Integrating computer-based fitness activities into other subject areas might invigorate the curriculum and help teachers meet the daily standards set for physical education in government schools.
Who knows, fitness activities introduced as part of the curriculum could carry over into a more active lifestyle outside the school.
Granted, the development of computer games or simulation-based curriculum on a scale that would deliver fitness benefits to improve childhood obesity rates would not be an easy task.
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It would require some innovative partnerships between government and computer game manufacturers in the private sector to provide the infrastructure, software and teacher training before it could become a reality.
But considering the rising health costs of obesity and related diabetes and heart disease, a computer-integrated approach that delivers simultaneous educational outcomes and health benefits is at least worth a good look.
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About the Author
Dennis
Hemphill is an Associate Professor in Sport Ethics and also the Head of
the School of Sport and Exercise Science at Victoria University. Dennis
is a longstanding
member of the International Association for the Philosophy of Sport
and, more recently, the Australian Council for Health, Physical
Education and Recreation.
He
has published articles on topics such as player safety, spectatorism,
computer gaming, doping control, and combating sexism and homophobia;
and his current
research interests include professional ethics in clinical exercise
science, anti-doping and athlete rights, and coaching ethics.
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