Republic of the Philippines

SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY

GRADUATE SCHOOL
ACCESS, EJCMontilla, Tacurong City

Subject: PE603 TRENDS AND ISSUES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Topic: TOP EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN 2020-2021

- ICT in Physical Education and Sports
- What is Educational Technology and why should it Matter?

Teacher: PROF. LILIBETH EDAŇO

Reporters: RACMA T. PANIGAS

THE USE OF ICT IN SPORTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The use of ICT in PE makes the science of sport come to life by linking both physical and mental
activity. It also helps to create full-fledged students who are able to concentrate better on both
practical and theoretical work. Besides, it helps students to develop a better understanding of their
own body parts and that of the human body in general. It also raises the profile of P.E within the
establishment by making the subject not only interesting, but also attractive and effective.
Furthermore, it brings enthusiasm and motivation for both PE teachers and students.
Information and communications technology (ICT) describe the variety of technological tools and
resources used to produce, distribute, store and manage information and knowledge. In the
modern era, these tools have brought revolutions to training and teaching methodologies of sports
and physical education. Rapid development in ICT have introduced innovation and increases the
effectiveness of training program. Using these advanced ICT tools, performance. level continues
to grow and expected level of performance increases to all time high ICT improves accessibility and
expand digital environment to the field of sports and physical education. It not only let a user to earn
knowledge, it also helps to connect and communicate with the world. It brings changes and reforms
to pedagogy of physical education and sports.Therefore, in the current study the researcher intends
to discuss about some of the popularly used ICT tools in the field of sports and physical education.

ICT tools for sports and physical education

Now day’s coaches and trainers have many available technical options to use as ICT tools. The
majority of these tools can be easily accessed or integrated to training program. Here we will
discuss about usages of some of the popular ICT tools in modern day sports training and physical
education.

1.Field based ICT tools

These are the kind of ICT tools which are used in on ground/field situations. One of the
major fieldbased ICT tools is GPS based tracking devices. Study on GPS based tracking devices
itself is a huge chapter. Along with technological advancement precision of this kind of devices has
been improving. Now days using these devices data can be easily obtained and analyze for
performance improvement. Dedicated sports specific GPS based devices have been developed
to improve and monitor the performance of the players.Most of the outdoor activities, like hiking,
fishing, paragliding etc. rely on precision navigation. Using these devices, a player can be tracked
irrespective of on land or in water or in air. Long distance runners use these devices to navigate their
routes. Swimmers use these devices in open water long distance swimming competitions, where
there is a high chance of getting distracted from the actual path. In team sports like soccer, rugby,
kabaddi, hockey etc. multiple GPS devices are used to track every team member throughout the
whole training sessions or even in match situations. In every outdoor racing sport, GPS is a
mandatory device to be attached with the player. It helps the officials to keep track of the players as
well as for the players, it helps to track their route and progresses.

Wearable sensor-based devices are another kind of field-based ICT tool.

This kind of devices are made up of various types of sensors. Some of them are only specific and
confined to a single sensor and some of them are combination of multiple sensors. Different
sensors have different purposes and according to that they help to acquire data. These sensor-
based devices can be easily attachedto human body using a belt or a strip. Pedometers are such
sensor-based devices which can count the number of steps you take. It can also detect your running
pattern or the distance you have travelled. Heart rate monitors are another such sensor-based
device whose purpose is to sense or detect heart rate. Use of video camera is the best method to
record performance of the players on the field. The recorded video can be broadcasted live or
uploaded later on. The same video can also be used for match and performance analysis.
Recent advanced technology used high-tech video recorder to record any performance and can
directly convert them to three-dimensional data using high level software. In top level competitions,
the necessity of precision in officiating is of most importance. Various technologies have been
recently developed to fulfill this requirement. In cricket hot spot technology is used to gain
information and make precise decision. In football goal line technology is used to detect when the
ball crosses the goal line. In sports like badminton and lawn tennis, hawk-eye technology is used to
make correct decision.

