New educational methodologies to combat physical inactivity. Technology at the service of education

Abstract

New educational methodologies to combat physical inactivity. Technology at the service of education. Current society is in constant evolution in search of new methodologies that allow an integral formation of the students. Scientific evidence has confirmed that a way to stimulate cognitive function is through the practice of physical activity. It has been shown that the inclusion of leisure activities such as exergames (game with an intrinsic component of Physical Activity), or new practices developed in education such as Gamification, Flipped Classroom or Project Based Learning allow during the academic day, increase the daily amount of Physical Activity. Furthermore, they could improve socialization, or cognitive performance. This would be an ideal way to combat high rates of child and adolescent obesity rates. In Spain, about 18% of young people are obese. This has a serious influence on health, social and academic problems. The aim of this paper is to review whether the practice of exergames influences the health of the users as well as possible cognitive benefits in children and adolescents. In addition, some practical applications of use and recommendations for their integration in the classroom or school will be shown.

Keywords

• exergames
• actividad física
• cognición
• educación