College credit is available for all the above seminars.
Featured Articles
Improving Motor Skill: Station Approach, Instructional Software, and PDA Demonstrations
We are often asked about what we think is the best method for using instructional software in physical education. Our answer is always the station approach. One of the reasons that we sell
task cards is because we believe in the station approach to teaching. Task cards, like the one to the left, provide students with guidance in terms of what to do at the station or how to do a particular skill. Just like different skills or exercises may be performed at each station; one station can be designated as the computer station.
Our favorite method has students, in groups of four, rotating from one station to the next. Each student is assigned a role -- for example navigator (controls the movement through the software), encourager (reinforces the contributions of the other individuals in the group), expander (elaborates on answers given by other members), and summarizer (brings closure to group learning). The only draw back to this method, is that the actual amount of time spent with the computer is rather limited, so students should be directed to either follow a task card, respond to a series of questions, or conduct specific research. This method also can be structured to provide additional computer opportunities for those student who have medical excuses.
Finally, often times after providing students with a model demonstration of a skill, we have
students participate in a drill or lead-up game to practice the skill. Upon observing the students, we notice that several are still having difficulty. A quick way to review the correct technique with students is to have a model demonstration on your handheld computer. This can be in the form of a video clip or animation (see image to the left).
Next month we will highlight three new programs (Short Jump Rope, Long Jump Rope, and Tinikling) - each comes with PDA-ready video clips for demonstration purchases.
Device Of The Month
Digital Cameras
This 3.2 megapixel camera saves images directly to either a CD-R or CD-RW. Simply eject the CD and insert it into your computer and you are ready to go.
Key Components:
3x optical zoom
Auto focus illuminator
Continuous auto focus
Scene Selection Mode
Slow shutter noise reduction
14-bit DXP A/D conversion
Manual exposure controls
Multi-Burst mode
MPEG movie VX mode
Clip motion
2.5: LCD monitor
Shutter speed: 1/30 - 1/1000 second
Digital Cameras for Pocket PCs
Several Pocket PC manufacturers sell digital cameras for their Pocket PCs. The cameras use the CompactFlash slot to attach to Pocket PCs, and they include software for taking pictures and managing photos. Most of these cameras can use the Pocket PC's screen as a viewfinder. These cameras do not take high-quality pictures, but they are small and do a fine job when all you want is a snapshot.
The following is a list of some of the cameras that work with Pocket PCs:
Pretec's CompactCamera (http://www.pretec.com) - is a CompactFlash camera that takes photos at 640x480 resolution and has a 2X digital zoom.
LifeView's FlyCAM-CF (http://www.lifeview.com/) is a Type 1 CompactFlash camera that has a self timer and is capable of taking photos at 640 x 480 resolution.
Nexian's NexiCam is a digital camera sleeve that works only with the 3600, 3700, 3800, 3900, and 5400 series HP iPAQS. It can take photos at resolutions up to 800x600 and has a 2X digital zoom.
Office Tips PowerPoint Buttons
Linking to Screens
1. Select Slide Show from menubar
2. Select action buttons
3. Select custom
4. Drag to create the size of the button
5. Select Mouse click - Hyperlink to Slide
6. Identify the slide you wish to link to
Linking to External Documents
1. Select slide Show from menubar
2. Select action buttons
3. Select document
4. Drag to create the size of the button
5. Select Mouse Click - Hyperlink to Other File
6. Select File
Click on image to visit their site:
Web Pages for January:Online Tutorials for Health Education
Each course is $100 plus an additional $50 for college credit if needed. Click on each course for more information. You may register through April 1, 2006.
Task Cards: Package of the Month
Partner Strength Task Cards
Contains ten task cards for partner strength exercises. Includes name and picture of exercise along with description. Why pay more - compare to competitors' prices of 3-5 dollars for each card! You can purchase the cards on card stock with line drawings (with permission to reproduce) or on a CD - with both line drawings and colored illustrations (again with permission to print as frequently as you like!).
The NEA Foundation Grants are provided for the purpose of engaging in high-quality professional development or implementing project-based learning and break-the-mold innovations that raise student achievement. Maximum Award: $5,000. Eligibility: public school teachers, public school education support professionals, and faculty and staff in public higher education institutions. Deadline: 2/1/06.
