An online collection of games has the benefit of being accessible to a greater number of teachers. Additionally, because the games have been uploaded on Microsoft Word documents, they are readily modifiable. Unfortunately, the lack of access to a computer in most gymnasiums results in the online version’s greatest drawback. For example, it would be useful to consult a hard copy of the collection prior to a lesson. Users, however, do have the ability to download the games in MS Word format and print those they anticipate using in class. My particular collection of games has the benefit of being formatted identically throughout different categories of games. This consequently allows users to compare and contrast games with ease. Furthermore, the sample lesson plans which integrate games with progressions give concrete examples for how layering games can be a great tool for physical and health educators.
I faced a particular technical challenge when embedding the individual files of my games. Rather than have an entire category of games (8 games each) upload at the same time, I was obliged to create individual files for each. Fortunately, this allows the user greater flexibility in choosing the type, activity level, or age appropriateness of each game. Users can therefore search for games based on their student’s abilities and the focus of the unit. If the Pro version of Weebly was made more readily accessible, embedding the files of games directly on the website would have contributed to making the website more user-friendly.
The resources available online for physical education teachers are readily accessible on websites such as playsports.net or mygym.com. Although the games provided on these websites are diverse and plentiful, they are not necessarily appropriate tools for designing lesson plans according to the Quebec Education Program, as some focus only on developing skills rather than knowledge and understanding. Furthermore, certain games require modifications in order to be made safe. For that reason, it is important that educators remain critical when choosing games and reflect upon their educational relevance.
resources for the physical and health educators based on the quebec education program and principles of teaching games for understanding