"Getting into the HEART of Physical Education" by Lois Mauch

Lois Mauch, 1998 NASPE TOY gave a session on the use of heart rate monitor technology in the development of cognitive skills and lifelong fitness for our children.

Brain research has proven that physical activity will develop new brain cells. Cognitive skill development will lead to lifelong physical activity. Heart Rate Monitor technology can aid us in the development of both of these areas with our students. Heart rate monitor technology gives visual evidence and objective data for the teacher and students to learn cognitive skills. Eighty percent of what we experience directly or practice doing is remembered by our students. 90% of what we attempt to teach others is remembered. Our students are allowed to teach peers how to use heart rate monitor technology through peer coaching.

Participants wore the heart rate monitors for an array of lessons using the text book "Lessons From the Heart". Many of the lessons allow for critical thinking skills to be developed along with connecting across the curriculum with the use of the heart rate monitors. Lois used simulation and immersion activities for an emotional learning experience guaranteed to be unforgettable. The session was concluded with this summary from Lois:

"Heart rate monitor technology is our form of computers. This is our way of adapting the National Technology Standards into our discipline. It is all about using technology in our classes that can teach our students cognitive skills while on the move! It is about teachers becoming the best they can be and using heart rate monitor technology to make a difference for them and their students that will assist in a healthy active lifestyle. A quality of life, money can't buy."

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