Use of Fitness Trackers in Fitness Running Classes to Enhance Students' Motivation

摘要

The aim of the research was to examine the possibilities of use of fitness tracking applications in smartphones, for students to enhance their motivation to run, and for teachers to coach, monitor and evaluate the training process and its outcomes. The core of the study was to design and implement a model of fitness tracker-supported running classes. A two-year survey among university students (n = 133) was carried out to analyse and evaluate the usability and possible benefits of the applied blended learning methods. The number of students who passed the assignment criteria of fitness running increased and the percentage of drop-outs decreased in the experimental group. The results indicated enhanced motivation of students to enroll and participate in fitness running. The highest rated formal benefit of the designed model of fitness tracker-supported running was found in individual choice of time and place.