FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

University Students Use Technology to Make Physical Education Instruction Exciting

RESTON, VA, May 26, 2010 – "How will you make physical education more exciting to your students?" is the question the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and Polar USA asked university students nationwide to answer by participating in a video contest which concluded last month. The video contest, Celebrating Technology and Innovation in Physical Education, gave student majors in the areas of physical education, exercise science and kinesiology the opportunity to share their creative ideas and win prizes! "Polar welcomed the opportunity to recognize these progressive students and we commend their efforts to revolutionize the way physical education is taught by incorporating technology," said Gina Pilnacek, Senior Marketing Manager of Polar USA.      

Videos were judged and finalists selected based on the total number of video "views" plus the total number of positive comments received through YouTube. Grand prize winner received a Polar Companion Pocket PC and a Polar E600 heart rate monitor. Ten finalists received a Polar E600 heart rate monitor. Visit www.youtube.com/user/TheNASPEVideoContest to see all submitted videos.       

NASPE and Polar USA congratulate the winners of the first-ever Celebrating Technology and Innovation in Physical Education video contest:

Grand Prize Winner
Ithaca College Technology in PE
Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY
Submitted by Jason Zweig

Top Ten Finalists
Physical Education Activity Using Polar Heart Rate Monitors
Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV
Submitted by Davis Moore

Using Video Feedback to Enhance Learning in PE
Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR
Submitted by Kami Hernandez

Pittsburg State Technology in PE
Pittsburg State University, Riverton, KS
Submitted by Attalie Neal

Technology in P.E.
Auburn Montgomery, Montgomery, AL
Submitted by Nik Chamberlain

Using Technology to Increase Exposure and Interest in Physical Education
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC
Submitted by Christopher Buckner

Using Mobile Devices to Enhance Student Learning
Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR
Submitted by Brianne Sjolund

Soccer Pedometer Challenge
Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV
Submitted by Donnie Mriscin and Sarah Whetmore

PED 302 NASPE Standards
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH
Submitted by Erin Barrett

Wii Wii - Innovative Technology to Excite the Physical Education Learning Environment
Washburn University, Manhattan, KS
Submitted by Caitlin Ferre

Be Active! Use Technology
Washburn University, Manhattan, KS
Submitted by Kellie Hays

About Polar
Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. Polar now operates internationally in more than 80 countries. Polar heart rate and fitness assessment technology delivers unparalleled insight into the human body from valuable training guidance and feedback, to enabling individuals to improve their fitness level and sports performance. Polar technology is key to the success of leading fitness facilities, athletic teams, corporate wellness facilities, health insurance providers and thousands of physical education programs around the world. Today, Polar training computers are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. For more information, visit www.polarusa.com.

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Contact:
Juliet Prillaman
jprillaman@aahperd.org
703-476-3485

The preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) is a non-profit professional membership association that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport. NASPE?s 15,000 members include: K-12 physical education teachers, coaches, administrators, researchers, and college/university faculty who prepare professionals in these areas. NASPE seeks to enhance knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high-quality physical education, sport and physical activity programs. It is the largest of the five national associations that make up the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD). For more information, visit www.naspeinfo.org.

AAHPERD, an alliance of five national associations, six district associations, and a Research Consortium, provides its members with a comprehensive and coordinated array of resources, support, and programs to help practitioners improve their skills to further the health and well-being of the American public. It is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, recreation, fitness, dance, health promotion and all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. AAHPERD serves 20,000 members and has its headquarters in Reston, Virginia, 25 miles west of Washington DC. To learn more, visit www.aahperd.org.