Online vs Traditional Health & P.E.

A lot of people may doubt the effectiveness of online physical education. Can students really learn what they need to learn? Do students really gain the long-term benefits of a health and fitness education?

THE STUDY

A researcher from the University of Tampa reached out to Carone Learning asking if we’d be willing to participate in a research study comparing the perceptions of students in traditional/ face-to-face health and PE classes with those of our online students at our Carone Learning Academy.

The researcher independently collected course evaluation data from our online students as well as students at a traditional/ face-to-face school. And what were the results? See for yourself:

(The following is taken from the Jan 2020 published study abstract. You can find the full peer-reviewed journal article here.)

RESULTS

The online education setting was found to be statistically significantly more favorable for students in terms of the feedback and responsiveness of the teacher, understanding and interest of the content and perceived positive health changes during the course. The qualitative findings on student perceptions were relatively consistent between both the online and F2F classes.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that students’ positive perceptions in an online high school class may equal or surpass those in a traditional F2F format. Increasingly, youth are exhibiting enhanced capacity for online‐based coursework.

The main goals of health and physical education, whether face-to-face or online, are to help students understand the value of a healthy lifestyle and being physically active, as well as to establish positive health habits and a program of health-enhancing exercise.

Our online students, in particular, rated highly in these areas. They increased their knowledge of health and fitness, found value in being healthy, established regular habits, and indicated that they planned to continue even after class was over. We consider that a win!

Meet H.R. Carone Learning’s Student of the Week!

Let us introduce you to our student of the week, H.R.! H.R. took Comprehensive PE through us. She learned and established a well-balanced routine and what a difference it makes. She appreciated that her instructor cared about her work and if she was getting the most out of the course.

What do you like most about your Carone Learning course? I enjoyed the flexibility I had. Since I took this course during the school year, it was nice to have the chance to work around the hours I needed for school and other activities while still learning what I needed from this course.

What have you learned in your Carone Learning course that will most help you in your life? I learned that establishing a well-balanced routine really does make a difference. People tend to fall off the bandwagon before they can see results. However, with a heavier responsibility to stay dedicated, I was able to see that what I learned does make a difference in the long run.

How has your Carone Learning course helped you improve your level of health or fitness? This course has definitely helped me to properly exercise and improve in a more efficient way. I have noticed how certain activities that I have come to enjoy aren’t as difficult as they once were, so they’re easier to enjoy and encouraged me to challenge myself over time.

How has your cFitness Academy instructor helped you with your course or your goals? My instructor was willing to answer my questions and always seemed concerned to make sure I was getting the most out of my course.

Why did you sign up for a course through cFitness Academy, and how has taking this course online been beneficial? I signed up for this course to fulfill the credit I need to graduate. With my parents, I decided that it would be beneficial to have the flexibility of an online course so I had room in my class schedules for other classes. Overall, I think that this course actually made the subject more enjoyable than it would have in an on campus class at my school.

Here’s what H.R.’s teacher had to say about her: H.R.’s work has all been high quality and she’s consistently submitted work on or ahead of time. Her fitness progress in the course has been admirable as well and she has shown interest and excitement in the changes and confidence she’s seen from the program. She has shown a excellent understanding of the materials and how to apply it both in her own life as well as those around her through encouragement and example.

Meet Benjamin E. Carone Learning’s Student of the Week!

Let us introduce you to our student of the week, Benjamin E.! Benjamin took two courses with us; Personal Health and Fitness as well as First Aid. He found the courses understandable and simple to navigate. He enjoyed being able to fit the course work in when he could as well getting himself into a good physical activity routine.

What do you like most about your Carone Learning course? My Carone Learning course is understandable and simple to navigate. The lessons teach me what I need to know and I have no problems understanding it.

What have you learned in your Carone Learning course that will most help you in your life? My fitness course has helped me get into a pattern of exercise, which I plan on applying for the rest of my life.

How has your Carone Learning course helped you improve your level of health or fitness? The course has taught me to be disciplined in exercise, which has helped me improve my fitness.

How has your cFitness Academy instructor helped you with your course or your goals? A few weeks ago, I accidentally submitted a blank log, and my instructor allowed me to resubmit the filled out form and get full credit for it.
Also, last week, I took a quiz and the automatic grading system took off six points for a multiple part question where I had only gotten two parts wrong, and when I asked about it, my instructor gave me the four missing points.
Overall, my instructor has been encouraging and gracious.

