EXPLORING USE OF EXERGAMES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES AS A WAY TO CURB OBESITY AND PROMOTE HEALTH IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN ZIMBABWE
Abstract
We now survive in a risk society especially when we look at the type of food that is consumed together with the fact that children and adolescents are inactive in most of the times is an issue that can be averted by promoting exercise and activity in the group. Computers, TV, cell phones, and computer video games are currently integral to the daily lives of our students. On the other hand, obesity has been an issue that has been lately affecting children and adolescents who spend most of their time glued to these gadgets which encourage inactivity. Straker and Abbott (2007) commented on the consequences caused by technology such as TV, computers, video games, smart phones which they said promoted sedentary lifestyles, poor physical and mental health, obesity in children and adolescents and cardiac diseases in children. There are several ways that have been employed to try and fight childhood and adolescent obesity in various aspects and this has been done due to introducing relevant technology that promotes activity. Technology has been in use in physical education for example; use of heart rate monitors, pedometers and video analysis of games. Use of information technology in teaching physical education can be of much help in physical activity if it also considers activity based technology. Use of technology should not be however looked at as a substitute to replace physical activity or physical education teachers. Technology and exergames have been noted for their ability to encourage participation in Physical Education (PE). Tracking personal progress provides a mechanism for students to become cognitively involved with their fitness through a process of critical reflection. Implications of introducing exergames which are new active video games to the school curriculum can be considered in the wake of information technology. Perhaps it is also prudent to look at how these games can be used as part of the Zimbabwean PE school curriculum.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v0i0.839
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