Special Notices
If you can not see this newsletter, then go to http://www.pesoftware.com/
technews/news.html
New Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool - Developed by CDC is now available.
Upcoming Seminars
2006-2007 Using Technology in Physical Education Seminars (click on a seminar to learn more):
October 18 - Cleveland, OH
October 20 - Detroit, MI
October 23 - Grand Rapids, MI
November 6 - Boston, MA
November 7 - Hartford, CT
February 8 - Wichita, KS
February 9 - Little Rock, AR
May 1 - Burbank, CA
May 2 - Buena Park, CA
May 14 - Kauai, HI
College credit is available for all the above seminars plus our online courses.
Our online fall courses begin September 15 and conclude on December 15 (see the descriptions later in the newsletter).
Announcement
Are you interested in earning more money?
Become a Bonnie's Fitware Inc Certified Trainer:
-Earn $1200 for each day-long workshop
-Receive free software upgrades and discounts
-Receive free instructional support for your workshops
If you are interested, click here for details.
Featured Articles
White Board
 An interactive whiteboard is a large, touch-sensitive board which is connected to a digital projector and a computer. The projector displays the image from the computer screen on the board. The computer can then be controlled by touching the board, either directly or with a special pen.
Potential applications for physical education include:
- using web-based resources
- showing video clips
- demonstrating a piece of software
- presenting students' work
- creating digital flipcharts
- saving notes written on the board for future use.
Great Britain is committed to putting an interactive white board in every classroom. The British Educational Communications nd Technology Agency (BECTA) is the organization responsible for assessing the efficacy of technologies deployed in England's classrooms. The organization reports the following benefits:
- versatility, with applications for all ages across the curriculum
- increases teaching time
- more opportunities for interaction and discussion in the classroom
- increases enjoyment of lessons for both students and teachers
- enables teachers to integrate technology into their lessons
- encourages spontaneity and flexibility
- enables teachers to save and print what is on the board
- allows teachers to share and re-use materials
- easy to use
- inspires teachers to change their pedagogy and use more technology in their classes
- increases student enjoyment and motivation
- provides students with greater opportunities for participation and collaboration
- reduces the need for note-taking
- helps clarify complex concepts
- provides for different learning styles
- enables students to be more creative in presentations to their classmates
BECTA has also examined factors that allow for effective use of interactive white boards, these include
- sufficient access to whiteboards so teachers are able to gain confidence and embed their use in their teaching
- use of whiteboards by students as well as teachers
- provision of training appropriate tot he individual needs of teachers
- investment of time by teachers to become confident users and build up a range of resources to use in their teaching
- sharing of ideas and resources among teachers
- positioning the whiteboards in the classroom to avoid sunlight and obstructions between the projector and the board
- a high level of reliability and technical support to minimize problems when they occur
Online resources for the smart board include:
www.eduscapes.com/sessions/smartboard
jc-schools.net/tutorial/ppt-games
http://www.smarttech.com
Device Of The Month
Stopwatches: What's the Difference?
Stopwatches have been an important device in physical education since they were first published and they continue to play a role. Today, however, there also are print-out stopwatches that store times and numbers for 100 to 10,000 runners (depending on the model). These devices can be used during the mile run assessment since they print out completion times and give split times, lap times, accumulated elapsed times, and split-lap numbers to 99 places. Several models even have a computer interface so that lane, place, and time data can be transferred to a computer. Other models have a 10-lane feature that allows for simultaneous timing of up to 10 students.
Even on non-printing stopwatches there are numerous features to choose from. These include:
Lap time: the interval or segment of time from the previous recording.
Split time: measures the accumulation of time from the start.
Dual Split: stopwatch simultaneously displays lap and split times.
Lap counter: keeps track of the number of readings taken.
Memory recall: ability to retrieve earlier time readings.
Click here to see a comparison of stopwatch features. Click here to read more about these stopwatches.
Quick Tips
Spreadsheets: Sum Function
Last month we introduced spreadsheets including the use of operators and a definition of functions. This month we will look at the most common function: SUM. The SUM function adds up numbers. All functions start with the "=" sign and are followed by the starting and ending (). Inside the parentheses are references to the cells that you wish to add together. For example, =sum(b1:b5) adds up the numbers in cells b1, b2, b3, b4, and b5 -- since the ":" means through. Therefore, =b1+b2+b3+b4+b5 is the same as =sum(b1:b5). The SUM function simply provides a short-cut when adding up a large number of cells.
