Category: Current Issues

Physical and Health Education is usually thought of as a movement-based subject so technology is not always the first thing people associate with it. However, digital tools are starting to play a larger role in supporting learning in PHE classrooms. This inquiry explores how digital platforms can support skill development, student reflection, and student voice in PHE. For example, tools like Hudl or VEO can allow students to record and review their movements in slow motion, helping them analyze skills and improve technique. Technology can also support fitness tracking and goal setting, allowing students to see their progress over time.

Digital platforms such as Flip or Google Classroom can also create space for student reflection through video responses, journals, or exit tickets. This can help students think more deeply about what they learned and how they improved. In addition, tools like Google Forms or choice boards can give students more voice and choice in their learning, which may increase engagement.

At the same time, it is important to consider challenges such as access to technology, privacy concerns, and balancing screen time with physical activity. When used intentionally digital tools can enhance learning while still keeping movement at the center of PHE.

References:
Cui, Z., Song, Y., & Du, X. (2024). Multilevel modeling of technology use, student engagement, and fitness outcomes in physical education classes. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1458899

Physical and Health Education Canada. (2025, May 26). Incorporating technology into physical education: Enhancing engagement and learning. https://phecanada.ca/professional-learning/journal/incorporating-technology-physical-education-enhancing-engagement-and

Physical and Health Education Canada. (2024, February 6). Ways to include digital literacy in physical and health education. https://phecanada.ca/professional-learning/journal/ways-include-digital-literacy-physical-and-health-educationGopher Sport. (n.d.). Using video analysis in PE (PE Express Podcast, Episode 25).https://blog.gophersport.com/using-video-analysis-in-pe-pe-express-podcast-ep-25/

This seminar on Student AI Literacy by Cari Wilson gave a really practical overview of how AI is already everywhere and why students need some basic literacy around using it safely and responsibly. She gave this resource, that are some AI lessons and activities that give students baseline understanding. It’s important we don’t just tell them that it’s dangerous and to stop using AI, but instead be realistic since it’s already apart of their lives.

There was a conversation around privacy and she mentioned how her own blog content is now being used to train AI models. It is a good reminder, especially in the digital age we are currently living in, that once something is put online it lives there forever and we lose control of it. That feels especially important for students who don’t always realize how permanent or reusable their digital footprint is. She also showed how you can upload an image into tools like Gemini and ask whether it’s AI generated, which was interesting but also raised questions about accuracy and trust.

The discussion around hallucinations was also pretty concerning. AI can confidently make things up, especially when students ask vague or poorly framed questions, and if students don’t read critically, they might accept incorrect information without questioning it. This is also extremely worry some for deep fakes, and how these tools can be used in cyberbullying and extortion. We need to make sure we help our students learn about these so they are aware about what is out there.

Focused Resources Lesson Plans K-12