Two William Floyd Elementary Physical Education Teachers Named Bright Lights for Innovative Use of Technology

LongIsland.com

Kimberly Apicella and Mark Dawson, physical education teachers at William Floyd Elementary School, were recently selected as “Bright Lights” by the Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technologies (ASSET) at their annual winter luncheon.

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William Floyd Elementary PE teachers Kimberly Apicella (center) & Mark Dawson (second from right) were named “Bright Lights” by the Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technologies. They are pictured with Kathleen Pantaleo (left), Educational Technology Specialist, WFSD; Tricia Interrante, Coordinator of Technology, WFSD; and Dr. Keith Fasciana, Principal, William Floyd Elementary.

Shirley, NY - January 27th, 2016 - Kimberly Apicella and Mark Dawson, physical education teachers at William Floyd Elementary School, were recently selected as “Bright Lights” by the Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technologies (ASSET) at their annual winter luncheon held at the Timber Point Country Club in Great River. William Floyd was the only district out of 13 represented (14 honorees overall) with two Bright Light honorees. They were chosen for their innovative incorporation and use of technology in their physical education classes.

After a few months of research, this resourceful duo came up with a variety of ways to incorporate technology into their daily lessons to reach students on a deeper level. Some of those methods include using specialized workout apps such as Coaches Eye, Sworkit and videos from YouTube Kids, which allows the classes to both stream their own videos and view other physical education classes from around the country. The pair is also using the Xbox video games Shape Up, Rival Sports, and Just Dance for cardio workouts.

“The use of the iPad with video and apps as well as the addition of the video games has enhanced our students’ physical education environment,” said Dr. Keith Fasciana, Principal, William Floyd Elementary School. “Not only are we promoting a lifetime of fitness through technology in our physical education classes, but we have opened the door to a variety of fitness activities that our students can participate with at home. This initiative has increased what was already a high level of excitement toward these classes and has created a buzz throughout the district.”

“Kimberly and Mark are cutting edge in their approach and truly deserving of these awards,” said Tricia Interrante, Coordinator of Technology, William Floyd School District and past-president of ASSET. “Together they are revolutionizing physical education in the 21st century and reaching students in a way that will stay with them forever.”

This innovative curriculum was made possible with the support of Dr. Fasciana, the William Floyd Elementary School PTO and the William Floyd Instructional Technology Department, who secured projectors, 3 Xbox One units for live gaming and an iPad to use in their daily lessons. 

 

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