West Virginia funds 'exergaming' systems for schools

Using video games for exercise is nothing new.

In the mid 2000s, the education department provided many schools with Dance Dance Revolution machines, video games that encourage players to dance. Weikle said she received a machine for her gym that still works and effectively used other video game systems during class as well.

She and Purkey agree that such teaching methods can make physical activity seem attractive to certain children.

“The exergaming concept engages a group of kids . . . that maybe never wanted to be engaged,” Purkey said. “They had to find [activities] they would actually choose to do on their own.”

The irony of using video games to encourage physical activity is not lost on Weikle. She said “exergaming”—exercising through video games—is controversial and should not replace more traditional forms of physical activity. It’s just another tool educators can use, she said.

“As a teacher, how you motivate kids in the 21st century is different than how it used to be,” Weikle said.

Weikle said only one Xbox can go to any given school, and the devices must be available for student use before, during and after school. She’s not sure how long the equipment will last but said they are under warranty for one year.

Every Xbox should be in a classroom by this fall, Purkey said.

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