The Decline of Movement >
A Timeline of Change
The evolution of movement can be visually represented by the greater than symbol (>). This character illustrates the power of movement in the past (the infinite, wide end), along with its decline and future possibilities (the pointed end) as we look ahead. Reviewing this timeline may give you a different perspective on how our society has deteriorated concerning physical activity over time. As we look at Figure 1.1, we see a progressive timeline that shows a shift in our needs, values, and viewpoints regarding the necessity of movement in our culture. Throughout primal times, people used movement for survival as they escaped physically life-threatening situations. Physical activity was needed to feed the family and to keep everyone safe and out of harm’s way. Basic movements were also vital during the Neolithic times, as farming and labor provided a standard way of life. This lifestyle resulted in strong bodies that could withstand many extensive hours of physical demands. As we moved to ancient times, men had to prepare for war through the use of physical training that improved their strength, speed, and power. These developments demonstrate that from 10,000 BC to 4,000 BC, physical activity was a requirement to sustain our very existence.
Movement was valued and frequent for basic survival and daily activities for many generations. The Renaissance marks a significant change in the importance of the body. Health and physical education were introduced to our schools, as anatomy and biology interests increased. Our society recognized the importance of intentional, purposeful exercise. People began to notice their body as they made time to strengthen it in an effort to improve their appearance, health, well-being, and fitness levels. The 18th and 19th centuries indicate an increase in exercise in the home environment. During the Industrial Revolution, people began to have more inactive occupations that restricted the amount of physical activity they received during work hours. This led to an increase in exercise regimens that took place around an individual’s employment schedule.
Figure 1.1 ■ The Evolution of Movement >
Source: Adapted from https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/the-historyof-physical-fitness/ by Erwan Le Corre. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
The 20th century is considered the birth of the modern fitness industry. Organized sports and a focus on fitness expanded as physical activity maintained its worth. Today, in the 21st century, fitness and technology unite forces. Although this unification brings many advantages, this period also illustrates a critical alteration in the way our society views movement and physical activity. Once given high value and importance, exercise is now seen as a chore. People lead busy lives, yet they are sedentary. Work and family responsibilities are time consuming and overwhelming. Where physical activity and exercise were once perceived as our go-to outlet, we now use technological resources and options for relaxation and pleasure. This is true for adults, adolescents, and children alike. This transferal of priorities comes with heavy consequences that question the role that movement plays in our future—if it even has a role.
The Impact on Learning
How has the evolution of movement impacted our schools and teachers? What role does movement and physical activity play in your own life? Maintaining a physically active lifestyle is important for everyone. We should be committed to including intentional movement in our daily regimen to maintain our individual health and well-being. Most Americans are so overwhelmed with abundant responsibilities and demands that exercise simply takes a back seat in their daily routines. The reality is that our health should always be our number-one priority, as it affects everything about us, including our parenting, relationships, and teaching. We cannot be elite in our careers if we are not taking the time to be the best version of ourselves. This development would include a consistent exercise plan that improves our body, mind, and spirit. This topic will be addressed in Chapter 6. Additionally, this dedication will have a positive effect on our thinking, energy, and stamina so that we can meet life’s challenges head-on with success and triumph, both in our home and classroom.
Students are affected by inactive lifestyles; this often shows in their learning. Our younger generation’s expectations for their education and their teachers have changed. Unfortunately, many schools are taking minimal measures to ensure that movement continues to evolve as a high priority in the lives of their students. The sedentary lifestyle of students is damaging their health, energy, work ethic, and endurance. Many students are becoming unmotivated to move; they resist it as if it were a punishment. For the first time in history, there is now talk of designing organized recess protocols because students simply do not have the skills to play by themselves or with one another. The social abilities of today’s children and adolescents are diminishing, and they are often unable to use their imaginations, creative thinking, and problem-solving strategies. This is a concern! Technology overuse is playing a part in these alarms, but the ultimate culprit is the direction and choices we are making as a society and as educational leaders. Supporting the balance between active teaching methodologies and technological resources in educational environments is an assertive means for safeguarding the evolution of movement as a societal priority. Evidence confirms that finding this balance is no longer an option: It is an obligation.
The Digital Age
A Past Perception
The digital age is commonly known as the information age; it is a period in human history characterized by a shift from traditional industry to an economy based on information technology. This era is associated with the Digital Revolution, recognized as a time when industry creates a knowledge-based society encircled by a high-tech global economy. As technology was introduced into our society, many of us did not predict its potential power and immense capabilities. During their arrival, devices had one function. We wrote papers, played video games, listened to music, and used cell phones in conjunction with our traditional means of communication and supplementary enjoyments. Technology lived alongside our customary lifestyles and moved parallel with our behaviors, habits, and simple ways of life. Progress was steady but largely linear, which made life still feel uncomplicated at the time. As we slowly evolved into the predigital age, products became digitized, photos became bits, and knowledge moved to Wikipedia. This was only the beginning of a conversion that would eventually consume our existence.
Can you recall the onset of the digital age and the first technological device you used or owned? How did it simplify or complicate your life? How did it change your teaching or learning? Computers and laptops have had a direct impact on education. Typing and editing became a breeze once you mastered the keyboard and all its functions. Research and information gathering was also faster and more accessible. Some schools had the initial funding to make immediate purchases, where others lagged behind. However, everyone was headed toward acquiring as much technology as the budgets would allow. Comparable to societal reactions and responses to the increase in technology, the initial impact in schools was also slow and steady. This allowed for minimal changes in the day-to-day teaching and learning process. Technology was viewed as a positive contribution to education and its practices.
A Present and Future Perception
Mid- and post–digital-age viewpoints deliver a much different perspective of the role that technology plays in our current and future lives. We have entered an age in which digital devices have been accepted into the mainstream and are