Journals Information
International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 13(5), pp. 1117 - 1124
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130513
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The Effects of Integrating Digital Tools into University Physical Education in Enhancing Student Engagement
Nurzhan Temirbay 1,*, Aychurok Kaldybaeva 1, Aigerim Baikulova 2, Zhambyl Beknazarov 3, Nurlan Beknurmanov 4, Azat Abdrassilov 5
1 Department of Pedagogy, Kyrgyz State University Named after I. Arabaev, Kyrgyzstan
2 Department of Preschool Education, Kazakh National Women's Teacher Training University, Kazakhstan
3 Department of Physical Education, M.Kh. Dulaty Taraz University, Kazakhstan
4 Department of Methodology of Sports Disciplines, M.Kh. Dulaty Taraz University, Kazakhstan
5 Department of Vocational Training and Fine Arts, Zhanibekov University, Kazakhstan
ABSTRACT
The integration of digital technologies into physical education has emerged as a promising approach to enhancing student engagement and promoting long-term physical activity habits. This study investigates the effectiveness of using fitness tracking applications in a university-level physical education setting. The primary objective was to assess whether incorporating autonomy-supportive digital tools could improve students' attitudes toward physical education and sustain their physical activity beyond the classroom. An experimental design was implemented involving two groups: an experimental group that engaged in self-monitored physical activity using mobile applications, and a control group that followed a traditional instructor-led program without digital integration. Data collection included pre- and post-intervention surveys assessing motivation and attitudes, as well as app-based step count logs. Results revealed that the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in both motivational indices and weekly activity levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, 72% of students in the experimental group continued using the fitness applications during a four-week follow-up period, in contrast to only 39% in the control group. These findings highlight the critical role of self-determination theory in designing digital interventions that support autonomy and competence. The study contributes to the growing field of digital pedagogy by demonstrating the practical value of fitness apps in formal educational contexts. It suggests that strategically implemented digital tools not only improve immediate learning outcomes but also foster sustainable behavioral changes in physical activity. This research offers a scalable and low-cost model for enhancing physical education through personalization, real-time feedback, and autonomous goal-setting, thus bridging the gap between classroom instruction and lifelong fitness behavior.
KEYWORDS
Physical Education, Student Engagement, Digital Tools, Pedagogical Conditions, Higher Education
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Nurzhan Temirbay , Aychurok Kaldybaeva , Aigerim Baikulova , Zhambyl Beknazarov , Nurlan Beknurmanov , Azat Abdrassilov , "The Effects of Integrating Digital Tools into University Physical Education in Enhancing Student Engagement," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 1117 - 1124, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130513.
(b). APA Format:
Nurzhan Temirbay , Aychurok Kaldybaeva , Aigerim Baikulova , Zhambyl Beknazarov , Nurlan Beknurmanov , Azat Abdrassilov (2025). The Effects of Integrating Digital Tools into University Physical Education in Enhancing Student Engagement. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 13(5), 1117 - 1124. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130513.