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The Impact of E-learning in Physical Education and Sports Training

El impacto del aprendizaje en línea en la educación física y el entrenamiento deportivo

O impacto do ensino a distância na educação física e no treino desportivo

 

Bill Grant

info@efdeportes.com

 

Independent

(Australia)

 

Reception: 04/03/2026 - Acceptance: 04/04/2026

 

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Suggested reference: Grant, B. (2026). The Impact of E-learning in Physical Education and Sports Training. Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, 30(335), 264-270. https://www.efdeportes.com/efdeportes/index.php/EFDeportes/article/view/8836

 

Abstract

    The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a shift toward e-learning in physical education, transforming it from a temporary fix into a permanent, tech-driven staple. By utilizing mobile apps, wearables, and AI, sports training has become more accessible and personalized. These tools allow individuals in remote areas or with limited budgets to access elite coaching and tailored programs. While technologies like virtual reality and gamification enhance engagement, the future points toward a hybrid model. This approach combines digital convenience with essential in-person practice, effectively reducing cost and time barriers while improving athlete safety through data-driven feedback and video analysis.

    Keywords: E-learning. Artificial Intelligence. Hybrid training.

 

Resumen

    La pandemia de COVID-19 aceleró la transición hacia el aprendizaje en línea en la educación física, transformándola de una solución temporal en un elemento fundamental e impulsado por la tecnología. Mediante el uso de aplicaciones móviles, dispositivos portátiles e inteligencia artificial, el entrenamiento deportivo se ha vuelto más accesible y personalizado. Estas herramientas permiten que personas en zonas remotas o con presupuestos limitados accedan a entrenamiento de élite y programas a medida. Si bien tecnologías como la realidad virtual y la gamificación mejoran la participación, el futuro apunta hacia un modelo híbrido. Este enfoque combina la comodidad digital con la práctica presencial esencial, reduciendo eficazmente las barreras de costo y tiempo, a la vez que mejora la seguridad del atleta mediante retroalimentación basada en datos y análisis de video.

    Palabras clave: Aprendizaje en línea. Inteligencia artificial. Entrenamiento híbrido.

 

Resumo

    A pandemia da COVID-19 acelerou a transição para o ensino a distância na educação física, transformando-o de uma solução temporária num elemento permanente e essencial, impulsionado pela tecnologia. Ao utilizar aplicações móveis, dispositivos wearable e inteligência artificial, o treino desportivo tornou-se mais acessível e personalizado. Estas ferramentas permitem que indivíduos em áreas remotas ou com orçamentos limitados tenham acesso a formação de elite e a programas personalizados. Embora tecnologias como a realidade virtual e a gamificação melhorem o envolvimento, o futuro aponta para um modelo híbrido. Esta abordagem combina a conveniência digital com a prática presencial essencial, reduzindo eficazmente as barreiras de custo e tempo, ao mesmo tempo que melhora a segurança do atleta através de feedback baseado em dados e análise de vídeo.

    Unitermos: Ensino a distância. Inteligência artificial. Treino híbrido.

 

Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 31, Núm. 335, Abr. (2026)


 

    Today we live in a world that has seen a worldwide pandemic. It has thoroughly changed the way we live. One of the most affected part was the physical education. During that time, gyms closed down and people turned to online classes from home. With this change, came a surprising rise of workouts on fitness apps and virtual coaching sessions. Today, even though the pandemic is over, we are still witnessing the rise of e-learning in Physical Education.   

 

    E-learning in physical education now means much more than just video workouts. You can use mobile apps and smart wearables with virtual coaching or video analysis for a complete experience. Coaches support their teams from a distance, and athletes use special drills to get better. Students even learn tricky movements right on their phones.

 

Figure 1. Online educational applications in physical education and sports training

Figure 1. Online educational applications in physical education and sports training

Source: Gemini 3

 

    These changes open up new chances for both trainees and coaches. In the upcoming parts, I will detail how entry levels rise and how training suits the person, besides examining evidence and potential paths.

 

How E-learning Improves Access to Physical Education? 

 

    A student in a small town used to have very few ways to train for sports. Back then, the absence of expert tuition or high-end venues hindered personal progress. Today, just having a working handset means a player can learn from international masters without leaving their home.

 

    Modern mobile apps and websites actually guide people through their workouts step by step. This means more people can access high-quality coaching than ever before. Newcomers start with basic movement drills. But seasoned athletes follow specific plans from top coaches.

 

    Rural areas with fewer resources benefit the most from e-learning. Schools with small budgets now use digital tools for physical education. Coaches stream sessions and share recorded drills. Students who missed out before now get a real chance to learn from great coaches.

 

    People with different abilities can use programs made just for them. Many platforms offer workouts for every fitness level. Age doesn’t stop anyone now. E-learning helps by giving bodyweight routines and guided sessions that need very little space. Anyone can train well in a small room at home.

 

    Real access means staying safe online and picking the right platforms. Various individuals use a VPN service to open sites blocked in their region. At the same time, access to physical education is quite accessible. Not having a local gym does not stop people as it once did.

 

How E-learning Personalizes Sports Training? 

