Moving Beyond the Pandemic: Lessons Learned in Physical Education and How to Move Forward

Purpose: Research has explored online physical education (PE) throughout the pandemic and has started to identify its lasting results. This study investigated how teachers implemented PE a year into the COVID-19 pandemic and explored what challenges remained or were overcome from the onset of the pandemic. Method: Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, PE teachers (N = 607) completed an online survey about teaching PE during the pandemic. PE teachers (N = 20) were purposefully sampled and participated in follow-up interviews. Results: Quantitative data indicated that teachers rated themselves less effective as the pandemic continued. Despite this decline, teachers reported teaching to the standards with significant differences across grade levels. Qualitative findings provide context relating to four themes. Conclusions: Effective online PE requires pre- and in-service professional development on integrating technology, enhancing traditional teaching skills, and developing effective assessment strategies. The study highlights how PE instruction must adapt in an evolving digital world.