ORU students log 3 billion steps on Fitbit devices

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – Oral Roberts University says the use of Fitbit activity trackers has proven to be a good fit within the school’s requirement that students take part in health and fitness activities.

The school’s associate vice president of technology and innovation, Michael Mathews, tells the Tulsa World (http://bit.ly/2ns3zmf ) the devices have proven to be a time-saver for faculty members. Students used to track their fitness activities on paper and then turn them in for part of the grade, but the Fitbits can turn in data automatically.

ORU launched its program 18 months ago and Fitbit-wearing students had taken more than 3 billion steps. This semester, nearly 1,300 students are wearing the devices. Mathews says that taking part in health and fitness activities is mandatory, but using a Fitbit is not.