Konami’s NEW Classroom Edition

April 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

New Active Game Targeting Physical Education!

Konami is the reason the Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) craze was born. They initially released DDR and have continued to work on making the activity more desirable and effective. Recently, Konami released news of a new DDR product targeted directly towards physical education classrooms. From what I can recall, this is the only product that was designed specifically for the physical education classroom. The new product is multiplayer, meaning an entire class could potentially play at one time. The features are attractive to teachers because they have a built in ”playlist” and “roster” for teachers to use to assist with saving play time. In addition, there is a data card for every participant that stores information such as step count, scores, other personal information, etc. In between games, students are able to read quick facts and suggestions for attaining and/or maintaing a healthy lifestyle.

 

Lisa Witherspoon: PEC’s Active Gaming Editor

 

 

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Dr. Lisa Witherspoon Joins The Active Gaming Company

March 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Lisa Witherspoon has joined The Active Gaming Company.  Dr. Witherspoon comes to us with years of experience in the active gaming field and brings the knowledge and expertise that is needed to further develop our concepts.  She will be serving The Active Gaming Company in mulitple capacities.  First, filling a key role on our Board of Advisors and secondly, she will be in charge of programming and curriculum development.

“Having Dr. Witherspoon on board separates The Active Gaming Company from the competition.  It puts us in a very powerful and confident position.  We are able to validate products on both technology and the medical benefits that they have through research.” says Gary Florindo, Founder of The Active Gaming Company.

 

About Dr. Witherspoon

Dr. Witherspoon is an Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Education and Exercise Science at the University of South Florida.  She received her undergraduate in K-12 Health and Physical Education in 2000 and her master’s in Health Promotion in 2004 both from Virginia Tech. Her doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction was earned at The University of South Florida in the summer of 2009 while working as the Co Director of the USF Active Gaming Research Laboratory and teaching undergraduate courses. She joined the faculty at USF in the fall of 2009. Dr. Witherspoon’s research is focused on technology driven physical activities called Active Gaming. She is working as the Coordinator for all active gaming research projects at USF. She studies the effects that 21st century technology driven physical activities may have on various populations, with a central focus being with children. Dr. Witherspoon has published manuscripts and video publications relative to her research interests. She serves on National committees and Advisory and Editorial Boards related to physical education, active gaming, sports, and fitness concepts.  Dr. Witherspoon’s continued passion is to meet generations ‘where they are’ in terms of interests and desires in order to help guide them as individuals in gaining and/or maintaining physically active lifestyles.

Dr. Witherspooon’s teaching responsibilities include both the undergraduate and graduate levels at the University of South Florida. Undergraduate courses include: Elementary Instructional Design and Content, Health and Physical Education for the Child, Elementary and Secondary Physical Education Internship, and Health, Safety, Nutrition, Motor Skills for the Young Child and Coaching Principles. Graduate courses include: Analysis of Research on Teaching Physical Education.

Lisa Witherspoon Ph.D. Co Director – USF Active Gaming Research Labs 4202 East Fowler Ave, PED 227 Tampa, FL 33620 Office – 813-974-1146 Fax – 813-974-4979

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America has a BIG problem [Spark Video]

May 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The childhood obesity epidemic in America is a BIG problem. Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled; and nearly one third of children in America are now overweight or obese. This video focuses on one of the solutions – getting kids moving in school and explains why Quality Physical Education can play such an important role in ending this epidemic.

The Active Gaming Company believes the Spark program makes a positive difference in the lives of kids around the country because of their researched based programs that have been proven to get results. We encourage all schools to get involved and contact Spark to see what they can do for your school. They have a wonderful Grant Finder tool to help you with obtaining funding for this program.

The Active Gaming Company uses products that combine physical activity, learning and technology called Exergaming or Active Gaming that are a great add-on to any existing Spark program or school looking to keep kids active. You can find a list of these products on our Active Gaming product page.

The Spark Program
SPARK strives to improve the health of children, adolescents, and adults by disseminating evidence-based Physical Education, After School, Early Childhood, and Coordinated School Health programs to teachers and recreation leaders serving Pre-K through 12th grade students.

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The Lightspace Wall – In-Motion Club, Riyadh – ksa

May 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

Lightspace Wall

Lightspace Wall

The Lightspace Move Wall combines the latest in interactive technology with software controlled content that will provide hours of fun and exercise for kids and adults of all ages and abilities. Conduct relay-races as the wall is perfect for this type of setting! The system is capable of storing and running a potentially limitless variety of games and interactive programs that can be used by multiple participants simultaneously.

The Lightspace Move Wall creates an engaging experience that will draw young children, teenagers and adults to activities what will excite and entertain them, all while keeping them active and fit. The Move Wall is controlled and powered via the Lightspace Console.

Check this out!

  • Keeps children active in a safe and entertaining environment
  • Tests both mental and physical ability
  • Variety of games for a cardiovascular and goal driven workout
  • Operators can customize the length of games, cost and difficulty level
  • Extremely durable tiles can withstand up to 3000lb pressure

For more information on the industries leading Active Gaming / Exergaming product, please visit the Lightspace Wall page.

Check out the Lightspace Wall in Action:
Click on the video tabs to scroll through Lightspace Wall Games

In Motion – Dubai
Tel: +97143688747
Fax: +97143688746
Email: info@in-motion-club.com
Web: www.in-motion-club.com

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George Velarde Education Wiz Works Magic In Washington

March 24, 2011 By 2 Comments
George Velarde

George Velarde visits Capitol Hill

For nearly a decade, George Velarde’s innovative fitness programs at Sierra Vista Junior High School have challenged our old-school philosophy on physical education. Under his “New P.E. Philosophy,” the teacher incorporates technological advancements with educational gaming, simultaneously boosting fitness and Academic Performance Index ratings.

Intrigued, legislators on Capitol Hill invited Velarde to speak to Congress last week, educating them on his Sierra Vista program and how the school has utilized grant money awarded in 2008.

“They said, ‘We’ve given out these grants since 2002. From the data that you have collected and all the information you’ve provided for us, you’re grant by far has been the most successful,’” Velarde said.

Already recognized by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports as a national demonstration center, the prestige has drawn the interest of North Korea, South Korea, China and Canada, with dignitaries from each country visiting Sierra Vista in the past 12 months.

“We had a plan from day one how we’re going to implement all these different programs into our Sierra Vista program,” he said.

Part of that plan includes the utilization of heart rate monitors, which students wear while performing a mix of activities.

“There were many questions Congress asked, but the one issue they focused on was assessment. How do we assess? I explained to them that at Sierra Vista we assess by using heart rate monitors for cardiovascular assessment,” said Velarde. “I explained to them that it’s no longer subjective grading, it’s objective grading.”

In Washington, Velarde also stressed exercise how can increase academic performance if synced properly.

“While our classes are exercising in our fitness center, students are able to watch three giant screens, reviewing for benchmark tests, vocabulary and other key concepts while exercising.

“I gave them full detail of how our program looks and feels. It was definitely the highlight of my career.”

Original Media Source: Give em a visit!

Written by Christopher Glotfelty
Wednesday, 23 March 2011 13:00
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