TECHNOLOGY IN PE IS NOT JUST PEDOMETERS AND HEART RATE MONITORS ANYMORE

written by Scott Tomassetti, David Lazicki, and Chris Cannata

The use of pedometers and heart rate monitors are the cornerstones of technology use in Physical Education. As we continue to think about ways to move students toward 21st century skills, it's time to start thinking outside our pedometer boxes. Here we will discuss a couple of our favorite new toys, the iPhone and the iPad, although it could be any smart phone (Android) or Tablet (Android).

iPhone/iPod Touch/Smart Device

The iPhone/iPod Touch/SmartDevice is a perfect tool to replace many of the current technologies we covet today, like; Heart Rate Monitors/Pulse Meters, Stop Watches, Pedometers, Student Data Input Devices, etc. There are applications (Apps) for these devices that enable them to become just about anything you can dream of, or ever want them to be.

"There is an APP for that!" is not just a slogan, but a reality. I have only had the iPhone for less than a week, but have already found apps to replace most of the current technologies I use with my classes, or personally when cycling. The iPhone 4s features a great 8 mega-pixel camera and High Definition camcorder with flash. The photos come out clear and clean, and the video quality is wonderful. The app native to the iPhone for photo viewing has an edit feature that enables cropping, a magic wand enabling quick fixes, and even a red eye reduction feature…NICE!

Pictures and Video are essential tools for teachers in PE for many reasons, including: Taking picture/video of student performances for providing feedback or communicating with parents or administrators, having students views their own performances for modifying technique, to document events, or for video analysis of game performance for sports. My prayers of 20 years ago are answered in the iPhone 4s, a single hand held device for all uses.

Native iPhone features are wonderful, like; the Clock doubles as a simple stop watch, and Weather helps you to determine whether your day is indoors or outdoors. The new Reminders is great for adding things on your To-Do list, Maps helps you find places and things around you, YouTube helps you find new content to have students participate in (like new Dances and even Yoga), and of course iTunes helps find new music to enjoy during class for students to dance to. The Utilities Folder has a calculator, voice memo, and compass. There are also the Staples of Phone, Mail, Music and Safari (internet) that we all use daily.

Although many of you probably have found other great apps, here's some of our favorite essential APPs from the App Store that you might find fun, (Some free and some others are of minimal cost)*:

Remote: (Free) A remote control for iTunes on your computer via the iPhone. This enables you to control your iTunes music, video, and other content over a wifi from your iPhone. No need for a remote control or mouse anymore!

WiThings: (Free App, but the scale is big bucks) An App for my Withings Scale which tracks my weight and Body Fat % daily, and then graphs my progress, (Both up and down). WiThings also has a blood pressure cuff and other devices that can be combined with the scale to provide other health related information for your students.

Geocaching Intro: (Free) A geocaching app that helps you find the thousands of caches stashed all over the world via GPS. Geocaching is a great technique for teaching geography, and for students to learn how to use navigation tools.

GolfLogix: (Free) This app enables you to get course data, score your round, and even analyze your shot pattern for any US Course, once downloaded. I used to have a similar windows phone app that did not work very well. GolfLogix is a good replacement.

RaceSplitter: ($14.99) An app that enables the timing of events and races for running, cycling, and swimming. It could also be adapted to time the running of the mile, or other similar PE type events. My LBS (local bike shop) and I will be using it to time the next event, ‘The Dirty Dozen’. DD is a Hill Climbing Event for Cyclist in Central Connecticut held every fall consisting of the 13 toughest climbs in the area. We use it to time and rank order for each hill to determine the winner of the event. RaceSplitter works on both the iPhone and iPad, we will be using it for both Men and Women.

PedometerGPS+ Free: (Free) is a great pedometer which uses the gyroscopic ability of the iPhone to determine the number of steps one takes, as well as time of activity. This app could replace pedometers for those of your students with an iPod Touch. All of my nieces and nephews have one. This also enables the user to track their progress over time. Although you are not able to use it to collect data by class…yet.

DigiFit: (Free) another aerobic activity tracker. The great thing about DigiFit is that you can purchase an Ant+ adaptor called DigiFit Connect for the iPhone/iPad that enables you to use a heart rate strap or other Ant+ devices with it. It also works with your local music player. As a Cyclist with the Ant+ add-on I can use all of my Garmin Ant+ devices that enable me to track cadence and speed, completely replacing my Garmin 800. It does everything accept, of course, GPS tracking. This could replace your heart rate monitors when used with Ant+ Straps.

Garmin Fit: ($0.99) The greatest thing since sliced bread is owning a Garmin device, connecting it to Garmin Connect, and viewing detailed workout data online (except maybe having this ability without a $600 dollar price tag). Garmin Fit works on both Android and the iPhone. It requires the use of the DigiFit Connect adaptor to make any Ant+ device work with your phone, like: Heart Rate Monitor, Speed Pods, Speed and Cadence Sensor, and Power Meters! (Requires a power meter for a bike…Big Dollars). Garmin Fit also connects your data to its web counterpart, Garmin Connect, so you can track all your workouts device independent. Nice! This is the software I personally use, and you can view one of my workouts HERE.

