Technology integration in physical education : examining the physical education teachers' domain

Physical education (PE), in the meantime, has evolved as school subject that willingly adapts to technology trends to foster student learning. Several efforts to nurture and facilitate technology integration in PE indicate the growth in interest in this topic over the past years: multiple physical education teacher education (PETE) programs, textbooks, and journal papers have adopted technology issues as a regular topic in the realm of PE research and practice. Although there are plenty of conceptual papers and technology teaching tips available in common publication outputs, empirical evidence on technology integration in PE is still a rare sight. Empirical evidence on technology integration in PE is still limited. However, available studies reported vastly positive findings, favorably of a mutual linking of technology and PE Scanning through the various articles that described pedagogical scenarios for technology integration in PE, five pedagogical scenarios that stand for a typical and most beneficiary use of technology integration in PE classes in regard to student learning: a) homework and theory, b) informational Input, c) learning stations, d) feedback, and e) physical activity tracking. Focusing on the PE teachers? perspective, two empirical studies were carried out. The theoretical framework consists of three building blocks: the a) significance of technology in everyday life and school, b) organizational development and agents of school development and change, and c) determinants of technology integration in schools and in the classroom ? emphasizing the teacher as an agent of change. The first study examined PE teachers? subjective theories toward technology integration in PE. Findings indicated that a) computer literacy, b) household computer ownership, c) professional experience, as well as d) gender had an effect on PE teachers? subjective theories toward technology integration in PE. The second study surveyed PE teachers? computer literacy, and instructional technology and media use in PE. The majority of the PE teachers seldom used technology in PE classes. PE teachers? computer literacy had a statistically significant effect on their technology use in PE class for information and communications technology (ICT) such as laptops, Internet, and digital cameras. PE teachers who showed higher levels of computer literacy were more likely to use technology in the classroom. However, the sample tended to consist of PE teachers that do not use technology often. No statistical relation was found for the link of PE teachers? computer literacy and the use of traditional media (e.g., printed images, chalkboard) in the classroom. Conclusively summing up the discussion, the following developmental areas in the field of technology can be posited: a) curriculum development, b) media database, c) documentation, d) empirical research, e) PE environment, f) dissemination, g) implementation strategies, and g) professional development and PETE. Nonetheless, several concerns against technology integration in PE can be stated: a) Physical activity levels and physical activity time, b) sedentary lifestyle, c) empirical evidence, d) unfiltered experience and alienation, and e) preparation time and budget