Many technological interventions have leveraged physical activity (PA, i.e., activities that involve whole-body movements) to provide young people with active and productive learning experiences. However, there is a lack of systematic understanding of how PA can serve as a learning medium--for example, how PA can support learning and how to design…

This dissertation is presented in multiple article format with an introduction, a literature review, a design case, a mixed methods study, and a conclusion. The literature review outlines important concepts and theories that appear in subsequent manuscripts. The design case describes the seven-year design process that resulted in the online…

Background: This study was motivated by the need to enhance Mandarin learning through embodied interactions and physical engagement methods. While most studies confirm the positive effects of touchscreen devices on learning, mixed findings suggest a need for more engaging methods. This research addresses these gaps by exploring the benefits of…

Based on the study of virtual learning systems, motion learning theory, and instructional design theory, a virtual fitness trainer app named TRAINIME has been developed to be used as one of the tools to teach exercise for fitness education programs. This paper describes the design and development as well as the evaluation of the developed app. The…

The expansion of mobile devices (e.g. tablets, smartphones) and their educational and recreational applications have contributed to the emergence of Mobile Learning Games (MLGs). MLGs show great potential for increasing engagement, creativity and authentic learning. Yet, despite their great potential for education, the use of MLGs by teachers,…

This study addresses the issue of insufficient physical activity (PA) among youths. The emergence of gamified interventions, such as Gamifiter web portal, offers a novel approach to promoting healthy habits and increasing intrinsic motivation for PA. Gamifiter engages users in virtual challenges linked to daily step counts and progress on a…

Classroom response systems have become popular in K-12 and higher education settings in recent years in order to gauge student learning. The physical education environment is unique in that it is difficult to manage the technology associated with these systems, and therefore, student assessment can be cumbersome. A free classroom response system…