Steven Miner

ETAP 623 Spring 2014

Go to: Steven's Personal Page or Integrating iPads Into the Physical Education Curriculum

My Topic/Purpose

This mini-course is designed to teach educators how to incorporate technology into the Physical education curriculum. This mini-course is aimed to help educators integrate iPads and apps into their lessons. The apps that will be discussed deal with skill development, as well as nutrition. This technology will help to show student growth in the area of physical education.

Learning Outcomes

Educators will...

• Educators will understand the importance of using technology in the physical education curriculum.

• Educators will identify apps that they can integrate into their classroom.

• Educators will self evaluate their curriculum and technology usage.

• Educators will be able to create lessons that include iPads, and apps.

Needs Assessment

Instructional Problem

Today we live in a world where budgets control the school systems. Teachers are being cut and the one of the first subjects to go is usually physical education. However, physical education has many benefits. Not only do students improve their social skills due to interactions between the teacher and peers, but physical education also helps in cognitive development. Physical education “enhances academic performance by increasing the flow of blood to the brain, enhancing mood, increasing mental alertness, and improving self-esteem” (Bailey, 2006, p. 399). However the benefits don’t just apply to children. Studies have suggested that there is a positive relationship between intellectual functioning and physical activity in adults as well (Bailey, 2006). With such an importance on physical education and cognitive development, how do we meet the need of the 21st century students? Through the use of technology.

Technology is sometimes looked at as a nuisance in the physical education setting. Teachers who have been teaching physical education for years don’t want to deal with the hassle to tie technology into their lesson. However, technologies such as iPads do have benefits in the classroom. Some of those benefits include:

1. Increase motivation

2. Fosters student learning and performance

3. Facilitates access to, management of, and sharing of information

4. Facilitates student assessment

Benefits adopted from Karsenti & Fievez, 2013, p. 6.

From my experience, children are more engaged in physical education lessons that include some form of technology. Technology can be used in a wide area of teaching in PE, including: unit and lesson plan preparation, instruction and feedback, as well as assessment (Pyle & Esslinger, 2013). Teachers need to be instructed on what types of technology should be used in the gymnasium and how to implement the technology into their lessons. In this mini-course, teachers will learn about technology such as the iPad and different applications that can be used in the physical education curriculum.

What is to be Learned

Educators will learn about the benefits of using technology in the physical education setting. Educators will also learn about different iPad apps that can be used in their lessons.

Analysis of the Learner and Context

The Learners

This mini-course is designed for teachers in grades K-12. The content in this mini-course maybe more appropriate for teachers who have students in grades 7-12. Learners should have an understanding on the basic functions of iPads and how to access the app store.

Instructional Context

For this mini-course, learners will need to have a computer and a stable Internet connection. They will be able to access and complete the mini-course at their own pace.

Exploring the Instructional Problem and Solution

Leaners will view different sections of this course that discuss different apps they can use in the physical education setting. They will learn about how the different apps can help student learning. Learners will take part in activities that guides them through the design process and implementation of apps in their lessons.

Goals of this Mini-Course

The goal of this mini-course is to help newer and veteran physical education teacher understand how to implement iPads into their lessons. All participants should finish this course with an understanding of how they will implement iPads and apps into their lessons.

Performance Objectives

                    At the end of this course, educators should be able to:

• Discuss how technology is used in their lessons. (Bloom’s Knowledge)

• Identify how to incorporate an iPad into their favorite lesson. (Bloom’s Comprehension)

• Change and create their favorite lesson to include iPad’s, and apps. (Bloom’s Application & Synthesis)

• Compare and contrast their favorite lesson with or without technology. (Bloom’s Analysis)

• Determine if they should implement iPad’s and apps into their curriculum. (Bloom’s Evaluation)

• Describe how current lessons will be altered with technology. (Bloom’s Evaluation)

Task Analysis

Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to help teachers understand and utilize iPads in the gymnasium.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, learners should be able to:

· Understand what an application is.

· Understand what apps can be used in physical education.

· Understand the benefit of using iPad’s in their lessons.

· Understand how to create a lesson around an iPad.

Prerequisite Skills

Essential Prerequisites:

· Basic understanding on an iPad.

· Basic understanding of an iPads functions.

· Reflect on current lessons and be willing to alter them.

Supportive Prerequisites:

· Have an open mind about using iPad’s in physical education.

· Have an interest of using technology in the physical education curriculum.

· Be open to learning new information.

Curriculum Map

References and Resources

Bailey, R. (2006). Physical Education and Sport in Schools: A Review of Benefits and Outcomes. Journal Of School Health, 76(8), 397-401.

KARSENTI, T., & FIEVEZ, A. (2013). The iPad in education: uses, benefits, and challenges. A survey of, 6057.

Pyle, B., & Esslinger, K. (2013). Utilizing Technology in Physical Education: Addressing the Obstacles of Integration. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 80(2), 35-39.