Using Technology in #PhysEd: 3 Tools to Help Teachers Overcome Challenges

Technology can be used to support students in reaching their learning goals, but it can also be used to support and streamline teacher workflow. Here are some typical challenges PE teachers face, and tech tools to help overcome these obstacles. For more physical education technology tips, read Using Technology in #PhysEd: Part 1 and Part 2.

1. Student Feedback

Are you struggling to provide specific and timely feedback to 40+ students in your classes of 40 minutes?

There are video delay tools that will support you in making sure every child receives immediate specific feedback in each class, by allowing students to view themselves working through a progression of skills.

Video is a very powerful tool that should be used to support students reaching their learning goals. A checklist of cues or a reflection sheet can be posted at an assessment station and then, in groups or individually, students can go to the assessment station to complete a quick self- or peer-assessment.

A great tool that can be used to accomplish this is an app called Live Video Delay for iOS, and Video Coach for Android. The video delay apps are essentially a mirror on delay. If you do not have access to mobile devices but do have access to a laptop or Chromebook, you can use the Chrome extension, Replay It – Sports Video Delay Tool.

2. Extended Student Learning

Are you struggling with supporting your students in extending their learning and helping to challenge them further?

You may want to look into using QR codes. QR codes are square two-dimensional barcodes that can link to resources, videos, text, websites and documents. Students scan the QR codes with a QR code scanner app.

The i-nigma app is a powerful tool that works within seconds of scanning the QR code to take you to the information that is linked to it.

Here are some examples of how QR codes are being used by physical educators:

• In a circuit, physical educators are creating an assessment station where they have a poster with a QR code linked to a Google Form assessment that students scan with a device and take a minute to complete as a reflection of their learning.
• Using skill cards or posters that have QR codes linked to a video sharing how to perform a skill or sharing the next level of the skill progression.
• Adding a QR code to fitness equipment. Physical educators link videos to the QR codes that share examples of the targeted muscles each machine focuses on and/or videos of how to use the equipment properly.

3. Classroom Management

If you find you are managing behavior more than facilitating student learning, you may want to look into tools that will allow you to become more efficient. Do you find that when students are participating in a circuit, you spend more time looking at the clock, making sure to blow the whistle after every interval?

A great tool to save time and make your learning environment more engaging is FIT Radio. This app allows you to find DJ-curated playlists that are school appropriate and can be set to use non-explicit lyrics.

Another exciting feature about this tool is that it has a built-in interval timer. No longer do you have to look at your watch or the clock on the gym wall. You are able to set the interval period and the rest period so the buzzer goes when you need it to. This allows you to spend more time supporting your students in reaching their learning goals.

What aspect of your teaching do you feel you are struggling with? Can technology support you in overcoming the struggles and challenges? What tools do you use? Comment to let us know what you think!

This blog is adapted from the original article “Technology in Physical Education” written by Naomi Hartl and published in the Saskatchewan Physical Education Association (SPEA) On The Move Journal in April 2017, and has been posted with permission.