Heart Zones is excited to announce the launch of its new Professional Development Program designed to help physical educators effectively integrate technology into teaching and learning.
We have heard from many Physical Educators that are asking for practical, educator-led training to boost student engagement, improve instruction, and enhance learning outcomes. Heart Zones’ new professional development program meets this demand with hands-on, activity-based training with technologies that will support teachers with their planning, assessment and teaching. The program features technology tools that are easy to implement and use, providing teachers with greater efficiency in planning, preparation, and assessment.
Leading the program is Darrell Salmi, a nationally recognized physical educator from Stillwater, Minnesota. Darrell recently retired after a distinguished career in education and is widely respected for his innovative use of technology in physical education. He was named Minnesota High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year and a district level Technology in Education award winner. Darrell has presented at numerous state and national conferences on technology integration, student engagement, fitness education, and innovative teaching practices.
The Heart Zones Professional Development Program focuses on helping teachers understand how technology can support teaching and learning in physical education through topics such as:
Technology integration in physical education - Technology is a tool, not a replacement — It should enhance PE, not replace physical activity or teacher instruction
Wearable fitness technology and activity monitoring to personalize the learning and support differentiation
Social-emotional learning through physical activity
Activity monitoring to support motivation, goal setting, and assessment
Creating gif files and incorporating into lessons and formative/summative assessments
Using AI to enhance teaching and learning with more teacher efficiency to better meet the learning needs of all students
Using screen recording and video to support learning outside of school and to provide personalized support and feedback.
Best practices for technology in Physical Education
Participants will explore a variety of technologies and instructional strategies that can be immediately implemented in their own programs. The training emphasizes practical application, helping teachers develop confidence in using technology to support student success rather than adding complexity to their teaching. Our goal is to educate the whole child in Physical Education through engaging physical activities in a supportive and safe space that will allow for challenge and growth. Teachers will learn how activity-monitoring technology can support motivation, assessment, differentiation, goal setting, and student ownership of learning.
Through this initiative, Heart Zones continues its commitment to supporting educators with innovative tools, professional learning opportunities, and proven strategies that help students become healthier, more engaged, and more active.
"Technology has the power to transform physical education when it is used intentionally and effectively," said Darrell Salmi. "Our goal is to help teachers develop practical strategies they can immediately apply to create more engaging, meaningful, and impactful learning experiences for students."
As part of the training, participants will see examples of how schools are successfully using the Heart Zones Move. For more information about bringing a Heart Zones Professional Development workshop to your school or district, contact us!