Physical Education's Digital Future? Fitnessgram® and the "Databasing" of Children's Bodies

• In Event: 16.057 - Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: 16.057-2 - Exploring Video Gaming, Video Analysis, and Digital Pedagogy in Physical Education

Abstract

School physical education is being reshaped by a convergence of socio-historical factors. A rapidly increasing number of schools are mandating the use of “Fitnessgram®”, a standardized fitness testing regime, to assess students. This study considers why Fitnessgram® has emerged as the dominant vehicle for curricular reform in addition to the effect of this use on policy and practice. Theoretically, the study is informed by Foucault’s concept of “governmentality” and Latour’s Actor Network Theory. These theories draw attention to the ways information, ideas and knowledge claims circulate through digitally-mediated networks. This research will generate empirical evidence about the practice of Fitnessgram® that will be used assess its strengths and weaknesses and advocate for ethically and educationally defensible practice.

Authors

• Carolyn Pluim (Vander Schee), Northern Illinois University

• Michael J. Gard, Charles Sturt University