Dan DeJager on digital tools, motivation and helping students find balance in movement
This is part 2 of a two-part conversation. To view part 1, click here
This conversation has been lightly edited for smoothness and clarity.
Tierney O: How can technology enhance physical education rather than distract from it?
Dan D: When it’s used thoughtfully, technology opens a lot of doors. It helps with choice and differentiation. Students can learn skills at their own pace, revisit demonstrations and track their progress. For teachers managing large classes, short, level-appropriate videos can make instruction more efficient.
Gamified tools can also make movement more engaging. I think of things like Pokémon Go, where people walk miles just to reach a goal. The key is curation. Not everything online is useful or accurate, so we have to guide students toward credible sources and age-appropriate information.
Tierney O: You mentioned earlier that not all information online is reliable. How do you teach students to navigate that?
Dan D: We talk about context: who is this for and what’s the goal? Some creators speak to college athletes, not high school beginners. I also try to help them avoid comparison traps. Social media can make students feel like they’re not measuring up, which kills motivation. The focus should always be on their own progress, not someone else’s highlight reel.
Tierney O: What kinds of outcomes do you see when students have more choice in PE?
Dan D: Engagement goes up and behavior issues go down. When students have ownership, they care more. They pick skills they want to improve, set goals and start to see progress. That leads to confidence, which makes them want to keep going.
Tierney O: What helps students build consistent, self-motivated activity habits?
Dan D: It helps when they’re part of something outside of school like a team, dance class, martial arts or the gym. It doesn’t have to be competitive; it just has to give them a way to apply what they’re learning in PE. We also talk about cross-training. Seasons end, interests shift and injuries happen. Students who try different activities are more adaptable and more likely to stay active.
Tierney O: You’ve mentioned recovering from an injury yourself. How did that shape your perspective?
Dan D: I herniated a disc in my back a while ago and it forced me to completely rethink my routine. I had to switch to a recumbent bike and modify my lifts. At first it was frustrating, but I realized progress can look different and still count. I set a race goal a few months out to stay motivated. That’s what I want students to learn, you can adapt and keep moving even when circumstances change.
Tierney O: Looking ahead, what changes or innovations do you think PE needs most?
Dan D: The purpose of PE has evolved. Decades ago, it was about preparing students for the military. Now it’s about lifelong health. We know physical activity supports heart health, blood pressure and mental well-being but to students, the long-term benefits can feel abstract. What motivates them is what they can use right now.
I try to connect lessons to real life. If we’re practicing a gallop, I’ll ask when that movement might show up outside of class like when running the bases in baseball. A side shuffle might connect to volleyball, pickleball or fielding in softball. When students see those links, the learning becomes more meaningful.
Tierney O: And when they make those connections, they’re more likely to stick with it.
Dan D: Exactly. I want students to understand how the skills we work on apply beyond class. The goal is to build physical literacy and confidence so they can move comfortably in different settings throughout their lives.
Tierney O: If you could instill one wellness habit in every young person, what would it be?
Dan D: Regular movement in something they enjoy and balance. Strength, cardio and flexibility all matter and the right mix changes over time. I also remind them that sleep and nutrition are part of the same cycle. When you eat well and rest enough, you have more energy to be active. And when you’re active, you sleep better and make better choices. It’s all connected.
Published January 20, 2026