Reflection & Action

Reflection

Completing this practicum has been one of the most transformative experiences of my teaching career. As a younger educator, I have often been met with skepticism when proposing new ideas, especially those that involve tech in PE. Many veteran educators and admin equate screens with inactivity, assuming that tech distracts from movement rather than complements it. Through this project, I set out to prove that the opposite can be true when tech is used intentionally.

This practicum reaffirmed that innovation often starts with persistence. There weren’t any moments when I questioned whether meaningful technology integration was even possible given the constraints of equipment, space, and time. Applying instructional design frameworks helped me move beyond theory to practical solutions. The Backward Design approach allowed me to start with clear learning goals and work backward to select only tools that served those outcomes. The UDL framework helped ensure accessibility and student choice, while ISTE Standards provided the foundation for digital citizenship and educator growth.

Feedback from peers throughout the design process played a critical role in shaping the final deliverable. Initially, I included too many EdTech tools, making the design complex and potentially unrealistic. After reflection and feedback, I streamlined the unit to focus on fewer, more purposeful technologies. This shift made the unit more cohesive, easier to implement, and better aligned with district constraints.

Implementing this project has also deepened my understanding of equity in digital learning. In Newark, where access and opportunity vary across schools, introducing technology in PE is about more than engagement; it’s about inclusion. Every learner, regardless of background or resources, should have the chance to develop digital literacy alongside physical fitness.

Ultimately, this practicum strengthened my identity not just as a PE teacher, but as an instructional designer and technology leader. It reminded me that innovation in educationdoes not depend on the amount of technology available, but on the creativity and purpose behind it's use. Going forward, I plan to continue refining this unit, share results with district leadership, and advocate for greater support in bringing EdTech into PE across ALL Newark schools.