FINAL REFLECTION

I had no idea which game I would investigate for this class. Dr. Dana suggested I investigate Diner Dash. My partner talked to me about the Wii System and peaked my interest in it, and I remembered enjoying the original Mario Brothers when my daughter was in junior high. I found an updated version of it on the Internet. So initially I tried working with all three games. I was an inexperienced gamer,and despite the lack of success I was experiencing, I found myself enjoying the diversion from my everyday routines. I knew my choice had to be narrowed down, but I was never able to decide between Wii Sports and Diner Dash.

I enjoyed playing Diner Dash but I never experienced much success with it. I found it quite addicting, sometimes playing for an hour or two straight. I was determined that I could beat what appeared to be a rather simplistic game. It never happened however. I read blog posts of students in class who spoke of being on a second or third restaurant. I wanted desperately to get to that same level but it didn't happen for me. I wonder if I was hindered by the fact that I have rheumatoid arthritis. Anyway, discouraged after several weeks of trying, I finally turned my attention to the Wii Sport System I had purchased.

I enjoyed using the interactive sports system. Aside from walking my dogs I get very little excercise. Using Wii Sports I got the chance to bowl, play tennis, and play softball using a virtual Mii character I that I created in my own image. I got to play against other Mii characters created in the image of family members and friends. This made our games more personal and enjoyable. When engrossed in competitiveness and socializing, you often forget about the physical rigor you're exerting. We all looked forward to family game nights. I got to participate in sports that I would have never thought of doing in real life. I felt safe participating in these activities in the privacy of my own home. I didn't have to worry about anyone judging my form or ineptness. I even learned to keep score during bowling and tennis matches. And imagine how thrilled I was when I took the fitness test and scored a fitness age of 43, ten years younger than I actually am.

While most video games are said to be contributing to childhood obesity, the Wii Sports System seems to do the opposite. It gets kids up and moving involved in physical activity all while having fun doing it. This is just what students need to combat the sedentary lifestyle of most video game.systems. Many students dislike physical education classes. They may dislike traditional excercises or may be apprehensive about being involved in organized sports. With the continued use of the Wii sports system students can improve hand-eye coordination, flexibility, balance, stamina and endurance and enjoy the time spent doing it.

I read an article about a school in West Virginia that uses the video game Dance Dance Revolution as a part of the Physical Education curriculum to combat obesity and help young people get in shape. This is a great example of where a video game can be infused into the educational curriculum giving students an additional choice of fitness activities to engage in.

Recently while doing research, I read about a gentleman who conducted an experiment to see if he would lose weight after participating in Wii Sports activities everyday for 6 weeks. He lost 9 pounds. He gave me a great idea. I've decided to conduct the same experiment and see how I fare. It's only been two weeks thus far but I'm hoping for good results.

I for one am happy I purchased the Wii System. It's an investment that will give my family and I hours of enjoyment long after Medi 506 has ended. I'm not looking to become the best virtual athelete, just get a little more movement and lots of family bonding time.