The Potential of Mobile Technology for Enhancing Youth’s Physical Activity: An Exploratory Case Study

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atmire.migration.oldid4987
dc.contributor.advisorBurwell, Catherine
dc.contributor.authorHeavin, Edie Ray
dc.contributor.committeememberFriesen, Sharon
dc.contributor.committeememberKim, Beaumie
dc.date.accessioned2016-09-28T15:17:39Z
dc.date.available2016-09-28T15:17:39Z
dc.date.issued2016
dc.date.submitted2016en
dc.description.abstractThis exploratory case study investigated the potential for a mobile learning approach to influence youth’s involvement in physical activity. The focus of the study was to understand how youth use mobile devices in conjunction with physical activity in informal situations. In addition, it was hoped that the research would generate an initial understanding of how mobile devices might be used in the formal classroom. Twelve Grade 10 Physical Education students and their teacher took part in the study. The students were introduced to mobile applications designed to provide instruction, motivation, and tracking of physical activity and were encouraged to use these applications in their health and wellness pursuits outside of the physical education class. The data collected included survey information regarding students’ technology use, fitness activities in and out of school, and levels of satisfaction with physical activity opportunities in both formal and informal environments. The data collection process also included document review, classroom observation, focus groups, and student and teacher interviews. Analysis of this data found that these students have access and familiarity with mobile devices. However, despite the fact the devices are used in many other aspects of students’ daily lives, using the devices to achieve fitness goals was not common amongst these students. Nonetheless, the student participants believe in the possibility and indicated a strong interest in exploring how mobile devices could positively influence their physical activity. The observational data and focus group interviews indicated that these particular students’ preference for participatory forms of media and suggested a need for increased feedback and differentiated instruction in the physical education classroom. Mobile learning has the potential to address these issues. However, the data suggested that if students are to use mobile learning applications successfully, there must direct instruction in their use.en_US
dc.identifier.citationHeavin, E. R. (2016). The Potential of Mobile Technology for Enhancing Youth’s Physical Activity: An Exploratory Case Study (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/28278en_US
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/28278
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11023/3334
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisher.facultyGraduate Studies
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Calgaryen
dc.publisher.placeCalgaryen
dc.rightsUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.subjectEducation
dc.subjectEducation--Health
dc.subjectEducation--Physical
dc.subjectEducation--Secondary
dc.subjectEducation--Technology
dc.subjectEducation
dc.subject.classificationmobile learningen_US
dc.subject.classificationPhysical Educationen_US
dc.subject.classificationEducational Technologyen_US
dc.titleThe Potential of Mobile Technology for Enhancing Youth’s Physical Activity: An Exploratory Case Study
dc.typedoctoral thesis
thesis.degree.disciplineEducational Research
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of Calgary
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Education (EdD)
ucalgary.item.requestcopytrue
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