Cyclometer: (4.99) This is a tracking tool for cyclists. An app exists for all aerobic sports, and many team sports and fitness activities (there is even a push up counter). I have a Garmin 800, so this is a bit redundant but fun to play with. Cyclometer provides you with Time, Distance, and Speed of your ride. It also tracks your ride/run via GPS and maps it for you. Cyclometer is a simple tool for those who do not have the big bucks for a Garmin. So if you have students that have chosen to pursue Cycling as an extension activity then this would be a great tool for them to track their progress.

Heart Rate: ($0.99) uses the Optic Lens and Flash to pick up the pulse in your finger, and then displays your heart rate which you can save on the device. Heart Rate is a non-continuous device that replaces your pulse meter watches. Although it works with today's iPod Touch in good light, it works best with the new iPhone 4S with the flash camera. I hope the iPod Touch next generation comes with a flash camera.

Scosche myTREK Wireless Pulse Monitor: is an add-on to the iPhone/iPod Touch that also doubles as a Music Remote. The Scosche myTREK is a Bluetooth-enabled wireless heart rate monitor that helps you keep track of your pulse, training type, calories burned, music, and more with your iPhone or iPod touch.

• Wirelessly connects to iPod touch or iPhone
• No need for bulky chest straps or wires
• Audio prompts for real-time feedback
• Control music from the armband
• Battery provides up to 5 hours of workout time
• Connects up to 33 ft. away from your device

There are thousands of other apps that I am sure are useful in Physical Education. I have only had my iPhone for less than a week, so my knowledge is somewhat limited. From just what I know for far, I plan to replace all my current technologies with the iPod Touch not too far down the road when I am in my NEW Building. If anyone knows of any grants out there that might help me meet this need, please email me at r.scott.tomassetti@gmail.com.

The iPad: What is an iPad? The iPad is a mobile tablet device with a touch sensitive screen. An iPad functions much like an iPhone except with a much larger screen and better graphics. The iPad also has, with the right apps, the ability to act like a laptop. Although iPad apps differ to iPhone app in their screen size, iPhone apps work on the iPad. The only difference is that in the 2X view for the iPad the clarity is a bit tenuous. Most iPhone apps have been converted into a version for the iPad, or will most likely be converted soon. Therefore, I am not going to repeat the apps above, just point out the additional uses for the iPad.

What can the iPad do? Again, the Apple slogan, "There's an APP for that," says it all. If there is something you want to do on the iPad, you just search the app store for it. Most likely you will find what you are looking for just waiting to be downloaded.

All of the native functionality of the iPad is inherited from the iPhone: Including its native applications, like: iTunes, Music, Contacts, Safari, Photos, Video, and Calendar. The iPad 2 has a front and rear facing camera for picture and video.

In fact, the video is so good that in good light I often use it instead of a flip cam. If you download iMovie you can even edit a full movie on the iPad and upload it to YouTube. I have done this for short documentation films for my student teachers. Clips of student performing skills or tasks can be easily taken and shared with parents or administrators. Students can view and analyze their own performances, or the performance of a partner, to help make improvements for the future. This technique is amazingly effective with those having difficulty making a change through verbal feedback alone. You can view Dave's video filmed and edited on the iPad at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y2mh0jyYDs

Watch the Apple iMovie Video

Observational Assessment on the iPad can be accomplished by downloading either Apple Numbers or QuickOffice HD. I have not used Numbers, but my history with QuickOffice goes back to my days with Palm. Like with the Palm, sharing files with your desktop is a bit hokey. You have to go through iTunes, and then select your device (iPad) from the left sidebar menu.

Once selected, you navigate with the top menu to Apps, and then scroll down to the end where there is a file exchange interface. You select QuickOffice and use the bottom menu to save selected files to your desktop, or to upload to your device. I usually have the secretary download class lists as a .cvs file, and then import them into excel.

I then convert the file by saving it as a worksheet and create a separate sheet for each class. Then I upload it to the iPad via iTunes. Once on the device I open QuickOffice and then open the file. I create rubrics for grading with a 1 to 4 scale. Each column of my worksheet is designated as an assessment; whole student information occupies each row. Use the touch screen and double tap the cell to activate it. Then place the corresponding number in the cell. Use the enter key to move down one cell. I always try to catch the highs and the lows for each assessment, and fill in the rest later. By using a corresponding rubric you can assess observations, performances, task sheets, and exit slips.

Using this technique you can then quickly look at class averages to determine content acquisition, reteach as necessary, or move on to the next content topic. Using a 1 to 4 scale, using an average class score of 3 will provide a pretty good indication on whether the topic was sufficiently mastered or not. You can adjust your scale to match your grading criteria.