PowerPoint: Designing Slide Shows
Are you getting tired of the look of your PowerPoint presentations - why not change them? This can be accomplished easily using the Design Template. Click From Design Template in the task pane. Thumbnails of the templates available on your computer pop up. Use the scroll bar to move through them, and click one you like. These templates assign elements such as backgrounds and type colors that look good together.
Here are some principles to follow when laying out your slides:
- No more than six lines per screen
- No more than six words per line
- Text should be at least 32-points
- Text should be flush left
- Text and headings should be in a sans serif font
- None of the words should be in all CAPS
- No more than two different fonts should be used
- There should be high contrast between the text color and background color
- Pictures should be at a 72 dpi resolution for Macintosh and 96 dpi resolution for Windows.
- Only meaningful pictures should be used.
Burning Your Own CDs
With Windows Media Player, you can burn your own audio CDs or data CDs using files stored on your computer.
- On the File menu, point to CDs and Devices, and then click Burn Audio CD
- In the Items to Burn pane (left side of Burn), select the playlist in your library that contains the digital media files that you want to burn.
- To add digital media files from other playlists or categories in your library to the playlist of items to burn, or to remove items from the playlist, click the Edit Playlist button.
- If necessary, clear any check boxes for items that you do not want to burn.
- Insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW in your CD drive.
- If necessary, when using a CD-RW disc, click the Erase disk button to erase the CD.
- If you want to change recording or data CD settings, such as the CD write speed or quality level, click the Display properties and settings button.
- In the items on Device pane (right side of Burn), click either the Audio C or Data CD button)
- Click the Start Burn button.
Word: Clip Art
The Microsoft Clip Organizer in Word provides a place for storing clip art and other forms of media (e.g., video and sounds). The files in the Clip Organizer are easily accessible for use in other Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint). Following are the steps for accessing the organizer:
1. Start up Word and click Insert, Picture, and Clip art.
2. Click the Clip Organizer link at the bottom of the pane.
3. The first time you open the Organizer, it asks you if you want to search for clips. The organizer displays a Collection List of default categories that Word already contains. Use the My collections category to add your own clips.
4. Click any of the topics to display a thumbnail in the right window. Click the List button in the toolbar to view the clip art in a list that shows the clip art file name. Click the Details button to display details of the files, such as the name, file size, type, caption, keyword, and date created.
5. Microsoft provides an online resource for clip art if you need additional art. Click the Clips Online button to bring up a Web page with additional pieces of clip art and other media. The page features many categories of clip art.
6. Click File and Add Clips to Organizer and choose Automatically, On My Own, or From Scanner or Camera.
To find the clip art at a later date, click search in the Microsoft Clip Organizer. Enter a keyword in the Search for Box.
Window's TroubleShooting Suggestions
Windows taskbar disappears: Move the mouse around the edges of your screen until the cursor looks like a double arrow, then left-click and drag the arrow away from the edge of the screen until you see the taskbar. To move the taskbar, click and drag on a blank area of it.
Can't connect to Internet: Shut down the computer. Unplug the router and cable modem. Plug the modem back in first. Wait for the lights that indicate you're connected to come on. If they don't, the problem is with the connection and not the computer. Contact your Internet service provider. If the lights do come on, wait 10 seconds, plug the router in, and start up the computer.
No sound: Try headphones or another pair of speakers to see whether the problem lies with the original speakers or your computer. If you still have no sound, check the Sound and Audio Devices settings in Windows' Control Panel or download a new driver for the sound card.
Task Cards: Package of the Month
Individual Stunts
 This package contains twenty task cards on individual stunts. Each card includes the name and picture (line drawing) of the stunt along with the description. Click here to see a list of the cards.
Back to School Special
Ten percent off on all "card stock" based task cards while they last - when ordering online. We are converting to all CD-based task card sells - so get the card stock version now and save!
