Tom: Using Digital Technology in Physical Education to Transform Pedagogy

This chapter provides a narrative describing Tom Winiecki experiences related to how he introduced and integrated digital technology in his classroom. A pedagogical review synthesizes and summarizes the different perspectives in relation to the narrative. Insights into Tom's process of technology integration reveal that by focusing on student learning, technology can be a powerful vehicle to help motivate and empower learners and ultimately transform pedagogy. Physical education class climates that emphasize effort, learning and self-improvement help maximize intrinsic motivation in students. Reflection is the process of thinking about an experience while pursuing a deeper understanding. Strategies to foster reflective practice include, but are not limited to, student writing and constructive feedback from the teacher. Technology-mediated instruction has the potential to promote self-determination by helping students participate in activities at school, facilitating social opportunities with peers, and increasing opportunities for independence. Self-directed learning can lead to more positive student outcomes and a greater ability to generalize skills.