Using Technology in Physical Education Newsletter

The criteria for purchasing a camcorder includes cost, durability, ease of operation, reliability and quality, ease of repair and maintenance, and compatibility between camcorder and videocassette player/DVD player/computer. Camcorders fall into two major categories: analog and digital. On the analog side, there are three varieties: VHS, VHS-C (compact form), and 8 mm. Although these camcorders still exist in schools, physical educators should not consider analog camcorders when it comes to new purchases. Digital camcorders offer superior audio and video quality compared to their analog counterparts. These camcorders record and process information in much the same way as a digital camera. This means there is no film and virtually no loss of picture quality when you transfer the video to your computer or another device. In addition to high-quality recording, most digital camcorders come with an IEEE1394 (i.link/FireWire) or USB connection for easy transfer. The digital category offers five varieties: Digital8, MiniDV (digital video), DVD, hard drive, and solid-state (flash) semiconductor memory.

Digital8 is a proprietary format of Sony. It records digitally to analog Hi8 and standard 8mm tape as well as dedicated Digital8 tapes. Digital8 can deliver more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution (the more the better), depending on the camcorder.

MiniDVD

Hard Drive

Most digital camcorders use MiniDV cassettes, which record DV-format video. Like the Digital8 they can deliver more than 500 lines of resolution, depending on the camcorder quality. Unlike the Digital8, MiniDV camcorders cannot play analog 8mm or Hi8 cassettes. MiniDV is the best choice, compared to Digital8, for first-time purchasers.

The third digital option is the DVD camcorder. These camcorders record directly to compact versions of DVD formats. Most of these discs can be viewed directly on a DVD player or computer. These camcorders record MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 video with more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution, depending on camcorder quality. The advantage of the DVD format is that the discs don’t degrade with repeated use like the tapes. The disadvantage is the recording format, which is not supported by many video editing programs. It is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to capture (transfer the video to the computer) the video for storage and editing.

The fourth option is hard drive camcorders, which record to an internal hard drive. The advantage of this type of camcorder is increased storage capacity. However, the recording is stored in MPEG-2, which again is not supported by many video editing programs. High-definition camcorders (720p or 1080i mode), which can record MPEG-2 on a standard MiniDV cassette, are most often available in the hard-drive format.

The fifth option is the flash memory camcorder, which records on flash media (e.g., SD card). These camcorders are extremely compact; however, the video is typically low quality with short recording capacity. In addition, the video is stored to MPEG-4 or MPEG-2, making it difficult to capture for storage and editing.

Combination cameras also are available and include the ability to take both still and video images. The quality of the still image has improved greatly making the combination camera a viable choice for the physical educator. When selecting a combination camera be sure that it provides true digital still frames, since these images are of much higher quality than camcorders with just a freeze frame feature. With true digital still frame capability, a JPG or TIF image is captured on a separate memory module, such as a Memory Stick or SD card. Many combination cameras, as well as some still cameras and some camcorders, also have a burst or continuous shoot mode that allows you the option of taking 30 shots at three frames per second (fps).

The features to consider when purchasing a digital camcorder include good picture quality, appropriate viewfinder placement, power optical zoom lens, automatic focus, automatic white balance, low-light use, and a rechargeable battery. Once you have selected the features that are important to you, the purchasing department in your school district and published reviews can help you with the final section.

Sample Lesson - Camcorder

NASPE Standard 1: Demonstrate competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of activities.

Lesson Objective:
1. Demonstrate the correct technique for archery.
2. Review videos of past performances and use the information to improve future performances.

Summary:
Students are learning the sport of archery. The students were taught the correct form for shooting an arrow during previous lessons. During this lesson, students are videotaped and, in collaboration with group members, review their performances. Then, students continue practicing, using the information gained during the critique to improve their performances.

Equipment:
-Bow (one per three students).
-Arrows (five per three students).

Software:
-Camcorder (one or more per class) for use during physical education.
-VCR/monitor combinations or computer (one or more per class) for use during physical education.

Instructional Materials:
•Task sheet (one per student) listing the critical features for shooting an arrow (use critical features listed under instructional phase).

