Integration of Technology in Physical Education - Assignment Example

 Integration of Technology in Physical Education Introduction Physical education is the learning of the physical development in the human body fitness as a way of promoting good health. It may include education in sporting activities like soccer, volleyball, gymnastics etc. Besides being a typical sport, it may also include bowling, walking and even hiking (Knapp, 1962). Some countries and states include yoga and tai chi in their physical education classes. Physical exercises enhance muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, and provide the bodily benefits to a person. In addition, it gives psychological benefits such as improving general mental health, concentration, awareness and positive mood. Due to these benefits, physical exercise has prompted human beings to incorporate new technology in order to improve the whole exercising process. Utilization of technology in a physical education class Technology is an essential part of the society because it assists in simplifying work. Each day, new inventions and innovations are created in order to simplify our day-to-day activities. In the case of a physical education class, technology is an integral part hence new and developed equipment have to be brought for proper learning. Such equipment includes video recorders, pedometers, video projectors etc that can be used together with the computers (George, 1974). This makes technology a double-edged sword because computers have the capacity to provide inactive leisure, for example through computer games. Importance of technology in physical education Ensure efficiency during exercise Technology has ensured that the goals of the physical education class are reached. It creates an environment where the students are able to understand and learn quickly. For example, by use of video cameras, the students are able to record how the play in the field. They can therefore be able to compare it with great personalities hence improving their skills. Moreover, viewing how they play helps them to know their mistakes hence improving on their skills. Therefore, technology has helped to enhance efficiency in physical education. Source of knowledge for students Technology has ensured access to advanced knowledge to students. The students can be able to access this important information from the internet or through video projectors. With the help of advanced technology, animated expert analysis documentaries have been developed (Benet, 1983). The teacher can project this videos to the class hence the students are able to get a full insight about the nature of the exercises. Moreover, interactive video is especially effective when the skills and concepts to be learned have a visual component and when the software incorporates a research based instructional design hence facilitating in education of the students. Monitors progress of physical activity The rate of the physical activity can be keenly monitored using modern technology. Monitoring allows students to rate the progress of their physical activities in the physical education class. The use of pedometers has been able to assist in the monitoring of the number of steps one takes over a given time. With such information, one is able to know his/her usage of calories hence compensate them by eating healthy. Hence, technology is vital for teaching of physical education. Proper time management Time is an important factor in the study of physical education. Due to the coordination of the large number of students, it is important to manage time properly so that there would be achievement of the lesson objectives. The use of computers has ensured that there is fast group allocation in exercises requiring group work (Allan, 2009). In addition, computer animations have allowed students to learn faster hence good time management. In addition, some music has been recorded to play for a given time; in which the end of the music signals the start of another exercise practice hence managing time. Therefore, technology has been used to properly manage time in physical education class. Generates improved results In a research carried out by the American physical education geeks, it found out that incorporation of technology in physical education generates impressive results, including improved achievement, attitude, enthusiasm, and engagement, richer classroom content, etc (Sheldon, 1978). Hence, technology has been able to improve the grades of students in the physical education class. Motivation to students It has been found out that students like it better when technology is incorporated in the physical education lessons. They are indirectly motivated to attend classes because of the electronic gadgets. From a psychological view, students are eager and willing to learn new technological things hence their curiosity motivates them to participate in physical education (Basbel, 1996). Therefore, technology is an important aspect in teaching and learning of physical education. Impact of technology on the development of the learning environment Technology has affected positively on the physical education learning environment. It has been able to transform one of the most boring lessons to an active and involving lesson. Through use of advanced computing and telecommunications technology, learning has been made of higher quality than before. With the help of technology, more students develop a passion for physical education hence they can pursue it as a carrier (John, 1984). The following are the impacts of technology on physical education learning environment. Encourages