2.Laboratory based ICT tools

Laboratory based ICT tools can’t be used in real game or match situations.They have to be set up
permanently is laboratory based controlled environment. Most of the sports research tool falls
under this category. Pressure plate and force plate are good example of such kind of ICT tools.
Wired EMG devices are also considered as laboratory-based ICT devices. Some three-dimensional
analysis kits are also immovable and once they are set up inside a laboratory, sports actions have
to be performed under it’s control condition. Such kind of devices which are needed to be set
up in laboratory only, are called as laboratory-based ICT tools.

3.Classroom based ICT tools

Classroom based ICT tools for sports training or physical education are similar to the tools used in
real classroom set up. Computer/laptop projector is an important tool in this set up. Apart from it,
various community based social tool like Google Classroom, Socrative, Khan Academy etc. are also
part of classroom-based ICT tools. Various screen sharing tools like Skype,Team Viewer, Display
Note etc. can share exactly the same as it displays on one’s screen. Multiple users from different
locations can view one’s screen at the same time and can learn without being present physically.

4.Software and applications

Software is set of instructions which tells the computer what to do once instructed. There are various
kind of software and applications available in the market. The usages of software and
applications in sports and physical education can further be classified according to their performed
task. Most of the biomechanical analysis software are integrated with number of video cameras.
Some of this software are manual in nature and some of them are automatic . Three- dimensional
biomechanical analysis software are much more complicated compared to the two-dimensional
analysis software. Match analysis software are another important component of sports training
tool in the recent times. Recorded video can be analyzed in postmatch condition or in live situations.
Live feedback and report of analysis can be explained to the players even in ongoing match
situations. Now days, these match analysis software are very important to achieve desired goal for
most of the team games or sports.

5.Multimedia files and documents sharing platforms

It is not easy for a trainer or a teacher to repeat everything for everybody. Neither it is possible for him
to deliver his lecture or training physically to every location. Here the multimedia and document
sharing platform comes in handy. Multimedia and document sharing platforms let a user to share
different kind of files to his audiences. Google drive, Dropbox, Microsoft one drive are some of the
popular file sharing platforms.

6.Professional development platform

Most new skills, tools and resources become obsolete by the time they reach to their professional
environment. Therefore, professional development platforms are very much essential to keep
everybody updated about the new skills, tools and resources.

7.Pedometers

Theses apparatus also called step counters are mechanical sensors used to count steps and can
easily be incorporated in PE classes. They address motivation, assessment, and advocacy.
Furthermore, they are portable and can be worn under the belt and be kept the whole day. Today, it
can be said that the pedometer has become a recognized acceptable tool for measuring physical
activity. Students can wear a pedometer and receive immediate and continuous feedback regarding
their activity level. Using pedometers at school can also demonstrate to parents that students are
achieving a certain level of physical activity. By using the pedometers students will be able to see
progress towards set goal and consequently will be more motivated in the classes.

8. Heart Rate Monitors

Based completely on the student ability level and current level of fitness, the heart rate monitor makes
learning more student centered. It also provides immediate feedback that can make students work
harder. As fitness level increases, student feel that their cardiovascular system is working and can set
individualized goal to work more effectively. The Heart rate monitor will also provide real time data
that will allow students to see how different exercises and activities affect the heart rate. Hence the
heart rate monitor is a convenient apparatus that allows students to use up to date technology. Charts
of maximum heart rate can be made for each student and track increase or decrease in their heart
rate.

9. Digital Video camera and visual analysis software

The use of the motion analysis system will surely enhance many areas of the physical education
curriculum both in research and teaching. Using digital video camera has indeed simplified the
collection of data. These results can then be imported to carry out interactive multimedia presentation
to provide students with a better understanding of the importance of breaking skills into components
and the consequences of subtle variation in techniques. The visual analysis software allows students
to view captured movement and to analyse them. This particular technology can help teachers to
control student’s progress towards motor skills goals; provide feedback opportunities and assessing
students learning .
Using digital video camera to record pupils’ performance in table tennis for example, can be a
useful tool to help students improve their techniques. With the addition of motion analysis software,
pupils have a professional supportive tool. For instance during a training session, a ‘robot – pong’,
which is a special technological tool that distribute ping pong balls at varying direction and speed, is
used to face a student. The P.E teacher can then use the Digital video camera to analyse the actions
more closely. This is done with a
view to improve the teaching and learning of table tennis. Digital video clips were used weekly to
stress on proper and improper techniques and then the pupils were given the opportunity to evaluate
their own techniques and the technique of others via the ‘déjà vu’ resource. In the Mauritian context,
some state colleges which are actually working on a pilot project set up by the ministry of education
are presenting candidates for the Cambridge O level Examination. Teachers involved in this project
will have to make use of video cameras during the practical examination to record students’
performance and then send them to Cambridge University. Each college involved in the pilot project
have already received a laptop, an overhead projector and its respective screen. Digital video
cameras and internet connection facilities will soon be available in these schools.
10. Simulation and Games

