Research has shown that physical activity and rhythmic
movement
can increase academic success.
Music, rhythm, and the repetitive
practice of patterns found in many computer and video games
using balance and eye-tracking are all powerful tools for
physical and mental learning. Adding the
FootPOWR technology engages at-risk students on many
levels.
Research has linked active music making with increased language
discrimination and development, math ability, improved school
grades, better-adjusted social behavior, and improvements in
"spatial-temporal reasoning," - a cornerstone for problem
solving.
FootGaming is highly
effective in the learning environment, especially for the 30%
of students who are most challenged by conventional learning
interventions, those most likely to be labeled
at-risk. We have developed an easy-to-implement
program, Team E3, that
specifically meets the needs of these students.
Our field study for team E3 was
in a 9th and 10th grade program for at-risk students. We
found increased engagement in school, dramatic decrease in
absenteeism, improved mood, reduced anger and increased
self-confidence. These students used various
Footgaming/exergaming technology. Eagerness to learn and
engagement in reading and math classes were observed by the
teachers and self-reported by the students. Many had a
history of sleeping most of the day, acting out or otherwise
demonstrating negative behaviors. Instances of positive
behaviors increased dramatically.
ExerLearning is one of the the pioneer processes in developing integrated programs that leverage this key information. We’ve developed a new way to allow kids (and their teachers and families) to become more fit while simultaneously increasing academic success… and making it fun! We do it by combining the multiple benefits of exercise, fitness factors, music and the fun of interactive video games into a technology-delivered curriculum for the classroom. Search more teacher resources here.
Balance and Learning
Spatial awareness requires integrating the information from the different senses into the three-dimensional model of the world provided by the vestibular system. Activities which refine the vestibular system and develop sensory integration can refine all aspects of brain processing. The vestibular organs work together and define motion on each of the three dimensions of space. When the head moves, hair cells detect the motion of the fluids inside each
canal. The brain uses this information to calculate changes in inertia, in much the same way that the inertial navigation system on an airliner senses changes in position and velocity. All the other major brain systems—motor, tactile, auditory, and visual—also develop, but they develop in relation to the vestibular system, or sense of balance. Because the vestibular system plays such a key role in the foundations of perception, balance practice can alleviate many, seemingly unrelated problems in brain function [like reading and cognitive tasks]. [1]
