Abstract:

The use of technology within physical education appears to be somewhat overlooked, with there being minimal studies concerning how technology can be integrated into P.E. lessons, curriculum design, and existing pedagogies. The aim of this research project is to investigate how an interactive rebound wall and its associated technology is utilised and received by students and staff in both formal and informal learning environments. WallJAM® is an emergent technology within the United Kingdom (UK) which aims to enhance learning of physical skills and encourage participation in physical activity, by means of their interactive rebound wall. The wall contains technology which captures data on power and accuracy of the balls which strike the wall, as well as real-time technology for cross-platform feedback to users. Data collection for this project takes place over 3 months during a pilot installation of the equipment within a secondary academy school in the UK. A mixed-methodological approach is used for data collection. Two questionnaires are distributed to students to explore how the wall and its associated technology are used, both during and outside of formal learning. A focus group is also conducted with a group of 6 students to gain richer qualitative data regarding how they make use of the wall. Teachers and staff who use the wall within their physical education lessons are interviewed, with focus placed upon how they combine the technology with their existing pedagogies. The results provide useful indications as to how technology could potentially enhance the physical learning experience for students, the role technology might have within future physical education curriculums, and how technology can assist in increasing wider physical activity participation.

Keywords:

Physical Education, Technology, Mixed Methods.