Why did you sign up for a course through cFitness Academy, and how has taking this course online been beneficial? We chose the Academy because it was recommended by my main schooling program. Taking the course online has allowed me to be a bit more flexible with it, instead of having to do at a specific time every day.

Here’s what Benjamin’s teacher had to say about him: Benjamin is on top of all his work! He gets his fitness logs in and is very observant. He asks questions and follows up! He is an outstanding student!

Just as all of our students are unique, we think Benjamin is pretty great and we’re proud to have him in class! Thanks, Benjamin!

Meet Brianna R. Carone Learning’s Student of the Week!

Let us introduce you to our student of the week, Brianna R.! Brianna took Honors Anatomy and really enjoyed learning material that she has not seen in other classes. She was able to recover credits while taking a course that was interesting to her.

What do you like most about your Carone Learning course? I like that it is interesting and covers material I haven’t studied.

What have you learned in your Carone Learning course that will most help you in your life? I took anatomy and enjoyed the assignments on multiple disease states

How has your Carone Learning course helped you improve your level of health or fitness? I have a greater understanding of the human body.

How has your cFitness Academy instructor helped you with your course or your goals? My instructor gave me helpful feedback.

Why did you sign up for a course through cFitness Academy, and how has taking this course online been beneficial? I needed to recover PE credits and I’m interested in the sciences.

Here’s what Brianna’s teacher had to say about her: “Brianna has done a remarkable job in Anatomy. She expresses her ideas clearly and has shown a solid understanding of the content. I have especially enjoyed reading her research paper on immunotherapy. Great job Brianna!”

Meet Bella P. Carone Learning’s Student of the Week!

Let us introduce you to our student of the week, Bella P.! Bella has taken two courses through Carone Learning, she was able to go at her own pace through an injury recovery and still get a needed PE credit. She also enjoyed the nutrition information she learned.

What do you like most about your Carone Learning course? It gives me a reason to get outside more. I also like the flexibility of working out in my own time. I enjoy the fitness of nutrition information that I learn too.

What have you learned in your Carone Learning course that will most help you in your life? I’ve learned how to set personal fitness goals and push my limits.

How has your Carone Learning course helped you improve your level of health or fitness? I’m able to reach my fitness goals because of the accountability the course provides.

How has your cFitness Academy instructor helped you with your course or your goals? Mrs. Wheelwright is very encouraging and keeps me on track. She’s also very helpful when I have trouble posting.

Why did you sign up for a course through cFitness Academy, and how has taking this course online been beneficial? I first signed up because of a long-term injury and it worked better for me during recovery. I decided to continue because of the flexibility of the course. Taking PE online gives me the opportunity to take an additional academic course on campus.

Please share any other comments you have about cFitness Academy or your Carone Learning course: This is a great resource for students who would like to take PE off campus.

Here’s what Bella’s teacher had to say about her: Bella was nominated for making the adjustment of working in a middle school course to a high school course, there are many differences and she took them in stride! Also for having the motivation to work through an injury and make exercise a regular part of life. 

Meet Matthew V.! Carone Learning Student of the Week!

Let us introduce you to our student of the week, Matthew V.! Was enrolled in Running where he liked the structure of the fitness and the information in the course. He was able to set goals and the fitness logs helped motivate him to reach those goals. He also found the information directly helpful to his running improvement.

What do you like most about your Carone Learning course? It’s very structured, which allows me to know what to expect from each unit. Also, I like the assignments that are assigned, as they allow me to explore different areas of the running world.

What have you learned in your Carone Learning course that will most help you in your life? First, it talked about proper running form, which I had never had explained to me before, so that will help. Also, it’s helped explain the importance of proper nutrition, which will help not just for running, but just in everyday life. Finally, it’s given me helpful suggestions about how to stay safe while running and avoiding things like heat exhaustion.

How has your Carone Learning course helped you improve your level of health or fitness? The fitness logs have motivated me to get every workout in, as I want to meet the goals that are required of me, and they also allow me to know what I did the previous week so I can prepare for the following week. Also, the logs have motivated me to do more strength workouts in my routine, as it’s been brought to my attention how important they are in addition to cardio.

