The Use of Digital Technologies in the Physical Education Lesson: A Systematic Analysis of Scientific Literature

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The development and diversification of digital technologies in modern era has got a tremendous influence in the field of Physical Education too. This research‘s purpose is to examine the previous studies conducted upon the usage of these diverse digital technologies in the instructive and educational process for the subject of Physical Education. Methods Six electronic databases have been used to select the articles that include the usage of digital technologies for the Physical Education school subject. After applying the exclusion criteria, there have been selected and evaluated 26 scientific articles indexed during the years 2015 – 2016. Results We can notice that the worldwide technology evolution has contributed to the progressive growth of research regarding the usage of digital technologies even for the field of Physical Education. It was established that the technologies used for the lessons can improve the motor or moving skills and can improve the students motivational level for the Physical Education lessons. The current research also shows that digital technologies can be regarded as a way to involve students in cooperating with their peers. Important studies also refer to investigating the effects that short videos have upon the instructive and educational process itself as well as upon the students evaluation during the Physical Education classes. Using digital technologies (iPads, smartphones, tablets, audio players, computers and apps) doesn’t necessarily involves giving up to the traditional methods, but furthermore, using them simultaneously, can improve the entire learning process, increasing the quality of the lessons and attracting the students towards the Physical Education classes. The article also presents some barriers that can appear in the process of integrating these digital technologies into the lessons. We notice that combining more learning methods of teaching (the reverse learning method with different games, learning by following instructions given with the help of augmented reality, integrating different ways of playing) in the course of Physical Education can bring benefits upon the motor abilities or movements performed by students. Conclusions In most of the studies that were analysed it can be noticed that positive results in the instructive and educational process were obtained in regard of improving the motor skills, the students learning abilities and motivation as a result of merging and integrating different digital technologies in the Physical Education classes.