An Analysis of the Role of Physical Education in Character Building of Students in the Digital Era

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54438/bmw3qg29

Keywords:

Physical Education; Character Building; Digital Era; Student Development; Educational Innovation

Abstract

Physical education plays a crucial role in fostering not only physical fitness but also the development of students’ character in the digital era. The rapid growth of digital technology has shifted the lifestyle and behavior of students, which often leads to reduced physical activity and weakened social interaction. This study aims to analyze the role of physical education in shaping students’ character values such as discipline, responsibility, cooperation, and respect, amidst the challenges posed by digitalization. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this research relies on literature studies and previous empirical findings to explore the integration of physical education with character education. The findings highlight that physical education provides opportunities for experiential learning, where students internalize values through play, sports, and movement activities. Moreover, physical education acts as a medium for balancing cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains, which are essential for holistic education in the digital age. Therefore, the revitalization of physical education is essential to strengthen students’ resilience, ethics, and positive behavior in responding to the demands of technological advancements.

References

Bailey, R. (2006). Physical education and sport in schools: A review of benefits and outcomes. Journal of School Health, 76(8), 397–401. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1746-1561.2006.00132.x

Casey, A., Goodyear, V. A., & Armour, K. M. (2017). Digital technologies and learning in physical education: Pedagogical cases. Routledge.

Chen, B., & Zhu, X. (2021). Physical education in the digital age: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, 8(3), 45–51.

Hastie, P. A., & Wallhead, T. L. (2016). Models-based practice in physical education: The case for sport education. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 35(4), 390–399. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2016-0092

Hellison, D. (2011). Teaching personal and social responsibility through physical activity (3rd ed.). Human Kinetics.

Kirk, D. (2010). Physical education futures. Routledge.

Light, R., & Kentel, J. A. (2015). Moral and ethical dimensions of physical education and sport. Routledge.

Lickona, T. (1991). Educating for character: How our schools can teach respect and responsibility. Bantam Books.

Lund, J., & Kirk, M. (2019). Performance-based assessment for middle and high school physical education. Human Kinetics.

Metzler, M. W. (2017). Instructional models for physical education (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Ntoumanis, N., & Standage, M. (2009). Motivation in physical education classes: A self-determination theory perspective. Theory and Research in Education, 7(2), 194–202. https://doi.org/10.1177/1477878509104324

Pangrazi, R. P., & Beighle, A. (2019). Dynamic physical education for elementary school children (19th ed.). Pearson.

Pasiak, T. (2020). Pendidikan jasmani dan pembentukan karakter di era digital. Jurnal Pendidikan Jasmani Indonesia, 16(2), 112–120.

Siedentop, D. (1994). Sport education: Quality PE through positive sport experiences. Human Kinetics.

Standage, M., & Ryan, R. M. (2012). Self-determination theory and exercise motivation: Facilitating self-regulatory processes to support and maintain health and well-being. In G. C. Roberts & D. C. Treasure (Eds.), Advances in motivation in sport and exercise (pp. 233–270). Human Kinetics.

Subroto, S. (2021). Integrasi pendidikan jasmani dengan pendidikan karakter di sekolah dasar. Jurnal Olahraga, 7(1), 15–25.

Whitehead, M. (2010). Physical literacy: Throughout the lifecourse. Routledge.

Published

2025-07-30

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Akbar, R. A., Aminuddin, N., Acen Yukarda, & Dian Pujianto. (2025). An Analysis of the Role of Physical Education in Character Building of Students in the Digital Era. SPORTIF, 10(2), 73-89. https://doi.org/10.54438/bmw3qg29

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.