Congress has approved continued funding of the Physical Education for Progress (PEP) grant program at $73.4 million for 2006, identical to 2005 funding. The only change expected from 2005 is a 1% cut, which is an across the board reduction to the entire Labor HHS bill that contains the PEP program. According to a report from the Department of Education, the application notice for PEP grants will be on February 27, with applications due on April 12. The Department of Education estimates that there will be 63 grants at an average $250,000 each.
Target Stores Grants. Eligibility: K-12 public and private schools. Grant Type: Grant to Educators. Regional Restrictions: Locations in the United States where there is a Target store located. Application Deadline: 31-May-06.Description: Grants focus on programs in the arts, reading, and prevention of family violence. Apply at your local Target Store between March 1 and May 31. Application information available at the store. Award: Most grants range from $1000 to $3000.
Nickelodeon's "Let's Just Play" Giveaway Program - one million from September 2005 to June 2006.
Providing high-quality, standards-based instructional materials at affordable price. All underlined text takes you to additional information.
New Jersey Educators: We are licensed to sell to schools in your state.
Kentucky Educators: We are on the vendor list for KEDC Board - our bid proposal was accepted!
New Products
EyeToy: Kinetic
This is an innovative fitness product that provides players with an authentic personalized exercise program. Utilizing the revolutionary EyeToy USB Camera technology and developed in association with Nike Motionworks. Players will experience a more effective workout inspired by activities such as Tai Chi, Kick Boxing, Aerobics, Yoga, Modern Dance, and more. Comes in two formats: Kinetic with camera and Kinetic without camera.
Canon Scanner
The CanoScan LiDE 500F Color Image Scanner combines sleek styling with heavyweight performance. One convenient cable provides both power and a USB connection, reducing the number of wires around your desk. A USB Hi-Speed interface enables incredibly fast image transfers to your computer, along with the fastest possible scanning speeds. Previews of your scans are ready in seconds. For added convenience, four easy buttons - Copy, Scan, PDF, and E-Mail - automate the scanning process, so your projects can get done more quickly. Just position your original, select the use for the image, and in seconds it is ready to go.
Epson Scanner
The Epson Scanner scans, restores, and archives multiple strips of negatives in just a few simple steps. With its built-in auto filmloader, anyone can quickly and easily scan multiple strips of 35 mm negatives. And, with one-touch color restoration through Epson Easy Photo Fix, it could not be easier to restore images. Best of all, with astounding 3200 x 6400 dpi resolution and a 3.s Dmax, it is a snap to achieve remarkable detail, ideal for reprints including 8" x 10 " or larger.
Addresses all six national standards. Provides over 100 assignments designed around the national standards with 6-point rubrics (which may be edited by you!). Works as a stand-alone electronic portfolio, plus it has the ability to export to Record Book 8 so that your grades on the assignments transfer directly to the record book program. Download a demo copy of the program. A Macintosh demo copy also is available.
Middle School Physical Education Electronic Portfolio
Addresses all six national standards. Provides over 100 assignments designed around the national standards with 6-point rubrics (which may be edited by you!). Works as a stand-alone electronic portfolio, plus it has the ability to export to Record Book 8 so that your grades on the assignments transfer directly to the record book program. Download a demo copy of the program. A Macintosh demo copy also is available.
High School Physical Education Electronic Portfolio
Addresses all six national standards. Provides over 100 assignments designed around the national standards with 6-point rubrics (which may be edited by you!). Works as a stand-alone electronic portfolio, plus it has the ability to export to Record Book 8 so that your grades on the assignments transfer directly to the record book program. Download a demo copy of the program. A Macintosh demo copy also is available.
Olympic Web Book
Join the march to the 2006 Winter Olympics. This thirty-page repro-ducible web-activities booklet provides 15 lessons on the ancient and modern Olympics. Individual pages may be reproduced for student use. Appropriate for grades 4-12.
MIT is one step closer to rolling out the mother of all laptop programs. At the school's recent Emerging Technologies Conference, MIT Media Lab chairman Nicholas Negroponte made public details about its One Laptop Per Child nonprofit initiative, a gargantuan effort to put computers in the hands of 15 million children in the developing world. The star of Negroponte's speech was the $100 laptop that's going to make it all possible. Among the notable features of the Linux-based machine are a 500 MHz processor, Wi-Fi and cell phone connectivity, and a windup hand crank that serves as a backup power source. The laptops will be sold in large volume to ministries of education in developing countries who adopt a "One Laptop per Child" policy, and here are home, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has proposed snapping up the laptops for his state's middle and high school students in 2007. Mass production will start in late 2006.