Games such as Dance, Dance revolution, Fx cycles and Nintendo Wii Fit provide opportunities for
students to be physically active and simultaneously enjoying themselves .These games can also be
combined to other technologies to enhance the experience. Concerning the Nintendo Wii Fit, work
outs are done on a small balanced board that gamers stand on. The players receive instructions from
screen and mimic the stretching and muscle building exercises. The Wii Fit tracking feature shows
progress using the system. Therefore, it can be a valuable PE tool. However, teachers should not
consider gaming system equivalent to traditional exercises. It should be considered as a supplement
and a not a replacement of traditional exercises.

Reference:

ICT in physical education and sports - Google Search

Microsoft Word - ICT (lkouniv.ac.in)

WHAT IS EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY?

Educational technology is a systematic application of relevant technological processes and

resources in teaching, with a goal to improve students’ performance. It involves a disciplined
approach to identifying the needs of students, applying technology in instructions, and tracking their
performance.
Many people are wondering: what do you mean by educational technology? There are
many definitions of the concept, mainly because every educator implements technology in a unique
way. If we tried to come up with a simple definition, the one we presented above would be it.
First of all, EdTech is a systematic approach. What does this mean? An educator cannot pick random
tools and use them with random goals in the classroom. There still is a curriculum to follow.
Relevant technological processes and resources. This means that the processes and resources must
be relevant to the curriculum goals and milestones. EdTech also has a purpose: to improve the
performance of the students. Every tool and method that’s being introduced in the classroom should
be driven by that goal.
Finally, EdTech also requires the educator to have a disciplined approach to revealing the needs of
the students. Those needs will help them determine the relevant technology to apply in the
classroom. All results must be tracked, so the teacher will know how effective their methods are. If the
students are not achieving good results after implementing a specific tool, the teacher should search
for a better one.
Not every teacher is ready to start using EdTech in their teaching methods. That’s exactly
why universities are offering programs related to educational technology, so the upcoming
generations of teachers will be ready to meet all needs of modern students. As for the current
generations of teachers, they have a responsibility to upgrade their skills.

Why Is Technology Important in Education?

Now that we got a clear definition of the concept, let’s focus on another angle: what is the
importance of technology in education? There are multiple reasons why all teachers should start
introducing tech tools into their classrooms. Let’s list few of them.

1. The Students Demand It

These students NEED technology in the classroom. Just like previous generations of students
needed colorful textbooks and we provided that for them, we have to respect the needs of modern
students, too.
They are engaging with technology outside the classroom on a daily basis. They want to use their
parents’ smartphones and tablets. They know how to play their favorite songs on YouTube.
Technology is part of their lifestyle and they love it. As teachers, we have to respect that inclination. In
fact, we can use it to our advantage.
When we introduce technology in the classroom, we’re using something they like. They will easily get
engaged in the learning process. Technology is making learning more fun and accessible for today’s
students.

2. New Teachers Are Demanding It, Too

The education of the latest generations of teachers has one significant twist: they are being taught
how to use EdTech in their classrooms. They know how to use technology in many useful ways.
Technology is making their jobs easier. It helps them assess the knowledge of their students as
objectively as possible. It also helps them keep the entire class engaged.
New teachers know how to use technology to their advantage. They want to use it. The rest of us
have to follow the trends. Since EdTech is now considered a necessity, we have to implement it.

3. They Have to Learn How to Use It

Technology is everywhere. High-school, college and university students have to know how to use the
Internet to complete projects. When they hit the job market, the employers will demand these skills.
As a teacher, you have a responsibility to make your students responsible digital citizens.
Responsible use of technology starts in the classroom.