How has your cFitness Academy instructor helped you with your course or your goals? Whenever I have had a question about the course, she has always responded to them and provided helpful answers. Also, her comments on my fitness logs have really helped me increase my fitness and directed me on a path for more beneficial fitness.

Why did you sign up for a course through cFitness Academy, and how has taking this course online been beneficial? I needed a gym credit for my school, and my guidance counselor directed me to this class since I already do cross country and track; By taking this class online, it’s allowed me to go at my own pace, so I can finish it as soon as possible so I won’t have to worry about it for the school year. Also, it’s allowed me to stay organized, as everything I need to work on this course is all in one place and I don’t have to go looking for papers.

Please share any other comments you have about cFitness Academy or your Carone Learning course: I like the structure of the course (lesson, group discussion, assignment, quiz, fitness log), as it’s made the course interesting without being too dense with information.

Here’s what Matthew’s teacher had to say about him: Matthew has continually excelled in this course; he never submits anything subpar and is on top of all of his work. He sets and meets his weekly goals both with coursework and his fitness. He has also been great to work with as he communicates consistently with me, as his instructor, and asks questions when he is unsure of something. I appreciate his hard work and dedication.

Meet Jesalyn K.! Carone Learning Student of the Week!

Let us introduce you to our student of the week, Jesalyn K.! Jesalyn took both Health & Personal Wellness and Fitness Fundamentals 1 at the same time. She did an amazing job, while also in school and playing softball. She enjoyed the freedom or working through her course at her own pace as well as the direction and support from her instructor.

What do you like most about your Carone Learning course? I like the freedom to work through the courses at my own pace and I very much appreciate the direction and support that my teacher gives me.

What have you learned in your Carone Learning course that will most help you in your life? I have learned many techniques on how to exercise safely and how to keep my body healthy and strong.

How has your Carone Learning course helped you improve your level of health or fitness? These courses have allowed me to track my progress throughout the months and become more athletic in order to benefit me in health and my future.

How has your cFitness Academy instructor helped you with your course or your goals? She has given me much support and help throughout my course when I had questions and has helped me achieve my goals of improving my athletic ability.

Why did you sign up for a course through cFitness Academy, and how has taking this course online been beneficial? I signed up for this course because I wanted to take an extra academic class in high school. The courses have been beneficial because it has allowed me to learn about how to take care of myself and make sure I am healthy.

Here’s what Jesalyn’s teacher had to say about her: She’s doing great in both courses while in school and playing softball! Her work is very through and well thought out.

Meet Kaitlyn K.! Carone Learning Student of the Week!

Let us introduce you to our student of the week, Kaitlyn K.!  Kaitlyn took Health and Personal Wellness so she can earn her health credit in school. She was able to make some lifestyle changes because of what she learned from the course.

What do you like most about your Carone Learning course? The flexibility of when assignments are due.

What have you learned in your Carone Learning course that will most help you in your life? Health taught me a lot about my lifestyle and how to make myself healthier. I believe the contents are something I would always look back and realize if I should make changes.

How has your Carone Learning course helped you improve your level of health or fitness? It has increased my awareness of my personal wellness.

How has your cFitness Academy instructor helped you with your course or your goals? The weekly reports really help me get on top of my schedule.

Why did you sign up for a course through cFitness Academy, and how has taking this course online been beneficial? I signed up for this online course because health is a graduation requirement at my state.

Please share any other comments you have about cFitness academy or your carone learning course. Through learning the contents, I started to reflect on my lifestyle more and make appropriate changes.

ere’s what Kaitlyn’s teacher had to say about her: Kaitlyn does a great job staying with the course pace, she comes across as a very caring person in her work. She is also doing great at her health habit of getting to bed earlier so her daily routine is more sound.

Just as all of our students are unique, we think Kaitlyn is pretty great and we’re proud to have her in class! Thanks, Kaitlyn!

Meet MacKenzie B.! Carone Learning Student of the Week!

Let us introduce you to our student of the week, MacKenzie B.!  MacKenzie liked the assignments of her Exercise Science course because she was able to use the information to improve her health and reach her fitness goals. Her course also taught her time management, responsibility and self-motivation.