August Top Notebooks
High End:
•HP Pavillion dv8000z - $2200
•Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV600 - $2399
•Dell XPS M1710 - $3425
All Purpose:
•HP Pavillion dv5000z - $1350
•Toshiba Tecra A6-S513 - $849
July Web Pages for Health Education
AllRefer Health
http://health.allrefer.com
KidsHealth
http://kidshealth.org/
July Web Sites for Physical Education
Science and the Olympics
http://whyfiles.org/019olympic.index.html
Science of Speed
http://riverdeep.net/current/2002/02/
021802t_speed.jhtml
Volleyball Instruction
http://www.njvb.com/jsvba/instruct.htm
Fall 2006 Online Courses
September 15, 2006 - December 15, 2006
Sign up:
Each course is $100 plus an additional $50 for college credit if needed. Click on each course for more information. You may register through November 1, 2006. |
Welcome to your number one source for all things technology! Providing high-quality, standards-based instructional materials at affordable prices.
We do the research so you don't have to! There will be price increases starting July 1, 2006 - buy now and save!
Need Help?
We can provide you with 21st century fitness center designs and associated costs - just email us at sales@pesoftware.com and tell us your space size and budget.
Grant packages (cost, training, student benefits) - click here.
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New Products
Comprehensive Middle School Physical Education Program
We now have sporting goods equipment to go with our curriculum, task cards, instructional software, technology devices, and assessment pieces!
Complete Program
Curriculum
Task Cards:
Sporting Goods Equipment:
Instructional and Assessment Software:
Teacher Software and Hardware
Tournament Scheduler ($100 for Windows 2000 or XP) - a complete tournament management software program. Click here for more information.
GamePads
Cateye Dance Pads is the latest in a long-line of pads for playing Dance Dance Revolution on the PlayStation 2, XBOX, and game Cube. This one differs in that it provides solid construction and comes with a three-year commercial warranty. Coming soon to http://shop.pesoftware.com!
The Best Physical Education Web Sites
 Why waste your time searching for web sites when this CD comes with over 100 of the best physical education web sites on the Internet? It is aligned to the national standards and categorized by content and standard for easy searching. Also included is a description of the site and teaching ideas on how to use the site with your students. A notes section allows you to add your own comments and you can add your favorite sites so that all of your URLS are in one convenient location. Click here for more information.
Video Instruction
 So you haven't had the opportunity to attend a seminar on using technology - well now is your chance to see a seminar presented by Bonnie Mohnsen. This five-disc instructional video series covers: teacher utility software, handheld computers, instructional software, use of the web, and technology devices - all geared for physical educators. Comes with a free copy of The Best Physical Education Web Sites CD. Click here for more information. Or, click here to add a textbook for a discounted price.
Book of the Month
NETS - S
 Integrating Technology and Physical Education is the first book to simultaneously address the NASPE Physical Education Content Standards and the National Education Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S). Here you will find more than 60 lessons on how to specifically integrate a wide variety of technology into your physical education program—whether you teach primary, elementary, middle, or high school. Each lesson is developmentally appropriate—both in terms of physical education content and technology skills.
Over 60 well-planned lesson plans at your fingertips! Read more about it here.
New Versions
Football Statware 6
Soccer Statware 5
Volleyball Statware 5
TOP 2.5
Now it prints directly from the handheld computer to a printer while still connecting to the desktop for storage and printing.
TOP (Teacher Observation Program) records information on teaching behaviors during physical education classes. Includes type of feedback (8 choices), develop of skill, use of time (7 choices), trial opportunities for 3 students, number of students on-task (5 recordings), and 2 user defined fields.
The program works on the Palm Operating System, and there is a solution for Pocket PC Users Wishing to Run Palm OS Software: StyleTap runs applications originally designed for Palm OS on Windows Mobile! This includes the Teacher Observation Program. Check it out at http://www.styletap.com
More software options: click here
Schematic for our new software: click here
Newsletter Specials:
Limited quantities - order now
Training Manuals - in paperback while they last!
Building a Quality Physical Education Program - BF52 - 50% discount - only $20 (book form) - order online.
Tips and Tricks for a Quality Physical Education Program - BF90 - 50% discount - only $20 (book form) - order online.
Strengthening your Physical Education and Health Education Program through Technology - BF55 - 50% discount - only $20 (book form) - order online.
In The News
Adidas' Responsive Basketball Shoe
With an electromagnetic sensor in the heel, your shoes know how hard your feet hit the floor, whether you are cutting, lining up for a free throw, or going in for a lay up. Knowing this, the shoe triggers a motor to adjust the tension on a cable in the midsole. An increase in tension means more shock absorption for jump shots. Check out these shoes at http://www.adidas.com.