Doceri Remote (www.doceri.com ) is another App you can download from the App Store. The downside is that it costs $50, but it is essential if you are connected to a Smart Board with the ability to control your computer's desktop applications, music, PowerPoint slideshows, and use Smart Board Notebook to annotate right from the iPad. If you need to control your computer from the iPad, there are other Apps that allow remote access that can be searched for in the App Store that aren't quite so expensive.

eBook reader Apps are another great feature for the iPad. The best part is that they are free to download. I have read a number of free books from various eBook providers, including: iBooks (which is native on the iPad), Google Books, Kindle, and Nook. You can search for books by genre, and find them for free. eBooks readers enable you to carry large volumes of books with you at one time without having to lug around the physical weight.

Scholastics are already offering many children's books, and more and more providers will continue to come online. Our schools are already planning to use eBook readers and/or iPad type devices instead of ordering paper versions. This saves space, trees, and helps students with disabilities because of the iPad's ability to read typed words out loud. Also many of the book readers have a built in dictionary for students to look up word definitions, which makes it ideal for academic purposes.

Implementation - A road map for the use of the iPad (tablet) and the iPod Touch/iPhone (smart device) in Physical Education might pan out as follows:

iPad use would primarily be the domain of the instructor for viewing student outcomes, assessment, and planning. Teachers could also use the built in camera for communicating with parents, administrators, and the students about current happenings in PE. With Pages or Quick Office teachers could use the iPad to create and edit lesson plans, use excel to create class lists for attendance/assessment, as well as create content via PowerPoint.

Teachers could control their computers for PowerPoint/Smart Board/music interaction using Doceri Desktop. They could use safari to surf the internet for new idea and activities. Create digital music playlists of your favorite activity based tunes with iTunes. Teacher can use the onboard email manager to contact parents, administration, and staff about pending events, current topics, or student concerns. There is a large number of teacher applications waiting for you at the iTunes Store.

The iPod Touch could be used by students to submit data (Fitness scores, activity goals/plans and logs), track current activities and their fitness parameters, and to check their bodies' physical responses to activity. The students could also listen to their choice of music (pre-approved) while participating in their activities. One thing about the iPod Touch is that many students already have one. Personally, every one of my nieces and nephews have a Touch and know how to use it. Therefore, implementation is a relatively easy process provided you can obtain more for those students who do not currently own one.

Bringing this technology into the PE Class, instead of restricting it, provides an opportunity to cultivate students' interest in participating in physical education. I can see the iPod Touch replacing the need for multiple devices. Students can use the iPod Touch as a pulse meter or heart rate monitor during class to help determine intensity levels. They will use it as a Pedometer to track duration and distance. Like the iPad for teachers, the iPod Touch uses all the same programs as the iPhone, so as Apple likes to say, "There is an App for that!"

Future Uses: The future for mobile devices appears to be unlimited. Devices are getting smaller, more powerful, and less expensive all the time. Right now I am revamping my Fitness 1st Web Application and Tracking System for PE to be written as a mobile enabled web application that will work on mobile devices, like the iPhone and iPad. This requires a new skill set for me as a programmer, but I think the time spent will be well worth it. Fitness1st Mobile will include fitness tracking, activity planning, and logging, all from an iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad, and any other mobile device via the web. Nice!

Fitness 1st will be open sourced for schools to use, and downloadable for use locally. I foresee students using the iPod Touch to enter their fitness scores, activity plans, and daily logs. Then teachers will use the iPad to view their students' fitness scores, plans, and logs. Look for the beta release during my spring article on pelinks4u.org.

Resources:

www.apple.com - The Apple website where you can find out more information about the iPhone and iPad. You can also search the iTunes App store.

http://connect.garmin.com/ - The best web tracking tool available today…but maybe not tomorrow.

Christopher Cannata: Chris is a 2011 graduate from Eastern Connecticut State University, graduating with a degree in Physical Education and Health. He completed his student teaching experience with Scott Tomassetti in Avon, CT.

At Eastern Connecticut State University, Chris played baseball under Coach Bill Holowaty where he was a four year varsity letter recipient. He has worked as a coach/counselor at Giamatti Little League Camp in Bristol, CT, as well as a counselor at Cape Cod Sea Camps. Both of these are overnight camps that include several hundred campers. Chris also is a baseball coach/instructor with Swanson Baseball in West Hartford, CT.

During his student teaching Chris implemented technology into everyday physical education lessons. He is a co-author of the article TECHNOLOGY IN PE IS NOT JUST PEDOMETERS AND HEART RATE MONITORS ANYMORE.

Scott Tomassetti: Scott Tomassetti is a Technology Section editor for pelinks4u. He graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a MS in Health Fitness Studies and Physical Education. Scott has over 20 years experience in teaching, and is currently working at Betances Elementary school where he is involved with physical education for grades K-6. He is also an adjunct instructor at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Scott has been a multiple presenter at the National AAHPERD, Eastern District and CTAHPEHRD conventions. He also has experience as a web consultant and web master. Some of Scott's interests include web application development, and exercise adherence - however, his main love in life is his family.

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