What do you like most about your Carone Learning course? I really enjoy being able to work at my own pace and being able to work at times that are convenient for my schedule.

What have you learned in your Carone Learning course that will most help you in your life? My Carone Learning course has taught me time management, responsibility, and self motivation.

How has your Carone Learning course helped you improve your level of health or fitness? My Carone Learning course had assignments to create programs to improve my own or a patients health. I was able to complete these assignments and use them to help myself reach goals in my athletics.

How has your cFitness Academy instructor helped you with your course or your goals? Ms. Kooyman has been so helpful! She has helped me through computer difficulties several times this year. She always helps me if I have questions about assignments, and she sends me encouraging emails with feedback about my work.

Why did you sign up for a course through cFitness Academy, and how has taking this course online been beneficial? I love math and science, and I plan to enter a career in the health industry. My school is small, and it does not offer many health related classes. I needed another class this year, so my counselor helped me find this online course. It been very beneficial to my health knowledge.

Please share any other comments you have about cFitness academy or your carone learning course. The Exercise Science course does a really great job at taking students’ general science and math knowledge and appling it to how exercise affects the body. It also gives students a good foundation for the Exercise Science field. I plan to major in Exercise Science in college and would recommend this course to other students interested in the field.

Here’s what MaKenzie’s teacher had to say about her: “Mackenzie has been a fantastic student. She has done a wonderful job on her assignments and is working on some great fitness goals. Good work, Mackenzie!”

Just as all of our students are unique, we think MaKenzie is pretty great and we’re proud to have her in class! Thanks, MaKenzie!

Meet Madison G.! Carone Learning Student of the Week!

Let us introduce you to our student of the week, Madison G.!  Madison learned a few habits she had were unhealthy, her course helped her to make decisions that helped her be healthier. She was also able to meet many of her goals with her hard work and encouragement from her instructor.

What do you like most about your Carone Learning course? The Carone Learning course has allowed me to meet my fitness goals while still having a busy schedule. The biggest hurdle I have had to jump is my own time, but with Carone Learning, there are no more excuses for me not to meet my goals.

What have you learned in your Carone Learning course that will most help you in your life? I have learned a lot about the importance of balance in maintaining your health. With your diet, your workout regime, etc., balance is key and this course has helped me

How has your Carone Learning course helped you improve your level of health or fitness? The Carone Learning course has held me accountable for a lot of the decisions I was making that I did not even realize were unhealthy.

How has your cFitness Academy instructor helped you with your course or your goals? My cFitness Academy instructor is very encouraging and attentive, which makes meeting my goals and doing my course work that much easier.

Why did you sign up for a course through cFitness Academy, and how has taking this course online been beneficial? I signed up for this course because I did not have the time to take a PE course in high school and my counselor recommended it to me. Taking this course online has made it so that I can meet my goals, hold a stable routine, and get my credit for high school.

Here’s what Madison’s teacher had to say about her:  “Madison is always submitting high quality work that is well thought out and meeting all the requirements. I particularly like that she brings in many of her personal experiences and areas of knowledge to expound on questions and problems in the assignments, it adds a nice personal touch and hopefully helps her make better connections as well. She also is a diligent student–staying on top of her work and keeping on track rather than falling behind. She also keeps in touch with me and asks questions regularly or replies when I have concerns. Madison has worked hard on her fitness and health goals as well and has made good progress.”

In Madison’s comprehensive PE course they discuss the media’s impact on body image. Here are her thoughts about it. “As a Psychology major, I am very familiar with the research done on media’s impact on body image. The current societal pressures present unrealistic expectations for men and women. The conditioned responses that come from these negative body images create eating disorders, diet stressors, body dysmorphia, anxiety (GAD), etc. Society pressures women to be thin as a sign of being physically fit and men to be muscular as a sign of being physically fit. I have personal experience with the negative repercussions of these toxic ideas of beauty, which is why a healthy lifestyle is so important to me now. However, I am not society’s idea of what “in shape” should be. I am not a size 0 and my thighs touch. I am muscular and have a more athletic, which is not society’s idea of “fit” despite the fact that I am in better shape than most.”

Just as all of our students are unique, we think Madison is pretty great and we’re proud to have her in class! Thanks, Madison!