During an Educational Technology Leadership class, we were asked to come up with what we thought the ideal 21st century classroom looks like. We could think about anything we would want in the classroom including academic, technical, physical and cultural aspects. The project discussions brought up amazing ideas and new concepts that even challenged the current definition of a "classroom," as well as discussions with more of a realistic vision.
As small and large group discussions filled the room. I though it was strange that be the end of the class, no one brought up the idea of treadmills in the classroom. There were some discussion on having enough space for physical activity and DPA activities, but it didn't go beyond that. It seemed to me that most ideas of classroom physical and technical features seemed to focus around computers, laptops, tablets, boards, furniture, space, storage, etc., bu isn't physical activity equipment considered technology too? I think so! With so much more attention over the past few years on research done on the benefits of physical activity on academic performance,I would have thought that is this is something most teacher would think about, why is is still not so?
A barrier in having people live active, healthy lifestyles is the motivation to make physical activity part of peoples' daily life, not an added extra thing they have to do. As adults, most of us know when we are feeling sluggish, unproductive or when we are having trouble focusing. Going for a walk/jog can help us feel better and re-charge.
Children can start to be taught to identify what helps them feel and think better at an early age, and should be given the opportunity to move whenever their bodies need it. We have all come across the "student who can't sit still." Would he/she learn better if they were given the opportunity to walk during the lesson? Treadmills may not be the most efficient solution, but there are other options out these. I strongly believe that teaching students to identify when they need a movement break is a life long skill that will lead to positive learning experiences for the rest of their lives.
Blogs/Articles
Thank you for sharing these resources. I found the treadmill articles to be particularly interesting as I had never considered the possiblility of having them in the classroom.
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