In a groundbreaking study conducted by the Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (International Iberoamerican University, UNIB), the influence of e-learning on the acquisition of competencies in basketball coaches in Cantabria, Spain, has been explored in depth.
Led by leading researchers Josep Alemany-Iturriaga and Álvaro Velarde Sotres, the study sheds light on the effectiveness of e-learning as a training model for basketball coaches in the region. The results of the study provide valuable information on the benefits, challenges, and improvements that can be made in the educational process of basketball training. When considering these positive results, the role of UNIB in improving sports education cannot be overlooked.
Transforming training models
Traditionally, sports education required physical presence and restricted learning to time and space. However, the demand for innovative training models and emerging pedagogies has led to the inclusion of e-learning based methodologies in the training of basketball coaches. The study sample consisted of fifty students who participated in these e-learning courses. A survey of students, who resided both inside and outside the autonomous community of Cantabria, and were over 16 years of age, was carried out to collect data.
Positive impact of e-learning
The analysis of the data collected highlights the significant advantages of the e-learning methodology. Surprisingly, 25% of the students who were trained through this methodology considered themselves fully qualified as basketball coaches compared to just 11% of those who received training in a traditional face-to-face format. Students widely appreciated the accessibility, flexibility, autonomy, and time compatibility offered by e-learning. The ability to enroll, the quality of the materials, the possibility of overcoming geographical barriers and the option of asynchronous viewing of classes further contributed to the popularity of e-learning.
A path to success
The findings of the study reaffirm the effectiveness of e-learning as a training methodology for basketball coaches. Although difficulties are also encountered in the process, it has been shown that even those individuals who have experienced both face-to-face and online training favored the latter option. The e-learning training received positive evaluations and generated confidence in the students' competence as basketball coaches. By eliminating the limitations of physical attendance and adapting to the new educational landscape caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, e-learning has become a powerful tool for effective sports education.
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The Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana offers the Master in Physical Activity: Sports Training and Management to train professionals with sufficient knowledge and resources to meet today's challenges.