m sure the children love it. They’re indoors playing video games! As stated, it’s not meant to replace getting outside. If not, then when are they using the games? During PE class when they could be outside. We wonder why America has an obesity problem.
Guess the days of kickball and freeze tag are long gone. And the supplies for that didn’t cost $3000.
Way to go Molino Park parents and supporters!!! This was a great way to spend the funds that were raised. The kids all love this. Thanks to all who co-ordinated the fundraising effort and made this possible.