Getting Started

 

I have used a solitary IPAD many times as a video analysis tool in PE, to varying degrees of success.  When only using one IPAD it can be a distraction from the intended outcome as not all pupils benefit from its presence - but you, as the teacher, do have total control.  Therefore, I was initially a little anxious of the thought of handing over responsibility to the whole class with my new set of 8.  

 

I have been 'experimenting' with the new IPADs during PE lessons over the last week. The Year 7's simply astonished me with how effectively they used them for the first time.  Groups of three all had an IPAD each for recording one another practise and improve their backhand serve in badminton.  one pupil performed the task, the other supported the performer, whilst the third recorded the technique.  All three rotated roles and then analysed one another's performance so that they could identify areas of weaknesses before improving their individual technique with their next attempt. 

 

Having a set of IPADs allows the students to take ownership of their own recording immediately.  It was reassuring to see how motivated, mature and engaged all the pupils were during the lesson.  Without prompting, weaker students were supported by others within their group.

 

As the first task was to model the desired skill (backhand serve) I perfomed this live.  However, it is my intention to record the 'perfect model' on the IPAD prior to the lesson, so that the same skill can be reviewed as necessary.  I also listed a set of key questions on the whiteboard in the sports hall for pupils.  Again, it is my aim to have these on the IPAD so that they can refer to them electronically.  The feedback from pupils was all positive.  They really appreciated seeing themselves in action and easily identifying strengths and weaknesses from the visual feedback. Whilst verbal feedback is useful, taking advantage of technology to enhance the work of a mirror is very powerful.

 

From my research so far, there are many stages of video analysis for me to consider: teacher modelling; student recording & self-assessment; peer assessment; self-assessment with before and after comparisons to demonstrate progress; and finally expert assessment.  It would seem that these stages of analysis should not be used during a single unit of study, but over several units or even KS3 & KS4. Having a set of IPADs gives greater freedom to use technology for the benefit of everyone in the class.