Master of Arts Physical Education
Teaching with Technology

With the support of Polar Electro Inc., the University of Northern Iowa’s School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services offers a unique school and community-based learning opportunity for students enrolled in the M.A. degree in physical education. Designed with a strong emphasis on technological applications, this M.A. degree consists of courses accentuating curriculum theory and design, teaching strategies, applied technology, research applications as well as ample opportunities to directly apply knowledge gained on an on-going basis in classroom and community settings.

Coursework will be primarily performed in the Grundy Center School District. Located in a community adjacent to the University of Northern Iowa, Grundy Center schools provide the ideal environment for students to apply knowledge gained in actual classroom settings and to perform thesis research focused on the validation of the use of technology in physical education.

Already at the forefront of physical education, Grundy Center schools have embedded technology throughout their curriculum where fitness technology including heart rate monitors, pocket PCs and fitness assessment systems are integral parts of daily lesson plans. Furthermore, Grundy Center Elementary has received national recognition by being named a P.E.4Life Institute because of its commitment to daily, quality physical education. This program features students performing specific off-campus learning at the Grundy Center Elementary P.E.4Life Institute.

This groundbreaking collaboration between UNI, Polar and the Grundy Center School District, featuring the Grundy Center Elementary P.E.4Life Institute creates a program that uniquely blends the resources of each to provide state-of-the-art information to enhance the impact of physical education through the use of technology. Program candidates will be admitted in co-hort groups and will be partially funded by this innovative university/corporate relationship through a Graduate Assistantship.

A Program of Total Immersion

A key feature of the program will be the total immersion of students as practicing physical education teachers. Under the supervision of a master physical education teacher, students will engage in classroom teaching, curriculum development, program supervision, faculty and board meetings as well as direct assignments with allied community agencies. The schedule will also provide opportunities to interface with on-campus events and activities such as the HPELS Annual PE Learning/Sharing Conference.

Candidates can expect to be fully engrossed on a daily basis with coursework integrated with hands-on teaching experiences and community assignments. Students will live, study and work in Grundy Center and as contributing professionals, actively participate in school and community activities. The program has been designed as a focused, intense and highly captivating learning experience.

Polar Scholars

Polar, the inventor of the wireless heart rate monitor and world leader in fitness technology designed for physical education, is the proud sponsor of this dynamic program. Polar is committed to the New PE and the crucial role that technology can play in assessing and improving the fitness of young people. Upon completion of the program, all graduates will be designated as Polar Scholars. This appointment affirms each individual’s competency to plan, organize and implement a contemporary physical education program based on the use of state-of-the-art technological applications.

Coursework

Each candidate must complete at least 30 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree.