Webliography and References

1.  Zhao, Yong.; Pugh, Kevin.; Sheldon, Stephen. “Conditions for classroom technology innovations.” Teachers College Record, v. 104 issue 3, 2002, p. 482-515.

2.

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-wii-tennis

This video demonstrates and explains how to play Wii Tennis.  This resource is important because if a student is struggling with a stroke, then can look back at this video to see someone else doing the motion.

3.

http://strategywiki.org/wiki/Wii_Sports/Tennis

This webpage gives detailed intructions about the game.  It does not have video but it is very thorough with the instructions.

4.

http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/players/#

This webpage breaks down video of professional tennis players executing various shots.  You can actually slow down the video shot by shot and see how their body is positioned. 

5.

http://www.usta.com/

This website offers a wealth of information about the game of tennis.  There are tips for improving your game, finding a court, or rules of the game. 

6. http://wiisports.nintendo.com/games_section/ 
This website is the actual Nintendo website for Wii Tennis.  They offer video of the game and a brief description of the serve, forehand, and backhand. 

How to play Wii Tennis

The following are the digital resources I would use to teach the unit/lesson.  I would also encourage the students to explore these on their own, outside of class for reference. 

http://strategywiki.org/wiki/Wii_Sports/Tennis

http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/players/#

http://www.usta.com/

http://wiisports.nintendo.com/games_section/

Organization of the Lesson

If you were to be an observer in my classroom for the Wii Tennis lesson here is a description of what you would observe.  The students would walk in to the gym and sit silently on their squad for attendance.  At one end of the gym a projector and the Wii would be set up on a cart with the controllers on the middle shelf of the cart.  There are also two smaller televisions at the other end of the gym so two more games can be played.  After attendance each student will begin the warm up activity.  The students will run or job around the gym for 3 minutes.  After the 3 minutes, the students will do a dynamic warm up which includes lunges, grapevine, side lunges, high knees, butt kicks, and toe touches.  After the warm up the students will each grab a controller and disperse to their designated station.  We have started the tournament and the doubles teams are playing.  We get right into play and consult the brackets; I have a schedule of who is playing first and on which “court”.  As the games begin I walk around the gym watching each game and making sure everything is running smoothly.  The students who are not playing must be at one of the three games observing and cheering on their classmates.  As soon as a game is done, the team that won marks their score on the bracket poster and the next game begins.  The students will reset the game on the Wii console and make sure everyone is ready to play.  As the transitions are happening I am making sure the scores are being reported accurately and also that the transition to the next game is happening quickly.  While playing doubles it is important to communicate with your partner, so you will also hear a lot of conversations during the games.  The observer will see a lot of movement during the class period.  The observer will also hear conversations between the players and between the teacher and the students.  I hope the observer will feel astonishment that the students can be physically active with technology. 

            The lesson will be taught over the course of two weeks.  The first week will focus on familiarizing the students with the Wii and the details of the controller and the game of Wii tennis.  The second week will focus on the tournament and playing matches.  Each class period will start off the same but depending on the class the speed of the lesson can be adjusted.  If one class is ready for the tournament after day 3, then we will start the tournament early.     

            There will be no help needed for the technology because the Wii is fairly easy to work with.  If a problem does occur, the Wii website is very informative and is very helpful at operational issues.  Students with special needs can be involved with little to no modifications made.  As I mentioned before, students with limited physical abilities can participate fully and be very successful.  There will be no special help required for this lesson but I would welcome anyone who wanted to help.     

Conditions for Classroom Technolgoy Innovation

After reading the article “Conditions for classroom technology innovations” I had a better understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses regarding technology in the classroom.  As of right now, I do not have much experience using technology to teach a lesson in physical education.  I do have experience with technology in my personal life.  I use a computer for my school work and emails.  I also am familiar with the Nintendo Wii and other gaming systems.  Studying figure 1 in the article that maps out the innovator, the innovation, and the context I concentrated on the innovator circle and thought about my own abilities and experiences.  Within my lesson I do have a great knowledge of “the technology and its enabling conditions.”  I am familiar with the Wii gaming system and with the game, Wii Sports.  I also have an understanding of the controllers and what each button does.  The relationship between the pedagogy and technology is also very strong.  I understand that exergaming is not a replacement for the actual game of tennis; this is why I have used it as a lesson in a bigger unit plan.  Exergaming gives those students whose physical abilities are limited to experience a sport or skill they may not have exposure to in the traditional physical education class.  The last aspect of knowing the organizational and social culture of the school is a weakness for me.  As of right now I am not teaching in a school, so I am going to use the schools I did my pre-student teaching in as a reference.  At Horace Mann Elementary I think the school would be very open to using technology in the physical education classes.  At Fairview Park High School, I think the same is true.  Both schools seem to very open to using technology to enhance the learning experience for the students.  This aspect of the innovator would be the most difficult to gauge.  If you are a new teacher in a new building it might take a year or two to understand the inner workings of the building and the school system.  In the article it mentioned one of they keys to success is a supportive environment among teachers.  I think this would be crucial and in order to foster this environment I think it is also important to think of other content areas.  For example, how can the Wii foster a technologically enhanced learning environment for social studies or chemistry?  I think the more of your colleagues you can get on board with developing a TELE, the more support you are going to have.    

TPACK-Design Project

The technologies in my TELE fit the content selected because the Wii has a specific game called Wii Sports.  Included in the Wii Sports are tennis, golf, bowling, boxing, and baseball.  There is potential to expand the lesson into the other sports and expose the students to other lifelong sports.  The technologies fit the instructional strategies for this lesson because the Wii is very user friendly.  As I mentioned before, I would assume most of the students have had experience with the Wii and are familiar with the controllers and how the system works.  If a student is not familiar with the Wii, it is very easy to learn and very easy to control.  Also, this technology is versatile and students with wide ranging physical abilities will be able to effectively use it.  The content, instructional strategies and technologies are come together in the lesson because without one the other could not exist.  Without the tennis game, the Wii and the controllers would just be a piece of unused technology.  If the technology is not working, the lesson can not be taught using the instructional strategies that I have designed.  Each element is dependent on the other and together they can create a fantastic learning experience.        

My thoughts on Education, Technology, and Literacy

Before this class I never really thought about the role technology plays in education.  I was aware that technology is present in today's schools but within my content area of physical education, I have not had much experience with technology.  I am now more aware of the role technology plays in education and I am more appreciative of technology.  I think technology can enhance the educational experience for the student and the teacher, if used properly.  People like to vilify technology and only focus on the negative effects in may have but I do think it has positive applications.  Technology can make learning more interactive and can promote literacy.  The example I gave in my Digital Story was the student in a physical education class wearing a heart rate monitor during the class and being able to understand what the numbers mean.  There is no point in wearing the heart rate monitor if you do not understand what the numbers mean.  This form of literacy is important because it promotes a healthy lifestyle. 

Introduction to the Design Project

            The lesson I will be introducing to the students is titled Wii Sports- Tennis.  This lesson will be a part of a tennis unit and will incorporate technology into the physical education curriculum.  The lesson will introduce basic tennis skills including, but not limited to, serving, volley, lob, and backhand.  The students will also gain basic knowledge of the game of tennis; they will gain important vocabulary related to the game, and will understand the equipment needed for the game.  The students will also learn how to work with others and how to communicate effectively.  Another important skill they will be learning is sportsmanship.  They will learn how to win and lose with dignity and grace.  The broad domain of knowledge for this lesson is physical education.  The learning experience for this lesson will take place in a gymnasium, plenty of space will be essential for safety reasons.  Other materials needed for this lesson include a television, Nintendo Wii, projector, and Wii controllers.  Students must familiarize themselves with the technology in order to use it appropriately.  I understand that most students will have experience with the Wii, but the class will learn and review all skills that are essential.    

Through this unit students will be learning a lifelong sport.  Tennis is a very popular sport played by millions in the United States.  This specific unit will highlight the game of tennis is a different way through technology.  Tennis is a great way to stay physically active and can improve your cardiovascular health and overall body strength.  The sport is also a great way to be involved with the community and maintain a social interaction with others.

A unique aspect of this lesson would be at the end a tennis tournament.  I would structure the tournament like a USTA professional tournament.  The tournament would be single elimination and there would be singles and doubles.  If a student or a team is eliminated they would still have the opportunity to play, just not in the tournament.  Each class would have their own brackets and match ups will be based on random pairings.  Individual students and teams would not be ranked. 

In this unit and lesson the big or essential question is will this activity become a lifelong sport for this student?  My ultimate goal for this unit is to introduce a lifelong activity that this student could potentially be playing and enjoying when they are 50 years old.  I understand not everyone will play and love tennis, but I want to introduce as many lifelong sports as I can so each student will have choices when it comes to being physically active throughout their life. 

Digital Story-Physical Education and Technology

Storyboard

Below is a link to my storyboard for my digital story.  I am focusing on technology and physical education and how that connection can be used to improve the physical education experience and the total education experience. 

http://linoit.com/users/esteinmetz14/canvases/Someday

Project Tomorrow Proposal

Last night in class while Dr. Shutkin was explaining this project I was very overwhelmed.  All the wheels in my head were spinning and I really had no clue what I was going to propose.  The only thing I did know is I wanted to connect it to physical education.  From my experience in pre-student teaching technology is everywhere but not utilized in the physical education classroom. 
At Fairview, the bell would ring and students would begin to come in and would almost always have a phone, laptop, or Ipod in their hands.  They would immediately ask what we would be doing in class today and make their way to the locker room.  As soon as they came out of the locker room they were expected NOT to have a phone, laptop, or Ipod with them.  Then the class would begin.  One thing did shock me during my time at Fairview.  One day three or four girls decided to sit out of P.E. because they had a softball game that afternoon.  Those girls sat on the  bleachers and pulled out their phones and for the whole class period they were on their phones.  I think back on that day now and what a missed opportunity!  Have them do a mini research project using the phones.  Give them a current issue in health and wellness to research with the phone or laptop and have them present what they find at the end of class. 
Another thing I observed throughout my time at Fairview was the students behaviors and attitudes during class.  I did not make the connection until this morning but last night we talked about students having to "power down" when they are in school and they were not just referring to turning off their phone.  I observed students being lazy and not wanting to participate in the physical education class.  I reflect on my pre-student teaching experience now and the students were not being challenged and/or engaged enough.
Last night I read the document Speak Up 2009, and I came away with some valuable ideas.  Students are talking to each other about school work both in school and outside of school.  This communication is either in person or online.  Also in the study 85% of students grade 9-12 have access to an Ipod.  There are so many ways to positively utilize an Ipod in a physical education class.  Also 70% of students grade 9-12 said they would use an electronic device in class to look up information on the Internet.  Last night in class we  talked about showing a video when you want to learn a new skill.  In a P.E. class I could show a video that explains and demonstrates the skill or game we will be learning in class.  It could be a video I make or a video I find on You Tube.  Last, students of all ages value playing games as a way of learning.  I think there must be a way to integrate technology into physical education in order to provide a high quality experience for the student. 
For my digital story I am going to explore how to implement technology into a physical education class and how that technology can impact the students experience in the class.  I also want to explore the impact technology would have on my own teaching style.  I think I will use Prezi, I have never used it before.  Also, within Prezi, I will try to implement other technologies like videos and music.   

Bibliography
1.
Creating Our Future:  Students Speak Up about their Vision for 21st Century Learning.  Speak Up 2009.  National Findings.  K-12 Students & Parents.  March 2010.  (Retrieved: 3 June 2010).
This source had information that directly reflects how students, parents, and teachers feel about technology inside the classroom.  The document also offers a variety of ideas on how to use technology in the classroom.

2. Bartnett, L. Physical Education and Technology. [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/tirab/physical-education-and-technology. 
This PowerPoint did a great job of illustrating the link between technology and physical education and the benefits it produces.

3. Prensky, M. (2008) Turning On the Lights. Educational Leadership. 65 (6) 40-45
This article helped me to make the connection to why my students at Fairview were so disengaged in the physical education class. 

4. Crawford, S. (2008).  Physical Education and Technology Study. [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/scrawford99/physical-education-and-technology-study-presentation

Web 2.0 Apps

For my website I have chosen the following four apps.  I am hoping all goes well with each app and I do not have to switch:-) 

Jotlet-I will be using this app for a class calender that will be posted monthly on my website.  This will enable parents and students to follow the progression of the class through out the school year.  I previously used Instatcal and it was not very user friendly, at least for me. 

