Crazier and crazier
The New York Times today reports on the launch of a new exercise bike for toddlers.
It’s a “stationary bicycle that hooks up to a TV. The idea is to get your preschooler off the floor and pedaling to drive over letters on the screen while avoiding potholes.”
Purlease…. is it just me, or this very, very sad?
April 30th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
I invented this product and licensed it to Fisher Price because there are 12million obease children and lots of stupid videogames. Little children can be active while learning…how is this sad? This does not replace a regular bike or other activity games but as we developed this we can see the immersive quality and fun that can be derived for pedaling and turning to learn and think.
Latest research indicates that we learn best while active. This is a good thing and very much needed!
Christian Holljes
president
Newgent, Inc.
April 30th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
I couldn’t agree with you more.
Obesity among children has reached crisis point. Children need to be more active (and eat more healthily).
What I find sad is the fact that it is likely that some of the people who buy your product will see it as a replacement for running around outdoors, cycling, clambering around a playground or just goofing about, while being active, indoors.
Don’t get me wrong — I have kids and they play video games. Games that are probably much less educational than the ones you have created.
But they are not that young anymore, their screen time is monitored and they play lots of outdoor sports. I would not have allowed them to play video games when they were toddlers. This is an age where their imagination must be allowed to run riot — not be constrained by electronic games.
Having said all this, I feel sure you will have success with your product. Good luck.
May 2nd, 2007 at 9:05 pm
[...] Edit: I just read a post on a blog from Christian Holljes [ Read his post at Not a soccer mom ] who invented this product. He says, “I invented this product and licensed it to Fisher Price because there are 12million obease children and lots of stupid videogames. Little children can be active while learning…how is this sad? This does not replace a regular bike or other activity games but as we developed this we can see the immersive quality and fun that can be derived for pedaling and turning to learn and think. [...]
May 2nd, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Christian:
I believe that your intentions are good - I know many kids and adults who need to move more.
I am interested in the research pointing to the idea that individuals learn best while active (especially kids). I’d love to find out more about this. As an instructional designer, who has in the past had interest in the use of games for learning, and as a father of 3 - I’d like to know. It seems counter intuitive, but many things are.
Anyway you would be willing to point us in the right direction so we can understand the motive behind your product?
Much thanks - and best of luck with the launch - I sure hope it helps.
m pierce (you can contact me at: letmelearn.7.piercemr@spamgourmet.com) or http://nevercouldlearn.wordpress.com