How Does P.E. Work in Online School?
January 10, 2023
For families interested in online school, and wondering how physical education classes work online, take it from the students enrolled at Dwight Global Online School, a nationally ranked, highly respected private online school for students in grades 6-12.
“As a former in-person high school student, I didn't quite know what to expect when I started PE at Dwight,” said 11th grader Zoe Harrison. “Our teacher Mr. Carroll has done a wonderful job exposing us to a vast range of topics and activities from all around the world, from curling to running. Unlike many PE courses that focus solely on activity during a 40-minute period during the day, Mr. Carroll teaches us how to apply the concepts that we learn in the classroom to our everyday lives. I am very excited to continue!”
Physical education teacher Chris Carroll explained that student interaction is crucial in his class, and that he sees an immense amount of passion and engagement. As an educator with more than 20 years experience, undergraduate and graduate degrees in sports management, and a background in professional sports and events, Carroll is as excited about his role as the students are in pursuing the physical education curriculum. The class includes education about nutrition and calorie deficits, among other topics.
“Right now we are learning about target sports, and I have a rubric for their slide presentation on a target sport of their choosing. I’ve also been making sure my students know about availability and access to physical activity wherever they live in the world. Some of my students live in city skyrise buildings with no fitness rooms, for example. I had them research recreational curling rinks, and students were excited and surprised to find curling lessons near them, even in Tokyo, Turkey, and France,” said Carroll, who emphasized the importance of students finding parks and exercise opportunities wherever they may find themselves in the world.
Carroll enjoys seeing his students find their "spark" through activity, as well as pushing themselves through personal goals while learning lifelong fitness techniques and exercises. Daily thirty minute workouts are monitored with a FITT Log, a flexible exercise framework that structures intensity, type, and time elements for each student’s fitness routine.
Students do a series of exercises for three minutes at 100 percent intensity, with five minute breaks. During the class meeting time, some students are at home, and some are at a gym or workout space. Often students use a jump rope or do calisthenics. Students chart their activity and set personal goals. In another assignment, they are expected to present one of their physical sparks to the rest of the class. They film themselves for several minutes doing their special sport or dance, and explain what they are doing and how it benefits their physical fitness.
“I was not able to accomplish my physical aim of going outside and exercising last year, but because Dwight Global introduced me to the P.E. course this year, I have been able to enhance my physical fitness objective,” said eighth grader Lili Fujigamori.
“Additionally, the class is very fun,” Lili continued, “and it is easy to connect and spark friendships with one another. I also enjoy Mr. Carroll’s teaching and the support he has given us throughout the trimester. I have become more interested in sports. So far, my time taking the physical education course has been very engaging, and I am hoping to learn more throughout the school year!
Students will have a unit on track and field this coming spring, where they will learn proper throwing technique using a sock, and where they will pick out professional players and research them, learn scoring and strategies, and have class discussions.
Carroll said his goal is to expose his students, who live all over the world, to new sports so they can have a touchstone for sports from all cultures and be knowledgeable about them when they pursue life after highschool, in college and in professional life. “From an international standpoint, particularly in business, I want to make sure they have talking points about a multitude of sports and activities worldwide,” said Carroll.
Recently, students in Carrroll’s class learned about bocce, cricket, softball, baseball, corn hole, 5- and 10-pin bowling, and Japanese fan throwing. Carroll has requirements during the semester for students to either go to a game or play one of the games that is new to them. For all students, Carroll said he teaches the importance of cross-training so students heavily using the same muscle groups are aware of other groups that need training, and especially, the crucial component of recovery time after extreme exertion.
Carroll said although each grade’s class is virtual and global, there is enthusiasm which makes the distance seem close. “We have to be active to live fully, for the rest of our lives. Participating in fun and rewarding physical activity is a lifelong goal.”
For more information about Dwight Global Online School, sign up for a Virtual Open House today.