If You Build It, They Will Come: Physical Educators’ Perceptions Regarding How to Design an Optimal Online Physical Education Resource

Abstract

In the age of COVID-19, online physical education (OLPE) has emerged as a major part of the day-to-day professional practice of P–12 physical education teachers and physical education teacher education (PETE) faculty. Yet little is known about what would optimize an OLPE resource from the perspective of physical educators. This study addressed this knowledge gap. A convenience sample of P–12 physical education teachers (n = 9) and PETE faculty (n = 10) was recruited to participate in six focus groups. Data were qualitatively analyzed with both deductive techniques and inductive techniques and themes across both participant groups (physical education teachers and PETE faculty) and by group were identified. Across-group themes included generally negative views of OLPE, concerns of equity and context, thoughts on assessment, and design ideas for virtual resources. Within groups, P–12 physical educators shared concerns about grading and providing meaningful feedback, whereas PETE faculty focused on ensuring that OLPE was designed and delivered considering best practices. This study builds on a nascent line of inquiry that informs the development of an OLPE resource to meets physical educators’ professional needs during the pandemic and into an inevitable future where virtual teaching and learning are status quo.