Technology In My P.E. Instruction

I plan on using technology in a variety of ways if I think that it is going to enhance a lesson. I will use technology in various aspects of teaching such as preparation, management, instruction, feedback, and assessment. I do not think that we should be dependent on the use of technology but if we have access to it and it can improve our teaching then why not use it. The use of technology in the physical education setting does not just mean incorporating video games into the curriculum such as DDR. In fact, the majority of the units in the curriculum may use little or no technology during instruction.

I can use technology for preparation by researching techniques of skills I am not familiar with or by researching certain sports I am not familiar with. I can also use it to assign students readings on unfamiliar sports or for interactive projects like the Web Quests. Technology can be used to cut down on management time. Instead of having students sit in squads and wait while I take attendance, I can have them start an activity and take attendance electronically. Technology can assist me with feedback for both myself or the students. By filming a lesson, I can analyze my own teaching skills and evaluate student performance in order to provide them with feedback and have concrete evidence to support my suggestions. Technology can also be used for assessment through the use of heart rate monitors or pedometers.

Videos, projections, and Power Point presentations can also be used to present information and instruction. I really like the P90X unit we observed at St. Joseph's and thought that was a great way to incorporate technology in order to improve a fitness lesson. Instead of giving students a list of exercises to do, the use of the P90X video makes the unit more interactive and engaging. It also follows a steady progression so students can monitor their fitness improvements. Baseline scores can be taken prior to the unit and then at the end of it in order to make comparisons and see how students improved in various aspects of fitness.

I believe technology if used properly can benefit us as teachers. I do not believe that the curriculum should be based around the technology but if there is access to some forms that will make our teaching more efficient and beneficial then we would be wrong by not using it. As long as the technological aspect of the lesson adds to and does not take away from the quality then I do not see any problem in incorporating technology into our teaching.