Improved Learning in Physical Education through Immediate Video Feedback

Abstract

It is now common for students to carry mobile learning technology (MLT; e.g,. tablet, smartphone, etc.) wherever they go — including to school and the classroom. Although these MLT devices are a distraction to learning in many classroom environments, they have the potential to be used as a positive learning tool in physical education (PE) courses to enhance instruction and improve students' understanding of physical tasks being taught. A study was conducted to assess whether immediate video feedback, in addition to standard instructor verbal feedback, would improve a student's learning and performance on a basic gymnastics task. The study compared the results of a control group that received only verbal critiquing on their performance and an experimental group that received both video and verbal feedback. Each student performed the task twice with feedback provided immediately after each attempt. A short two-question survey was also completed prior to each attempt to assess the students' comfort with the skill and anticipated score. This article describes the results from this study and how teachers can use MLTs to provide performance feedback and enhance learning.