Innovative heart rate monitor technology reinvigorates high school physical education instruction
DoDEA Europe has successfully integrated wristwatch heart rate monitor (HRM) technology into high school physical education (PE) classes across Europe. This initiative highlights a strong collaboration among IT specialists, educational technologists (ETs), instructional systems specialists (ISS), and teacher support networks through job-alike Focus Collaboration Time (FCT).
The HRM program was introduced to educators during the Back to School and first-quarter professional learning days. By October, each high school received a class set of approximately 30 smart wristwatches from Interactive Health Technologies (IHT). Teachers submitted IT service desk tickets to obtain the necessary software, with many receiving additional support from ETs to install, configure, and explore the program’s features.
Teachers were trained to navigate two IHT platforms: a web-based program for creating and assigning classroom activities and an IHT app for tracking and recording students' activities on their wristwatches. This dual-platform setup provides comprehensive tracking and analysis of student performance. The technology is designed to motivate students to elevate and maintain their heart rate within an optimal zone, promoting long-term engagement with physical fitness.
Vicenza High School’s Adam Ridgley and Naples High School’s Amy Driscoll and Jim Davis have led the implementation of heart rate monitor technology in Europe South. Through their persistence in troubleshooting and supporting one another during Focus Collaboration Time (FCT), they have successfully integrated the technology into their weekly lessons, significantly increasing student engagement and enthusiasm. Their efforts have also extended to assisting other teachers in the region, fostering a collaborative environment.
Europe South Community Superintendent David Rudy praised the initiative, emphasizing the importance of FCT: “I am so pleased with both the devotion and professionalism of our district’s high school PE teacher leaders. They have truly utilized their FCT time with fidelity to tackle this new implementation head-on for the betterment of student engagement and fitness.”
Looking ahead, each middle school and middle high school will receive an additional set of HRMs this fall to extend the program’s reach. The continued dedication and teamwork of PE staff are expected to drive ongoing success, positively impacting students' health and fitness across Europe.