1. Teachers reviews archery safety.
2. Teacher demonstrates shooting:
-Assume body position with weight evenly distributed.
-Hold bow with relaxed fingers/wrist.
-Nock the arrow with back of hand and wrist relaxed and flat.
-Assume predraw position: Bow perpendicular to ground; bow arm, wrist, and fingers relaxed; left eye closed; bow sight lined up with target center; left elbow rotated; and teeth together with mouth closed.
-Draw bow, squeezing shoulder blades together and keeping left shoulder down and back with hips and shoulders moving back in line with target.
-Anchor right index finger under jaw bone with string touching tip of nose and center of the chin.
-Hold position using tension between shoulder blades.
-Release by relaxing fingers of string hand.
-Follow through with aiming eye still focused on target; other eye closed; bow arm up and fingers relaxed; and shooting hand in position with fingers relaxed.
3. Teacher walks students through the correct technique for shooting an arrow.
4. Teacher explains task card listing the critical features for shooting an arrow.
5. Teachers explains practice activities.
-In groups of three, practice archery: One student shoots, one student provides feedback, and one student (on command) retrieves the arrows.
-One student videotapes, one student shoots, and one student (on command) retrieves the arrows. Each student shoots five arrows before rotating to a new position. After all three students have been videotaped, the group reviews the video (on the videocamera screen or using a VCR/monitor or computer screen), using the task sheet to provide specific feedback to the performer.

2. For homework, students write an essay describing their archery performance (strengths and weaknesses) and e-mail it to the teacher.

Free Software that is Worth It

PowerPoint Tips: Shapes

Click the insert tab's shapes button and select a shape from the gallery. Then, click anywhere on a slide to insert the shape. You can now customize the shape, include its size (drag one of the handles around the shape) ad location (click and drag to move the shape or click and drag the little round antenna atop the shape to rotate it). Click the Edit Shape button and select Convert To Freeform option - it turns an ordinary circle, for example, into a shape with several handles that you can drag to create a custom shape. If you have trouble matching colors, the Theme Colors under Shape Fill offers colors within families to assist. Stick to the shades in a single column throughout your presentation and your colors will look good. The Shape Effects buttons - lets you add reflections, bevels, soft edges, and glows - just remember to not overdo it.

Standards-Based Record Book: Response to Common Questions

Since non-suits should not be included in the actual letter grade, you can note non-suits in the behavior section of the software.

You don't need to get rid of the data - just create a new version of the software from your CD. Then, if you have the same students you import the names from the previous version on your hard drive.

I don't like seeing G16 as the name of the grade assignment - can I change it to volleyball serve?

Yes you can in FileMaker Mobile on your desktop - in the same screen where you select the fields to send to your handheld computer.

The Grade Report since it shows the grade for each assignment, the grade for each standard, and the final grade.

Research

Reference correction for Dance Dance Revolution research in last month's research column:

Future Devices: Cooling Shoe

Avacore is developing a cooling shoe based on the company's CoreControl glove currently used on NFL sidelines. Rapidly cooling hands and feet is a safer and more efficient way to prevent overheating than water buckets or mist fans.

Future Devices: Gesture Control

Gesture and hand motion interfaces are almost ready for the real world. Israeli firm 3DV Systems has developed an infrared camera that senses depth, allowing human gestures to be used to control and interact with gadgets. It is accurate enough to pick up subtle body movements such as a waggling finger, which can be used to manipulate documents on a laptop or scroll through menus on a television.

Macintosh: Quick Tips

Open two PDFs in Preview, then choose View|Show Sidebar., When Sidebar pops up, just drag the pages of one PDF to the Sidebar of the other and hit Save. The two are now merged into one PDF document.

Using Technology in Physical Education Newsletter

April 2008

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Table of Contents

Seminars

Fitware Certification Program - Registration Deadline April 15, 2008.

Fall Online Courses

California Update

Web Sites

Updated Web Booklet Sites

Fitness Labs

Newsletter Specials

Products

Bonnie's Fitware Inc. Catalog

Selecting a Camcorder

Sample Lesson - Camcorder

Free Software that is Worth It

PowerPoint Tips: Shapes

Standards-Based Record Book: Response to Common Questions

Research

Future Devices: Cooling Shoe

Future Devices: Gesture Control

Macintosh: Quick Tips

Suggested Games for GameBike

Support our Sponsors

Tuff Stuff

Physical Education Planners

Grants

New Products

Spanish Language Fitness Task Cards

New Software Versions with Special Interface Screens for the Ultra-Mobile Computer

Products

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