The impact of a virtual fitness lab in physical activity participation: A Second Life’s project
Abstract: In this roundtable we will discuss the use of second life for simulation in higher education and as part of a service to the community. In addition, we will explore the above program as part of the Physical Education program for teacher education program. The purpose of this roundtable are twofold: (1) to explore the instructional uses of a fitness lab in Second Life by developing a virtual fitness lab; and (2) to support the community in becoming knowledgeable about fitness and health and to encourage individuals to be more physically active. The focus of this project is that through virtual simulation, students in Exercise Science programs will learn fitness concepts and acquire fitness assessment skills to apply in a real world setting. A virtual exercise physiology lab in second life will support classroom instruction through virtual simulation of the various tests without bringing the subject to exhaustion during the tests and for research without the need expensive equipment up and running by a trained professional.