The Effect of Implementing Technology on Student Engagement in Elementary Physical Education (K-6)

Over the past several decades, technology has become a more pertinent part of children’s lives. Rather than spending the majority of their time engaging in games outside with neighboring friends, many elementary aged students are instead spending their free time around electronics. Today not nearly as many elementary-aged students are motivated by traditional games done in a PE setting, a shift towards electronic based movements may prove to enhance student motivation. The purpose of this synthesis is to review the literature on the effect of implementing technology on student engagement in elementary physical education (K-6). Several studies have been conducted using various forms of technology, such as wearables, apps, digital media, and gamification/virtual reality in the elementary physical education classrooms. The positive outcomes of these studies are consistent across technology platforms. Elementary students enjoy using technology and it increases their motivation and engagement in physical activities in physical education classes. Teachers recognize the value of using technology in physical education classes and schools will need to provide ongoing training and funding for teachers to feel comfortable with its use and to keep current. Studies will need to continue to assess the impact of the new technologies that will be introduced and their impact on student engagement.

Grantor dc:publisher

SUNY Brockport Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Evarts, Matthew

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Houston-Wilson, Cathy

• physical education
• technology
• elementary students
• engagement

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12648/83230

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:soar.suny.edu:20.500.12648/83230