Technological Games in Today's Physical Education

Over the last decade, the popularity of "gaming" has increased drastically due to detailed, realistic graphics and life-like game-play.  The popularity of video games has lead kids to spend more time inside playing games, rather than outside playing and being physically active.  It has also lead to a decrease in the desire to be good at traditional sports as kids seem to feel it is just as important to be good at video games and simulated sports.  Whether kids prefer video games or real sports, the fact is that kids still need to exercise and get daily physical activity.  Some gaming systems like Wii have attempted to use people interest in video games to help them become active and move while playing.  This is also a growing trend in physical education classes as it is becoming increasing difficult to get kids to exercise through traditional sports and games.  Video games can be incorporated into the physical education class to help students achieve the desired physical fitness level.  As a coach and a traditionalist when it comes to sports, I do not particularly care for the trend and use of video games, but I do realize the benefit for a large percentage of children when it becomes the only means to get them to exercise.