Special Notices
Upcoming Seminars
2006-2007 Using Technology in Physical Education Seminars. Take the time to learn (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.
Can't attend - you can still purchase the presentation on CD to watch at your leisure. See Video Instruction in the right hand column of this newsletter.
Our online fall courses begin September 15 and conclude on December 15 (see the descriptions later in the newsletter). You can still register!
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.
Register for Fitware Certified Trainer here. Last chance to start your training in 2006.
Featured Articles
Handheld Computers and Student Use
 The typical user of a handheld computer is the teacher; however, in some schools the students also have their own handheld computers (either Palm OS or Pocket PC). So, what are the students doing with these handheld computers?
In most of these schools, the students use the handheld computer for taking notes (word processing programs), storing and accessing data (data base programs), using checklists (sometimes spreadsheet programs are used for this task), and even accessing the Internet.
Specific to physical education, each of Bonnie's Fitware's comprehensive software comes with handheld components. Specifically, there are portfolio pieces and video clips pieces that, if you have a site license, can to put on each student's handheld and notebook/desktop computer. For more information, click on the programs below:
Device Of The Month
Camcorders
Camcorders come in four different formats. The one for you depends on your individual needs. The four options are MiniDV, DVD, Hard Drive, and HDV.
 MiniDV camcorders record up to 90 minutes of high-quality video on digital tape the size of matchbox. The tapes run about four dollars each when purchased in bulk and the camcorders range between $300 and $1300. In order to edit these video, you connect the MiniDV camcorder to a firewire port and import the footage. This choice is best for folks who want to edit their videos. Check out the Canon Elura as an example of this type of camcorder.
 DVD camcorders range in price from $400 to $1000 and record video onto miniature rewritable DVDs. The DVDs run about five dollars per disc. At the highest quality setting, the camcorder can record about 30 minutes of video per disc. The DVD is best for folks who don't want to edit and want the convenience of shooting the video and then placing the disc into most DVD players. Pedagogy professors often choose this platform, so that they can record a student teacher and then provide that teacher with a copy of his/her lesson. Check out the DC40 as an example of this type of camcorder.
 Hard-drive-based camcorders offer the convenience of not having to purchase or use DVDs or tapes. Some can offer up to 20 hours of recording on a 30GB drive. However, the camcorders are expensive running at least $1000 each. This camcorder is best for folks who really do not want to deal with DVDs or tapes. Check out the Toshiba GSCR60 as an example of this type of camera.
 HDV cameras record high-definition video onto MiniDV tapes. Prices start at $1300 and the pictures look fabulous. This option is best for folks who want high-quality video. Check out the Canon HV10 as an example of this type of camcorder.
The following features are important when purchasing a camcorder:
- optical zoom lens (ignore digital zoom number)
- image stabilization (look for optical stabilization)
- image sensor (the larger the better)
- Additional accessories to consider when purchasing a camcorder (in order of priority)
Additional features worth the money if you have extra money:
- shooting modes
- still-image capture
- manual controls
- night vision
LCD screen (2-3 inches)
- tripod (click on tripod to see examples)
- carry case (click on case to see an example)
- spare battery
- wide-angle lens adapter
- head-cleaning tape
Software Of The Month
Elementary Physical Education Dictionary: Voices from the Field
What a great opportunity and resource for our physical education curriculum. This CD let the students work cooperatively using technology to broaden their knowledge of physical fitness words and definitions.
An introduction to the CD was given with an infocus machine and laptop.
The first activity-the class was organized into small groups. Each group had to cooperatively decide which person should perform each locomotor movement and instruction/job.
Examples of movement-run, skip, gallop, walk, etc. Instructions were-find their word to research, techie, reporter, recorder
and setup.
With all students in their group by the laptop, they began looking for the word and recording their information. After this was finished they ran back to the starting line.
After every group was finished, they presented their information to the whole group.
The second activity-during a fitness station activity, one station had the CD and laptop. Each group of two students had to research and answer questions that I put on a data sheet.
After using the software this year, I look forward to working on new ways to implement the CD next school year-thank you for the opportunity to use technology in my Physical Education curriculum.
For more information about this software, click here.
Carlean Jundt
Software Tips
Spreadsheet: Minimum Function
This month we will look at another common function: Minimum.
PowerPoint Tips
Here are several common mistakes that PowerPoint users make. Check the list to make sure you are not making any of these mistakes:
1. Text displaced over the images.
2. More than six lines per slide.
3. Words positioned at an angle.
4. More than six words per line.
5. Using cheap clip art that doesn't add to the presentation.
6. Reading slides during the presentation.
7. Too many slides.
8. Font is too small.
9. Using a serif font (these are for print materials); use a sans serif font such as Arial instead.
10. Type words in all caps.
Task Cards: Package of the Month
Ball Handling Task Cards
 Each card includes name and picture (color) of the ball handling stunt along with a description. Can be used for station teaching or for preparing students to create their own ball handling routine. Click here for details. Also comes in color!
Purchasing Tips
GPS
GPS accuracy doesn't matter much. Anything above about 12 channels doesn't make a difference. And, the latest GPS chipset may not matter that much either depending on where you live.
PlayStation/XBox Set Up
You have the playstation, you have the monitor, and you have the interface (DDR pads, Game Bike) - but how do you set it all up? Broadcast Vision has designed a stand for you. It supports the monitor so that the height can be adjusted just right and prevents the need for a bulky stand. Check out the stand at: http://www.broadcastvision.com.
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! Click here to save and order. |
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 
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 each 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 
FITT Rx (TM) provides a quick reference tool for teacher and student use in the same way a medical doctor uses a drug prescription pad. Thus, the FITT Rx (TM) software program is designed to be a quick and simple method of providing a quality exercise prescription. It helps make prescription quick by providing the typical data for all of the basic exercise prescription variables: frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise.
Designed for the fitness professional. EXER Rx (TM) provides a quick reference tool for professional use in the same way a medical doctor uses a drug prescription pad. Thus, the EXER Rx (TM) software program is designed to be a quick and simple method of providing a quality exercise prescription. It helps make prescription quick by providing the typical data for all of the basic exercise prescription variables: frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise.
Using Technology in Physical Education, 5th edition is the number one book used by colleges and universities across the country in their under-graduate and graduate level technology courses for physical education majors. The book covers everything you ever wanted to know about technology and physical education: software, heart monitors, pedometers, video analysis, dance dance revolution, and much much more. Click