E-learning, sport and the sustainable development goals: mapping the field

Abstract

The sport for development (SFD) field has grown significantly, and there has been increasing professionalization within the sector. E-learning tools, in particular, have increasingly been deployed to provide education opportunities within the field. Despite this, little is known about the delivery, content or pedagogical approaches within e-learning connecting sport and sustainable development. Against this backdrop, this paper provides an initial mapping of existing online courses connecting sport and sustainable development. To do so, we conduct a systematic search using two online resources and map out the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pedagogical approaches present within courses. Our results show that courses are primarily self-paced, asynchronous offers that focus on health, inequality and peacebuilding. Furthermore, offers mainly rely on the motivation and resources of individuals and organizations to complete courses and provide limited technical or social support. To conclude, we propose ways for courses to provide more engaging and inclusive experiences.