The Role of TPCK in physical education

Phew, I was relieved to hear what Luke E. Kelly’s perspective was on how to effectively use TPCK in physical education. I was just at a R.T.I. meeting today where the presenter informed us that literacy instruction should be a part of p.e., art, and music class. As I read the title of this chapter I began to wonder how our children (who only have one thirty minute time slot for p.e. now) would ever get any physical activity. After being introduced to new sight words, some vocabulary, and a virtual somersault on the computer there would be no time left to get up and get active!

Okay, I’m being smart. I’ll get on with what I learned from this chapter now.

Luke E. Kelly presented numerous examples of how to use “technology” effectively in the physical education setting. When I think of technology my mind does not automatically think of heart rate monitors, exercise bikes, treadmills, or star climbers. However, these devices would be highly motivating to students who have never been on exercise equipment before. Many of these devices have the ability to monitor a student’s progress and give immediate feedback on their performance. Charting ones capabilities at the beginning of the school year and comparing it with end of the year results would be a powerful way to show students how exercise can truly improve their lives.

This author gave examples of how technology can help a physical education teacher keep track of his or her 300+ students. Charts, report cards, print out posters, and task cards, are thought to help a teacher organize and be more effective and aware of student goals and achievement. Searching out knowledge using a computer is a much quicker way to gather the newest information and keep informed of the ever changing world of health and exercise.

Although all of these ideas would be highly beneficial to students, schools do not have the money to purchase these technological devices. If we can just hold onto our teachers, and a half hour time slot for exercise each week, we’ll be doing well.