Physical activity courses adapt to remote environment

While senior Jack Ruhl (front) and his friends may not be able to play ultimate frisbee together on Wilson Field this semester, Chapman is still finding ways to hold physical activity classes online. Panther Archives

When Chapman classes initially transitioned to virtual learning in March, it took instructors time to adapt their teaching styles. That may have been simple enough for an average lecture-heavy class, but students enrolled in physical activity classes were left with plenty of confusion. They had to adjust to the never-before-seen pandemic challenges thrown their way.

“Eventually, I got an email saying that to get credit for the class we essentially just had to let the professor know how we were exercising, and what we were doing to stay fit,” said senior Jack Ruhl, who was enrolled in ultimate frisbee.

However, seven months later, Chapman is still holding classes remotely. This means all classes are held either in an asynchronous manner or via Zoom, including physical activity courses.

Sports Information Director Steven Olveda teaches an ultimate frisbee, half-credit course at Chapman this semester and said he’s struggled to become accustomed to the remote format. 

“It’s not ideal, especially for something like this where you need to be in-person,” Olveda said. “You take physical activity classes to be physical, to be active and have an outlet to your day.”

Despite these early semester woes, Olveda has been trying different teaching methods in hopes to engage his students in physical activity.

“I have been finding some instructional videos that I send to the students and then having them pick a partner that they go practice with, whether it be a roommate here in Orange or a family member if they are still at home,” Olveda said.

As teachers continue to realize the possibilities that online learning allows, they also experience technical difficulties. Jennifer Lieu, who teaches self-defense for women and yogalates, has been challenged in trying to navigate Zoom, breakout rooms and Canvas, but still believes in the benefit of enrolling in an activity course.

“Doing physical activity increases your brainpower,” Lieu said. “Even doing something for two to five minutes could help you be more alert and be more aware.”

Physical activity teachers have gotten creative with ways to get students fit with minimal supplies. Aerobics and tennis teacher Augustino Adams has started incorporating household items into his classes.

“We will use liters of water that have that white band on the top because that acts as a natural grip,” Adams said. “We can use it as a kettlebell.”

The last few months have challenged physical education teachers to think outside the box. However, help may soon be on the way as in-person classes are becoming a very real possibility. 

“The goal would be to be in-person again,” Olveda said. “However, when and how that happens is still being ironed out. We have to figure out how to use the facilities first before we say, ‘OK everyone, go at it.’”