4. Technology Improves the Learning Experience

What are the roles of educational technology in learning? This would be the clearest answer: it
improves the learning experience. Stanford researchers found that when teachers implement
technology properly, they can improve the learning processes and close the achievement gaps
between the students. The same report showed that replacing teachers with technology is not a
successful method. The students still need their teachers. However, pairing teachers with technology
is currently the best method of providing high-quality education for students.
One of the biggest reasons to start using technology in the classroom is as simple as it gets: it will
improve the learning experience for the students. Shouldn’t that be enough?

5. Testing Went Online

It’s a protocol that you, as a teacher, can’t control. Your students will take standardized tests that
demand proper computer skills. Online testing has tons of advantages. The students can see their
scores in real-time, and it’s easier for the teachers to track their performance.
When you start introducing fun online tests in the classroom, you’ll be preparing your students for the
standardized tests. They will get used to the environment, so they won’t be overwhelmed by the  big
tests when it’s time for them.

How Does Technology Affect Education?

Does technology improve education? That’s the big question we have to answer. If it doesn’t
improve education to a great extent, is it even worth trying?
The answer is yes, it improves education to a great extent. Let’s be specific: how can technology
improve education?

1. EdTech Keeps Students Engaged

When teachers are using technology effectively, it will keep the students engaged in the learning
process. That’s exactly what a study published in the British Journal of Educational
Technology showed. The study doesn’t neglect the importance of the teacher. In fact, the researchers
state that “when professors have more ‘sophisticated’ conceptions of teaching, it is more likely that
they use instructional strategies that result in student learning and active engagement in the process.”
When teachers decide to use technology, the preparation process has to go beyond technological
competence. They have to analyze the needs of their students and pick the right tools for specific
tasks, tests and goals.
Since students are mesmerized with technology, we can find a way to use it with the purpose to boost
the engagement.

2. Technology Helps Students Improve Their Results

The flipped classroom is a huge educational trend. When the teacher introduces digital tools to be
used outside the classroom, they can use class time for evaluation, discussions, and interactions that
matter. They can pay attention to every single student’s achievements and they can personalize the
educational process.
The teacher can use different methods to capture the students’ attention and assess their progress.
With that approach, we can enhance the learning process.

3. Students Can Learn at Their Own Pace

The traditional classroom makes that difficult. Today’s students still have to take standardized test
and follow a curriculum. However, with the integration of technology in the classroom, they have the
option to take things slowly. They can go back to lessons and concepts they don’t understand. They
can get online instructions to support the learning process. Those who are advanced can go ahead
with the online lessons.
Technology makes learning personalized, and that’s one of its greatest advantages.

4. Technology Improves the Entire Educational System

How does technology improve education? It makes every piece of information available. Anyone
can learn anything. There are absolutely no limitations to what students can learn outside the
classroom. If someone wants to become a carpenter, they can’t get the instructions at school. Online
lessons, however, will teach them the basics. If an elementary student wants to be a scientist, they
can take beginner and advanced science classes online.
When the teacher sets the foundations for responsible use of technology, they are opening the doors
to a limitless world of knowledge. We should be proud of that.

5. Collaboration!

That’s another huge advantage. Some of the best ways to enhance the collaboration between
students in the classroom are hands-on projects and collaborative learning. Technology supports
those processes. The teachers can create a safe online environment where the students can ask
questions, discuss different topics, and help each other learn. They can also collaborate on projects
without the need to get together outside the classroom. They can connect online.
The collaboration between teachers gets easy, too. Thanks to educational technology, we can learn
from the experience of educators from all over the world.

Conclusion

So how does technology help education? Simple; it makes it better. When the teachers introduce
EdTech through proper methods, it keeps the students engaged. It makes the evaluation easier. It
prepares the students for the future.
Now that we understand the importance of EdTech, we have no other choice but to start using it in
the best ways possible. Our students expect that from us. Both teachers and students are the driving
force of the educational system. The students tell us what they need, and we find the best ways to
provide such knowledge for them.
What do you think? Does technology help education? How? Do you think we’re still not ready for
it? Maybe you’re one of the teachers who think technology imposes a huge risk of making students
distracted? Share your opinions!

Reference:

What is educational technology and why is it important? - Google Search