Students' Perceptions of Technology Integration During the F.I.T. Unit.

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Physical Education
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Integrating technology into physical education (PE) is an emerging trend.
• Understanding student experiences with technology in PE is crucial for effective implementation.
• Fitness Integrated with Technology (F.I.T.) units aim to enhance fitness knowledge and physical activity (PA) levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore students' experiences with a Fitness Integrated with Technology (F.I.T.) unit.
• To investigate student perceptions of using technology in physical education.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study involving 221 sixth to eighth graders.
• Semistructured interviews and observations with 13 selected students.
• Utilized accelerometers to measure and teach PA within the F.I.T. unit.

Main Results:

• Three themes emerged: technology implementation challenges, attitudes toward homework in PE, and technology's motivational effects.
• Barriers included limited home technology access and accelerometer design/utility.
• Accelerometers showed initial motivational effects on PA, but this novelty wore off.

Conclusions:

• Technology can motivate students to increase PA in PE, with accelerometers being a positive addition for some.
• Concerns regarding technology integration include device bulkiness, limited use during sports, novelty effect, and home access issues.
• Further research is needed to optimize technology integration for sustained student engagement and motivation in PE.