Dropbox- As I said in my previous blog, traditionally it physical education there are not many homework assignments.  In my class though, I will have some kind of final project and instead of students bringing piles of paper to me I would rather collect the projects electronically. 

Gmail- In order for students and parents to contact me I will be using Gmail.  I already have an account and it was simple for me to set up.

StudyHall- I want to use this app so students can engage and exchange ideas with one another.  One component of my website is I want to post healthy recipes or ideas for physical activity.  This way students can read and post some of their ideas or modifications. 

Weblog 3 The Classroom Website

Within my content area, physical education, the emphasis has not been placed on creating a terrific website but to engage students to be physically active.  I do believe that having a high quality website can help to facilitate a successful physical education curriculum.  I would want my website to be very user friendly and have information that valuable.  For me personally, it is so frustrating when a website is not user friendly and if I cannot navigate my way through I will give up and try to find another source of information.

I am doing my student teaching at Horace Mann Elementary in Lakewood and at Fairview Park High School.  Both of my cooperating teachers have a website.  At the high school the physical education curriculum is posted and he also has a blog. In the blog he posts forms and other papers relative to the physical education class.  At the elementary school the website is the same, he also has links to websites that encourage physical activity like the NFL Play 60.  This website encourages young people to be physically active for 60 minutes a day.  He also did a website that explains the new grading standards that will be implemented next year for physical education.   

Within my website I would like to have a variety of features that will help to facilitate the learning process and make physical education a valuable experience.  A calender is the first thing that comes to mind.  I want the students to see the unit plan and what we will be doing each day.  In class we talked about a drop box, where students could drop assignments electronically.  While there is very little "homework" in PE, this would be essential to have.  Students don't always bring their school related materials to the gym and this way I am not collecting a bunch of papers.  I also like the idea of a communication or email system.  If a parent or student has a question they can email me through the website and I can answer them.  A grade book will be available as well, the high school posts grades on a weekly basis.  Each week there are 50 points possible.  At the elementary school, he did not do weekly grades.  I also like the idea of linking the website to some kind of discussion board.  I would like to somehow have Pinterst involved.  If there is something on the site you like, pin it.  I also thought of incorporating an overall theme of wellness.  I want to post recipes, exercise ideas, and games.

Thoughts and Reflections about TPCK

I had never heard the term "wicked problem" before.  After reading the definition it seems we as educators encounter "wicked problems" everyday.  Part of my pre-student teaching was at Fairview Park High School and I was completely amazed at how different high school kids were compared to the elementary kids.  I was mainly observing during my pre-student teaching but I did get a glimpse of the possible "wicked problems" I may encounter in the fall. 
The other idea I could relate to is the sentence on page 4 that says "Teachers practice in a highly complex and dynamic environment that asks them to integrate knowledge of student thinking and learning, knowledge of the subject matter, and increasingly, knowledge of technology."  I immediately thought of my experience at Fairview, technology was not integrated into the physical education curriculum every day but we dealt with it everyday.  Students constantly had their smart phones watching videos and listening to music before and after class.  At the high school level I felt in water way above my head for the first few weeks.  Only being there one day a week and getting to know the students was very difficult.  I hope that in the fall I will be able to integrate the student thinking and learning, knowledge of my subject matter, and knowledge of technology more successfully. 
The next idea I related to was the one discussed on page 10 about each classroom is different and there is not perfect solution for integrating technology into your curriculum.  If you are going to integrate technology into your curriculum and classroom it must be customized.  My content area is physical education I have not seen a lot of ways to integrate technology within my pre-student teaching.  Both of my cooperating teachers have their curriculum on the school's website but there is no integration within every day class and activities.  I would like to incorporate technology into my physical education classroom and change the perception of technology in regards to physical activity.  I know there are ways to integrate the technology in to the physical education classroom and that is one of my goals in the future.   

WebLog 1 Introduction

Tough Mudder

My name is Lizz and I am enrolled in ED 586 at JCU this summer