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The Vern Patrick Study
A 5 month study at Vern Patrick Elementary School in Oregon featured use of an interactive dance video game in classrooms. Teachers were trained on how the game worked, learned about
the fitness and academic benefits of dance video games and then selected specific students to
manage the program. These students taught their peers how to play the game.
These student “Game Masters” were then in charge of setting up the game
and helping students practice and have more fitness fun. These small teams
of students would then take turns throughout the day to play.
Click here to view video clips of the study.
Here are the amazing stories that came from the award-winning study:
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Heather Renz
Heather Renz, one of the lead teachers in the study, was selected as just one of ten
Microsoft Innovative Technology Teachers from the US (for more info visit
http://www.generation-fit.com/microsoft.htm)
for her use of an interactive dance video game as a fitness and brain-training solution in the classroom.
Throughout the duration of the study, Heather lost over 35 lbs by playing this game. |
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Justin
Justin, who is challenged with both cerebral palsy and autism was very open to trying a dance video game.
As a result of playing, Justin developed improved motor skills, a joyful
experience with dance, and active participation with his classmates. The left side of
his body causes him great challenge, but the motivation to do well in the game led to great improvement. The combination of the music and dance steps really
appealed to Justin. Many students like Justin, who’d previously not enjoyed PE really
enjoyed getting aerobic exercise, balance, agility, eye tracking and coordination practice
through playing an interactive dance video game.
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The Vern Patrick Study yielded many impressive results; here are just a few:
The absenteeism rate dropped for more than 50% of the student mentors. This was in spite of the fact the
study was conducted through the winter at the height of flu season.
Teachers reported that 85% of the mentors demonstrated a growth in social skills.
Teachers reported that 94% of the students demonstrated an increase in both leadership skills and confidence.
Both of these are important to a student’s self-esteem and academic success.
Pre and post study fitness testing showed that 4th graders using the dance game had 13.8% improvement on
their mile run time compared to just 8% in the control class. More importantly, students
reported more enthusiasm for sports, fitness and dance than before the program began. This attitude change
is powerful.
Video Clips from the Study
Quick overview of clips here. You must have QuickTime Player to view these clips.
If you would like to know more about this study, please contact us here
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