Yes, you read that right.  The popular arcade game Dance Dance Revolution, or DDR, will be implemented into Hawaii high schools as part of their physical education program starting 2007-2008.  According to the Honolulu Advertiser, the Department of Education has made a deal with Konami, the makers of DDR, to use the DDR software at no cost.  The Department of Education hopes to get all 284 campuses with DDR equipment within the next three years.

Sounds weird at first, but if you really think about it, I feel like this is a good move towards physical education.  There are students out there who just aren’t built or have the skills necessary to compete in sports like basketball, football, or baseball.  Because of this, they don’t really get a workout, or they just sit out on the sidelines while the other more athletic people play.  So rather than letting these types of students sit out or not really get a good workout, they would be able to try something new like DDR where they aren’t forced to be really athletic.  And if you are familiar with the DDR game, it definitely can get you hot and sweaty.

But really, what are the benefits of playing DDR?  According to the University of West Virginia, playing DDR at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week will “improve general health and reduce the risk for lifestyle-related diseases, improve arterial function and blood flow in overweight children, and create a positive attitude toward fitness activities” (Source: Honolulu Advertiser).  This is much better than sitting on the sidelines in my opinion.

Plus, students around that age will find more fun in playing things like DDR, which will keep their interests up, ultimately making them WANT to play DDR…with the fitness being an added bonus.

Of course, not everyone will agree with me that this is a good idea.  People should go out to play in the open, and not stay couped up at home.  I don’t think schools should let people ONLY play DDR as a source of physical education, but at least allow it to be another outlet for those who don’t excel in other sports.

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