SportZens WOW - Increase physical activity time in PE lessons with app-supported homework

Homework in physical education and its effectiveness are reflected from different perspectives across all types of schools (see Hill, 2018; Novak & Lynott, 2015; Castell & Ward, 2012; Deutsch, 2003; Smith, Cluph & O'Connor, 2001). Homework can be used as a targeted tool in PE lessons to promote pupils' health. Firstly, it makes it possible to increase physical activity time in PE lessons, secondly, to instruct physical activity time at home and thirdly, to consolidate a deeper motivation for their own physical activity through cognitive reflection (Achtergarde, 2015; Wagner, 2016). Observations during the lockdown at a grammar school in Basel have shown that homework in PE lessons, if it is set in a motivating way with an appealing goal for the pupils, can lead to an increase in daily physical activity time, even if PE lessons are canceled due to the system. In addition, depending on the type of school, homework can initiate the involvement of parents in the physical education process of their children and thus sensitize them to family exercise in everyday life, also from a prevention perspective (see SMARTact/SMARTfamily). Furthermore, homework, which is compulsory in other subjects, could lead to the upgrading of physical education in the subject canon. But how can homework be implemented more strongly in PE lessons? According to Thom and Yun (2012), PE teachers are more likely to give homework if they are encouraged to do so and provided with supportive resources. To further support PE teachers, a "Workout of the week" (WOW) was designed as a digital supplement to the "homework" module as part of the SportZens app, which was developed specifically for PE lessons and is already widely used. The PE teacher can choose from several ready-made modules in the SportZens app and adjust all parameters such as load, scope and duration to the performance level of the students. This makes it very effective to create workouts as homework and even set specific focuses. Each student then receives a personal ID with which they can access the exercises online (in the browser "wow.sportzens.de" or via the "SportZens WOW" app) and record their own performance. The teacher is responsible for selecting the exercises and can also view a comprehensive overview of the students' performance within the app at any time. Since only anonymous IDs are used, all students can be effectively provided with specific, physically active homework in this way, free of charge and in compliance with data protection regulations. The individualization of homework increases student motivation, and platform-independent access reduces technical barriers. With the definition of three target areas by the teacher, each student receives direct feedback on their current performance level at the end of the workout. SportZens WOW can therefore make an important digital contribution to health promotion through physical education. Literature list: Achtergarde, F. 2015. independent work in physical education: a sports methods handbook (5th edition). Aachen: Meyer & Meyer. Castelli, D. M., & Ward, K. (2012). Physical activity during the school day. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 83(6), 20-29. Hill, K. (2018): Homework in Physical Education? A Review of Physical Education Homework Literature. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 89 (5), pp. 58-63. DOI: 10.1080/07303084.2018.1440263 Deutsch, P. 2003. Homework in physical education: Studies on homework didactics in physical education and recommendations for practice at elementary school. Hohengehren: Schneider. Novak, B. E., & Lynott III, F. J. (2015). Homework in physical education: Benefits and implementation. Strategies, 28, 22-26. Smith, J., Cluph, D., & O'Connor, A. J. (2001). Homework in elementary physical education: A pilot study. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 92, 133-136. Thom, S. C., & Yun, J. (2012). Factors affecting physical educators' assigning physical education homework. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 83(Suppl. 1), A65-A66. Wagner, I. (2016). Knowledge in physical education. Aachen: Meyer & Meyer.