How Do We Do This? Distance Learning in Physical Education — Part 2

Abstract

Distance learning is something many physical educators never thought they would have to do, given the practical and philosophical contradictions inherent in teaching and learning movement-based content through a computer. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced most physical education teachers to transition to distance learning modalities. Questions abound regarding the maintenance of quality physical education within the generally unfamiliar online teaching and learning environment. Therefore, the purpose of this three-part series of articles is to address common questions from teachers and students about providing engaging, meaningful online physical education during the pandemic and beyond. The first article focuses on questions related to meeting the needs of low-income students, strategies for at-home equipment, teaching online elementary physical education, engaging parents, and online relationship building. This article answers questions about determining student workload, developing content beyond personal fitness, designing engaging synchronous and asynchronous lessons, assessing meaningfully online, and accommodating learning for all students. Finally, the third article provides discussion about the broader impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning in physical education and offers strategies for transitioning back to face-to-face learning. The ideas and strategies provided throughout this series are meant to be general guidelines for physical education teachers to consider and adjust to fit their own unique community contexts.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chad M. Killian

Chad M. Killian ([email protected]) is an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA.

David N. Daum

David N. Daum is an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology at San Jose State University in San Jose, CA.

Tyler Goad

Tyler Goad is an assistant professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education, & Recreation at Emporia State University in Emporia, KS.

Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown is a health and physical education teacher in the Health, Safety, and Physical Education Department at Mechanicsburg Area School District in Mechanicsburg, PA.

Sean Lehman

Sean Lehman is a health and physical education teacher in the Health, Physical Education, and Safety Education Department at Carlisle Area School District in Carlisle, PA.