Article Review #2: Xbox Kinect Gaming Systems as a Supplemental Tool Within a Physical Education Classroom

Shewmake, C. J., Merrie, M. D., & Calleja, P. (2015). Xbox Kinect Gaming Systems as a Supplemental Tool Within a Physical Education Setting: Third and Fourth Grade Students' Perspectives. Physical Educator, 72142-152.

A study was conducted in a rural elementary school in Northwest Arkansas examining the enjoyment and exertion of a traditional gym setting verses an exergaming lab (MKR) among 3rd and 4th graders. Today's society is ever changing, adapting, and growing into more and more technology. Physical education is trying to evolve in these changing times to as well. Technology is popular among students so the idea is to bring technology into the P.E to enhance student interest and enjoyment. Over the last three decades, obesity rates in adolescences has been at an all time high due to lack of activity. The idea of creating an exergaming lab within physical education classroom may better relate to students, allowing for more movement, involvement and enjoyment. 

Two PE settings were used in this study, a traditional gym setting and an exergaming lab (MKR). Students entered each setting for 30 minutes. During the traditional gym setting students participated in an obstacle course that involved running, jumping, and hurdling activities. In the MKR setting, two students were assigned 1 of 12 Microsoft Kinect gaming consoles and competed in track and field events activities of the Kinect Sports video game. At the end of each setting, students were given a survey to examine enjoyment and perceived exertion differences between the settings. Each survey consisted of 10 statements. The first seven statements were designed to measure student enjoyment and the last three statements measured student perceived exertion level. Students responded to each statement with a 1-5 point answer. 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). 

Results:
Students enjoyed the MKR significantly more than the traditional gym setting. However, students felt that they worked harder in a traditional PE setting. 

I found this study very interesting. I definitely see the benefit in incorporating something new and exciting such as a MKR lab in a PE setting but I can see some downfalls as well. I believe it is important that all students get a great workout in PE. This doesn't always happen for every students because he or she may be uninterested, non-athletic, bored, etc. The MKR could be a great way to excite these students. As PE teachers, our job is to create a fitness fun and friendly enivornment. In my opinion, I think the MKR lab would be a great, one day a week activity but definitely not an everyday thing. The students didn't feel as if they got a great workout from it and I'm sure I wouldn't think they did either. Overall, I see the advantages and disadvantages for incorpating the MKR lab. 

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