"AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE IMPACT OF ICT STRATEGIES IN ACHIEVING HIGH QUALITY PHYSICAL EDUCATION, WITH THE USE OF A GOOD EXEMPLAR OF PRACTISE"

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in achieving High Quality Physical Education (HQPE). Recent changes in teaching pedagogy and the implementation of the National Curriculum (NC) have implications for teachers in relation to both content and teaching strategies traditionally utilised. There has been an increase in the inclusion of technology introduced into schools within the last decade with a growing number of books, journals, conferences and professional development workshops specifically devoted to ICT. This dissertation outlines the theoretical base for the use of ICT in education and reviews the literature regarding its approach and implementation. Semi structured interviews with four members of PE staff, one ICT member and one senior manager were conducted in a school recently awarded ‘Best Technical Innovation’ to investigate the teachers' responses to the use of ICT. The results indicated through five identified themes that ICT was largely viewed as a transformational tool for learning and was associated with students and staff feeling confident and motivated by its use. Their knowledge and understanding demonstrated a positive engagement with ICT being highly beneficial to the student learning experience.