Portable Body Scans
A handheld device promises to detect early signs of heart disease and stroke. The noninvasive instrument called PADD, uses an infrared beam to monitor circulation below the skin. Within five minutes, the test could detect early signs of heart disease and stroke, according to its developer, optical engineer Vincent Crabtree of Loughborough University in England. The beam is no more powerful than that used by remote controls to change your TV channel and could one day replace more-expensive monitoring methods such as angiography and Doppler/duplex ultrasound. Source: Loughborough University Enterprises Ltd., Marketing. Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, United Kingdom.
Nike Shoes
The Nike +iPod Sport Kit ($29) includes a  receiver for an iPod nano and a small, wireless sensor/transmitter that you insert into a pair of Nike+ running shoes ($85-$110). The Sport Kit tracks your time, distance, calories burned, and more. The data is spoken back to you through your earbuds so you can keep your eyes on your route. In addition, the data can be uploaded for analysis on NikePlus.com. The Sport Kit is available from http://www.apple.com.
Using Instructional Software
You have at least four options for using instructional software. The first three require one computer (although for the third method a few more would be better). The last option requires a computer lab. For Method 1, you connect the computer to a projection system or to several 25-inch monitors. This method is used for class activities, with class members taking turns reading the tutorial part of the software. During the question-and-answer phase of the program, individual students are called on to answer questions, or, better yet, a cooperative learning strategy called “numbered heads” is used—students work in groups of four and collaborate within their groups to determine the correct answers to randomly asked questions. This is called numbered heads because each student is given a number from one to four, and the teacher calls out a number instead of a student’s name. This technique should be used only when you want to cover a small piece of information with the entire class at the beginning of a lesson. It is not recommended for an entire class period.
Method 2 requires that you set up learning stations, including one computer station. A few management tips for student use of the computer will facilitate the process. Students work in cooperative learning groups of four students each, rotating from one station to the next. Each student should be 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). Method 2 is used most commonly in physical education because it allows for a high percentage of time on task and keeps students physically active during most of the lesson. However, the actual amount of time spent with the computer is rather limited, so students should be directed to either follow task cards, respond to a series of questions, or conduct specific research. This method also can be structured to provide additional computer opportunities for those students who have medical excuses.
Method 3 is similar to Method 2, in that it uses one computer station. However, in this method, the groups that are not using the computer are preparing to do so. For example, students prepare their tumbling routines on paper, then use the computer to input their routines and view a visual representation. Students then can evaluate and refine their routines. Another example of this method is for a sport like orienteering in which students learn, in expert groups, various elements needed for orienteering. The computer program simulates an actual experience. Method 3 should be used only when students have time to prepare for what they will be doing on the computer.
In Method 4, each student or pair of students must have access to a computer, and each computer must be supplied with the software, either individually or by a network. There are three situations in which Method 4 is recommended: The first is when the objective for the lesson requires the use of the software for an extended period. The second is when students have computer lab time during the school day, separate from their other classes, and the lab teacher is open to using a variety of software (including physical education software) to teach students computer skills. Finally, the lab setting can be used when students create multimedia projects during out-of-school time or technology class. These projects might be specific to physical education or they might be interdisciplinary in nature. All uses of technology bring your students closer to meeting the technology standards for K-12 students.
The Future
Smarter Buildings Improve Test Scores
Well-lit, airy, and uncrowded schools could make children smarter in the future - or at least help them improve their test scores. Studies show that students perform better when they can see and hear well, and at least one school in Virginia supports this conclusion. Rising test scores at the six-year-old Manassas Park High School may be due to the building's architectural features, such as wider highways and furniture, improved lighting, more private study areas for students, and secure but not prisonlike buildings. Designing schools to enhance the academic environment not only benefits students, but also attracts higher-caliber teachers. Source: "Innovative School Design Called a Factor in Higher Test Scores," The School Board News (January 10, 2005). National School Boards Association.
Bringing Books to Life
No more waiting for the movie version of your favorite book. New multimedia technology combined with language processing will allow books to be translated automatically into 3-D animated images. Software developed at the University of Ulster understands natural English-language input and maps it into a 3-D multimedia presentation. The potential applications range from bringing a children's story to life to creating interactive city maps. Source: University of Ulster, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Belfast, County Antrim BT37 0QB, United Kingdom.
Funding! Funding! Funding!
NIKE Bowerman Track Renovation Program.
Deadline: ongoing through May 31, 2009
Hasbro Programs for Children Grants. Deadline: ongoing.
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