Active Video Games in PE

This article supports the role of active video gaming in the physical education (PE) setting. Active video games require moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and appears to be a potential avenue to lower the childhood obesity rate in a manner that children would most enjoy. These type of games are opposite of sedentary video games where you are sitting as you play. Zhang et al. (2016), states, “Children are influenced by technology. Instead of trying to reduce screen time, the preceding physically active video games may be prime candidates for placement in school physical education. In fact, it has been evident that active video gaming intervention has potential in promoting physical activity in school physical education.” This article also discusses the difficulties of active video gaming, which include cost of gaming consoles, games, and controllers. The need to have updated games so the students face different challenges regularly is also important when considering students interests in the game.

I can support active video gaming in the sense of the student who has trouble being successful in PE. Maybe they are not the most skilled when it comes to being in a physical environment. The games might be able to help these students gain confidence in the gym. It is very hard for me to support active video gaming in any other sense though. I believe kids grow the most physically when they are in the physical game like environment. If they can control their bodies and be safe then the games can become more challenging. The more challenging the game to more students can learn strategy and excel their physical skills. As I try to help my students understand the joys of being an outside kid and how to be tough in that environment the video games are an advocate for kids to be inside in the safety of their home. I also feel it is hard to practice and gain the correct form for manipulative and locomotor skills while you have a controller in your hand. The role of the PE teacher is to help kids find a sport or game that they can be successful in and learn the skills to be active throughout the entirety of their life. I believe the active video game would take this role of a PE teacher away.

Zhang, T., Moore, W., Gu, X., Chu, T. L. &  Zan, G. (2016). Promoting children’s physical activity in physical education: the role of active video gaming. Journal of Teaching, Research, and Media in Kinesiology, 1-13.