I received an alert today via a LinkedIn group about a Performa Sports App.
I discovered that “Performa Sports is the performance analysis tool that gives analysts, coaches and players the edge”.
The availability of applications like this is offering real-time opportunities for observation + support for coaches and players. It has been fascinating to watch the transition from real-time hand notation systems to ubiquitous digital tools that generate data rich resources.
I thought I would use the term ‘observation +’ to describe tools that provide real-time and near real-time augmented information. This observation + domain is no longer the sole preserve of performance analysts.
Here in Australia, for example, FoxSports is offering viewers of their A-League and Big Bash League coverage some powerful real-time tools.
A-League
Big Bash League
Each of these applications shares rich data about performance.
The A-League App has a video replay option:
and a range of data that can be used for real-time or subsequent secondary data analysis.
The Big Bash League App shares a range of data visualisation tools:
[slideshow]
As I watch people use these Apps and see the flourishing of digital media I sometimes think back to the start of my involvement in this analysis of performance space and the use of cine film!
Some key issues for me in this observation + time:
- How do we support real-time live observation?
- How do we filter the volume of material available for reflection?
- What do we know about the effectiveness of these media for personal learning environments?
One of my research priorities in 2012 will be the exploration of the use of observation + tools. I am going to look very closely at the multiple intelligences and learning styles literature and practice.
I would like to share some ethnographies of learning to explore observation + behaviour.
Photo Credit
Observe them