Parent and teacher support Technology makes instructions more students centered, encourages cooperativeness, and stimulates increased teacher-student interactions. The students get an opportunity to learn more from the instructor as he/she teach them the various uses of technology. The parents also play an important role in the students learning environment. Incorporation of technology in the classroom would encourage parents to buy for their children the required gadgets for example video cameras and laptops to facilitate their learning environment. Therefore, technology creates an active involvement of the teachers and parents in the learning environment. Classroom goals are realized The use of technology has facilitated proper teaching of the physical education in schools. This is because technology is more effective in achieving of the set goals of each lesson. The student population, the instructional design, the teachers’ role, the grouping of students and the level of student access to technology, influences the degree of effectiveness. For example, if the goal of the lesson were to ensure that each student could be able to score in a basketball; video recording this session would allow those who were unable to learn their mistakes hence correcting them (Robert, 1984). Therefore, technology ensures that the classroom goals of physical education are realized. Richer learning environment Technology has ensured that there are more learning resources as opposed to the normal school curriculum. The access to internet in the classroom would allow students to gain knowledge on new and important methods of exercising and sports. This would improve their practical skills because they would seek to practice what they learned through the internet. In addition, the process of learning can become significantly richer because students can manipulate their lessons into computer graphics hence making them easy to understand (Daniels, 1995). Teachers also gain from this technological involvement in physical education. Due to the evolving nature of technology, the instructors are able to familiarize themselves with the latest technology hence gain more knowledge and skill about physical education. Using this gained information, the instructors are able to deliver appropriate and comprehensive knowledge to students hence creating a good learning environment. Therefore, technology has contributed to a richer learning environment to both students and teachers. Proper assessment of students Technology has ensured accurate assessment of students’ activities hence issuance of correct grades. The use of video cameras to record practical tests of students has been effective in the assessment because the moves can be zoomed, slowed, play backed etc hence allowing the instructor to clearly notice the mistakes. By keen observation, the instructor is able to correct the mistakes hence creating a good learning environment (Thomas, 2004). Reduces classroom monotony To most students, the class sessions are mostly unwelcoming and very boring. In the end, this students lose interest in the physical education class hence they develop a negative attitude towards physical exercise. The students have used technology to make the class lively and active hence full participation. The use of video recorders helps to develop teamwork among classmates hence the lessons become interesting (Tim, 2012). In addition, music during exercise motivates the students to keep on exercising because it eliminates boredom. Therefore, technology has been used to make the class active by reducing classroom monotony. Conclusion In conclusion, technology plays a vital role in the learning of physical education. It ensures proper time management, motivation to students, improved student grades; clear monitoring of the student’s exercise etc. Technology has created conducive environment for learning physical education. It has led to proper assessment of students, parents and teachers involvement, reduced classroom monotony and the realization of the classroom goals. The positive changes of technology in the learning environment evolve over time and do not occur quickly because they are evolutionary and not revolutionary; hence a need for patience when introducing a new technology to students. Technology is therefore the future of physical education hence it should be embraced in all learning institutions because of its benefits. References Allan, K. (2009). Encyclopedia of physical education, fitness and sports: 7th edition. Philadelphia: Sea publishers. Basbel, P. (1996). Advanced studies in physical education and sports. Cheltenham, GL: Thomas Nelson and Sons Ltd. Benet, B. (1983). Comparative physical education and sports. Philadelphia: Sea publishers. Daniels, A. (1995). Adapted physical education. New York, NY: Harper and row publishers. George, H. (1974). Issues in physical education and sports. Nairobi, Nbi: Polo alto national press. John, D. (1984). Physical education. New Jersey, NJ: Prentice hall publishers. Knapp, C. (1962). Physical education. Illinois, IL: Champaign Illinois striper. Robert, P. (1984). Physical education and the physically handicapped child. Amazon. EBook Sheldon, F. (1978). Physical education and sports. New Jesey, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Thomas, P. (2004). A model for evaluating of physical education in colleges. Minnesota: Minnesota university press. Tim, F (2012). Elementary classroom teachers and physical education: change in teacher related factors during pre-service education. New Jesey, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Read More