Post #2: Specific Applications of Blogging Cont.

When completing this assignment I came across a number of blogs related to the Physical Education and Health fields. A couple of the better ones that I found are listed below. These two blogs are interesting in the fact that they are kind of on both ends of the spectrum. One uses technology to cover the basics of his classroom whereas the other really pushes the envelope as far as the use of technology in PE.

Mr. Loftus' PE Website
http://www.mrloftuspe.com/
This was the first PE blog that I came across. It is done by Mr. Loftus who evidently is a middle school PE teacher at Virgil Middle School, wherever that is. This blog is straightforward and is easy to navigate. Mr. Loftus uses it as a way to post homework assignments, a calendar, syllabus etc. All of the basic things that you would expect on a teachers blog. Along with this it also appears that he has students enter their times for physical fitness tests such as the mile run. Students are also expected to create their own blogs for the class.

Mr. Robbo - The P.E. Geek
http://mrrobbo.wordpress.com/
This one was by far the coolest blog that I came across. Mr. Robbo has some really creative ideas as far as ways to incorporate technology into PE. He did one post about iPhone apps that are useful in the PE classroom. I really liked his idea about using instant replay in class, similar to how they use instant replay in the NFL or other professional sports leagues. While Mr. Robbo is really creative and a lot of his ideas are awesome, he is obviously at a very affluent school where they have a ton of technology available to them. Regardless his blog has really inspired me as far as different uses of technology in the PE classroom.

After looking through a number of PE blogs I now have a much better idea of how I can incorporate technology into physical education. The majority of the blogs were similar to Mr. Loftus' blog, simple and straightforward. They did the job for what they were looking for. It was really cool to see someone like Mr. Robbo though, as he is really pushing the envelope in technology and PE.

Post #2: Specific Applications of Blogging

The most obvious application of blogging to me is that it serves as a place where students can easily access important course information. The syllabus, handouts, announcements, homework assignments, etc. can easily be put on the blog and students can easily view this information. Another application for blogging would be to have students comment on posts that you make. Students could present their views on an issue and as a teacher you can easily keep track of who has and hasn't posted. You could also post links and videos that apply to what students have been learning in the classroom. Blogs can be used in a myriad of ways and are useful for any teacher.

Post #1: Personal Bio

Hey everbody!

My name is Matthew Banta but I typically I just go by Matt. Really anything works though. I grew up in Baker City, Oregon a small town in Eastern Oregon. I did my undergraduate work at Willamette as well. I was an Exercise Science major and I played on the football team for four years. This is the first year that I have not played football in fifteen years so it has been kind of a weird adjustment. I plan on getting into coaching in the near future though. Along with football, I love to play and watch most sports. My other main hobbies are skiing, fly fishing, and hunting. Basically I love to do anything in the outdoors.

As far as teaching goes I will be endorsed in K-12 Physical Education and MS and HS Health. I am also planning on adding a science endorsement somewhere down the road. I am really looking forward to starting student teaching and I am hopeful that I will enjoy it as much as I think. Along with teaching I really want to get into coaching and it is one of the many reasons that I have chosen to teach. Eventually I hope to relocate back to Eastern Oregon and ideally back to Baker City.