Up until 2019, Ann Goff’s classes had been just doing the same games and activities for years. Kids were just going through the motions on fitness tests and games. They saw very little benefit for some games. But when Heart Zones was introduced that changed…
What was your first experience with Physical Education technology?
Four years ago, Ann Goff, the PE teacher at Lincoln Elementary, started researching heart rate sensors and step counters for her school when she came across Heart Zones. Ann was sold on Heart Zones after contacting Deb Berkey who then held a demonstration for 20 other PE teachers in that district during a professional development day. Afterward, Lincoln Elementary, along with three other schools in the Norman Public Schools District, were eager to get Heart Zones sensors as soon as possible. The students were also excited to “see how active they were and wanted their parents to see the results.”
What do you find most fun for you and for your students using Heart Zones Move Solution?
Ann noticed that her students began holding themselves to a higher standard. They worked harder to meet the goal for themselves and the class. I now incorporate Heart Zones in the same games and activities and continue to add new activities. I also started using more technology in my class.
What do you wish other PE teachers understood or knew about Heart Zones?
The principal at Lincoln Elementary has since shared about Heart Zones to other principals in the district. According to Ann, several principals have already come in to see it in action. Her principal likes that the parents get sent emails with their children’s data. Two of her children are actually in Ann’s class. 4th & 5th grade students are able to use the data collected in their math & science classes.
What do you like most about using Heart Zones?
After using the monitors, Ann found that a couple of students had heart irregularities. The feedback is instant. Ann loves that it is an easy program to use and set up. She has helped 3 other schools in her district set up their new sensors. It took awhile for Ann to learn how to use the new Heart Zones Connect Portal but she anytime she called, she always got the answers and help she needed with the new Portal. Ann still uses the curriculum which is easy to follow and can be adapted to fit other games.
" I like seeing if I can get a star by the end of class. "
Lincoln Elementary student
" I like seeing my calories burned. "
Lincoln Elementary student
Funding is important. Share how you were able to secure the funding
Norman Public Schools District was part of the settlement with TSET (Tobacco Industry settlement). There was money for a district wide purchase. We bought 2 sets of 30 to share within our district.
" Innovative and relevant, engages students. "
" Shows students the importance of exercise and how to reach those goals. "
Ann Goff
Ann Goff has been teaching Physical Education for 35 years, the last 20 of which have been spent at Lincoln Elementary. She has also been a member of OAHPERD for over 30 years. If you want to reach out to Ann yourself, she can be reached at agoff@normanps.org or call the school at 405 366 5904.