Online Physical Education

Online Physical Education can be beneficial if used correctly, with caution, in certain situations. I believe that having a Physical Education teacher present in a class setting is almost always necessary for Physical Education to be successful. Most students need an instructor who can properly teach, demonstrate, manage, and conduct a class. Physical Education teachers also serve as role models who motivate students to live active, healthy lifestyles and, hopefully, guide them towards being active, healthy adults. Having a teacher who is physically present, rather than one who is online and cannot see or hear the student watching, is much more effective.

After taking an online course over the summer, I now know how difficult it is to keep up with a course that is online. To be successful in an online course, it is necessary to be extra- aware of due dates and students must pace themselves without having a teacher to help them in person. Also, having a teacher to answer questions or help you while in a physical classroom setting is much easier than sending e-mails to ask questions or get help.

While I believe that online Physical Education is not the best way to teach students how to live active, healthy lifestyles, I am also aware of the benefits of incorporating technology into a classroom. Although I do not think it is proper to teach every aspect of a Physical Education class online, I do agree that online sources can be a good way for students to obtain additional information.