 

    Every athlete pursues a completely different target. One person aims for power, but another prioritizes fat loss. Typical group classes often use the same old routine for everyone. Online platforms now allow individuals to train in ways that best match their personal requirements.

 

    New wearable devices track heart rate together with recovery data. Digital systems then apply this knowledge to adjust a training session at once. Regular feedback ensures that individuals can keep reaching for new goals.

 

    The truth is that artificial intelligence now sits at the very heart of e-learning. This integration truly assists schools in providing a much more interactive experience for everyone. AI checks workout data and gives advice. A runner might get a message to slow down or speed up. Someone lifting weights could get a new set count if they’re tired. These small changes from AI help people improve over time.

 

    Video analysis helps even more. Athletes record their movements and get feedback on form. This helps them fix posture and avoid injuries. Coaches watch clips and give advice from a distance. Training plans fit each person’s goals. A beginner who wants to lose weight gets a different plan than an athlete training for a contest. As people improve, their programs change too.

 

    Platforms like Trainerize show how well digital coaching works. Trainers assign workouts, track progress, and chat with users all in one place. People stay more focused and stick to their plans. These changes lead to better results and safer training.

 

What Research Says About E-learning in Sports Training? 

 

    Many studies support digital training. UNESCO reports show higher engagement in virtual learning. Participation increases when students find content usable and adaptable.

 

    Gamification makes training fun. People collect points, level up, and meet challenges. Workouts feel like games, so motivation lasts longer. Skills learned in games often stick with users. Traditional drills use lots of repetition, but digital tools bring more variety and feedback. People stay interested and want to keep going because they enjoy the process.

 

    Virtual reality brings a new way to train. Athletes use real-feeling simulations. Football players practice decisions in virtual matches. Basketball players work on reaction time even when not in a gym.

 

    Elite athletes use simulation tools for mental training. Visualization gets them ready for competition. Reaction training sharpens quick decisions. Digital tools don’t replace hard work, but they help with physical practice. Good tools help, but effort and discipline still matter most.

 

How E-learning Cuts Training Costs and Time Barriers? 

 

    High costs often block access to good training. Coaching, travel, and facility fees add up fast. E-learning cuts costs. Online programs usually cost less than in-person coaching. Most plans cost just a small part of what top coaches charge. With internet access, people can get expert help for less money.

 

    Travel doesn’t block training anymore. People can train at home, in a park, or indoors. Flexible schedules save time and money. On-demand sessions let people train whenever it works for them. A student can train after school, and an adult can train before or after work.

 

    There are real perks for coaches using e-learning. Pre-recorded sessions help trainers impact more people without going over the same lessons again. Local training centers still serve a purpose, but coaches rely on them less because digital tools are now the norm.

 

    Lower costs and flexible schedules remove barriers. More people can train without worrying about money.

 

How E-learning Supports Hybrid Physical Training Models? 

 

    Fully digital training often hits a wall since physical activity requires real-life movement and hands-on work. Hybrid physical training models use a mix of digital and in-person teaching methods. Digital lessons create the structure and advice, but face-to-face meetings let people practice. A student can master a drill online and then try it properly on the grass.

 

    Hybrid training doesn’t replace old methods. It makes traditional training better by adding more structure and flexibility. Simple, low-bandwidth, and offline tools help more people join. People with slow internet can download sessions. Now, hybrid training gives much more access to everyone, no matter their Internet speed or distance from a gym.

 

Future Trends in E-learning for Sports and Physical Education 

 

    High-tech tools continue to transform every training session. New systems like virtual reality help people prepare more effectively. Virtual classrooms will definitely become a staple in physical education. Smart software will eventually get better at detecting subtle performance patterns.

 

    AI can find early signs of fatigue or injury risk, so users can change course and avoid problems. Blockchain technology will help keep digital records safe for certifications and results. Achievements will be easy to check and will stay safe.

 

    More schools, gyms, and training centers now use digital tools alongside traditional teaching. Growth will likely continue. Some people say e-learning will make up 70 percent of all training by 2030, but there’s little evidence for that. Real growth will come from steady expansion, not a complete change. The future will use both technology and hands-on practice. Physical education will still need real movement and in-person work.

 

Wrapping Up 

 

    E-learning has made physical education and sports training easier to get to. Hybrid models have made it easier for anyone to train with expert support from anywhere, so there are less barriers for everyone. Everyone may go forward securely and effectively with the support of personalized systems and data-based advice. These digital tools make every session more helpful now. You may look forward to even more growth as these tools get better and better.

 

References 

 

Orteu Navés, E., & Orteu Navés, S. (2011). Ventajas e inconvenientes de la utilización de las TIC en Educación Física. Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, 13(161). https://www.efdeportes.com/efd161/utilizacion-de-las-tic-en-educacion-fisica.htm

 

Qi, Y., Sajadi, S.M., Baghaei, S., Rezaei, R., & Li, W. (2024). Digital technologies in sports: Opportunities, challenges, and strategies for safeguarding athlete wellbeing and competitive integrity in the digital era. Technology in Society, 77, 102496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2024.102496


Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 31, Núm. 335, Abr. (2026)