The role of mobile web platforms in the development of critical, strategic and lateral thinking skills of students in distance physical education courses

ABSTRACT

This article explores the possibilities of mobile web platforms in the development of thinking skills, especially such kinds of thinking as critical, strategic and lateral, in distance physical education courses during COVID-19 constraints. The research was carried out within the framework of the distance online course "Self-management and physical education" on the SkillShare platform. 86 students from China, aged 18 to 35, took part in the training course. The research participants identified the advantages of fitness applications in the structure of the training course. The results of the analysis demonstrated the effectiveness of technological solutions in the development of critical, strategic and lateral thinking skills in context of the structure of educational practices in particular for the improvement of self-management skills, such as leadership, personal efficiency, self-control, self-motivation, self-esteem. 87% of study participants confirmed that innovative teaching practices, used in a course, improved different kinds of thinking skills (critical, strategic and lateral), health indicators, overall well-being, and attractiveness;contributed to the formation of correct eating habits;led to a decrease in fatigue;increased self-esteem. The highest results among Fitness apps showed GymGoal ABC, with an average score of 87.6 out of a possible 100.