Palm Makes Move to Windows Mobile
Palm announced that a future Treo smartphone will use Windows Mobile 5.0 instead of Palm OS, making good on rumors circulating for years that precisely such a move could (or would) happen. Although the Treo already offers email, messaging, Web access, organizational software, and other features, Palm says the smartphone will take advantage of the Windows Mobile platform by integrating Outlook Mobile, Office Mobile, and Internet Explorer Mobile, along with direct access to Exchange Server 2003.In addition, the new phone will support Verizon Wireless' Broadband Access service, which provides high-speed wireless access.
Even though the new Windows- powered Treo is certain, the future of Palm OS is not. A general sentiment among IT professionals is that if Windows is going to start appearing on more devices, Palm OS will quickly lose ground in both innovation and market share. However, that move is still uncertain.
Bonnie's Fitware Inc Grant Program
The next series of grant applications are due:
May 15, 2006 - email app to bmohnsen@pesoftware.com
The application is simple (no more than two pages): Name of person submitting the proposal and email address; Name of school, address, phone number; Name of software (one title per proposal) and platform (Windows or Macintosh); Description of how (specifically) you will use the software; Description of how (specifically) you will determine if the software makes a difference in student learning. Awardees will be expected to write a one page summary describing their use of the software. The write up is due July 30, 2006.
Congratulations to our 2005-second round grant winners:
Courtney Justice from George F. Johnson Elementary School in Virgie, KY.
Carlean Jundt from Jefferson Elementary School in Dickinson, ND.
Each awardee receives a site version of Elementary Physical Education Dictionary.
In The Next Issue
Questions and answers
Funding Sources/Fundraisers
More Online Tours and Tutorials
Dance Dance Revolution: So Many Pads Which One to Choose
Fitness Task Cards
Tinikling - Long Jump Rope - Short Jump Rope Software
Elementary Physical Education Dictionary: A New Edition
Working with your task bar - Windows XP
Burning CDs
You have questions - send them to Bonnie Mohnsen at: bmohnsen@pesoftware.com - you may see your question show up in our Q and A section next month!
Questions and Answers
Q: Why won't Windows let me erase files from a CD-RW?
A: The recording software built into Windows XP is very basic.If you want to reuse a CD-RW, then you will need to erase the entire disc first.
Q:Why am I getting an error message that RealPlayer cannot open "an audio device?"
A: RealPlayer cannot function if another application is using your sound card. Be sure to close any other program that may be using your sound card. It is also a good idea to make sure that you sound card drive is up-to-date.
The purpose of this newsletter is to keep physical educators, health educators, and coaches abreast of current trends in using technology in physical education. The newsletter is published monthly by Bonnie's Fitware Inc. Contact Bonnie's Fitware for advertising rates and suggestions for articles. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter - email Dr. Mohnsen at bmohnsen@pesoftware.com; you will be removed immediately!
Current Edition: http://www.pesoftware.com/Technews/news.html
task cards is because we believe in the station approach to teaching. Task cards, like the one to the left, provide students with guidance in terms of what to do at the station or how to do a particular skill. Just like different skills or exercises may be performed at each station; one station can be designated as the computer station.
other individuals in the group), expander (elaborates on answers given by other members), and summarizer (brings closure to group learning). The only draw back to this method, is that the actual amount of time spent with the computer is rather limited, so students should be directed to either follow a task card, respond to a series of questions, or conduct specific research. This method also can be structured to provide additional computer opportunities for those student who have medical excuses.
This 
Contains ten task cards for 
This is an innovative fitness product that provides players with an authentic personalized exercise program. Utilizing the revolutionary EyeToy USB Camera technology and developed in association with Nike Motionworks. Players will experience a more effective workout inspired by activities such as Tai Chi, Kick Boxing, Aerobics, Yoga, Modern Dance, and more. Comes in two formats: 
The 
The 
Addresses all six national standards. Provides over 100 assignments designed around the national standards with 6-point rubrics (which may be edited by you!). Works as a stand-alone 
Addresses all six national standards. Provides over 100 assignments designed around the national standards with 6-point rubrics (which may be edited by you!). Works as a stand-alone 
Addresses all six national standards. Provides over 100 assignments designed around the national standards with 6-point rubrics (which may be edited by you!). Works as a stand-alone 
Join the march to the 2006 Winter Olympics. This