Analizando las posibilidades educativas de los exergames en Educación Física:una investigación con estudios de caso

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a qualitative research project that incorporated case studies aimed at introducing exergames at Physical Education classes in two primary schools in north-ern Spain. The main goal of the project was to analyze the curricular and organizational possi-bilities of using exergames. The results allowed us to identify the pedagogical potential of these types of video games when used as educational resources in Physical Education. The curricular potential of exergames is related to improved motivation, the possibility of addressing a large amount of content or opportunities to diversify methodological strategies and improve the learn-ing environment. The limitations were related to a decrease in pupils’ motor activity, the organ-izational management of resources and the technical or motor challenges presented by some games. This research suggests that adapting these video games to a formal educational environ-ment requires curricular reflection processes focused on analyzing how their inclusion can be implemented in order to ensure they represent a resource with a genuine pedagogical and cur-ricular purpose. Therefore, it is essential that teachers play exergames beforehand to enable them to recognize both the dynamics and the potential that each game offers.