Alternative Environment Activities Online Survey: Physical Education (PE) Teachers

Letter of Information and Consent

1. LETTER OF INTRODUCTION
Investigating the Incorporation of Alternative Environment Activities in Physical Education Programs across Canada

Dear Physical Education (PE) Teacher,

Our names are Dr. Brent Bradford, Dr. Dan Robinson, Dr. Stephen Berg and Dr. Nathan Hall. We collectively represent Faculties of Education at four different universities (Concordia University of Edmonton; St. Francis Xavier University; the University of British Columbia - Okanagan, and the University of Winnipeg) stretching from coast to coast across Canada. We are presently conducting a research study in the area of Alternative Environment Activities in Physical Education programming.

We are writing to introduce you to our research study, Investigating the Incorporation of Alternative Environment Activities in Physical Education Programs across Canada. Alternative Environment Activities support the development of basic fundamental movement skills and elements such as strength, endurance, physical fitness, balance, etc. Unique to Alternative Environment Activities is the application of basic fundamental movement skills in activities that are held in different environments other than the gymnasium. They expose students to such places as swimming pools, arenas, sports facilities, camping sites, trails, etc.

Therefore, the purpose of this research study is to investigate the employment of alternative environment activities in elementary and secondary school physical education (PE) programs in Alberta, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Manitoba. Specifically, PE teachers’ overall thoughts will be investigated concerning the incorporation of alternative environment activities into their PE programs.

Between Sept 2015 and June 2017, we will collect data through an online survey that will take approximately 15-20 minutes of your time. In order to be consistent with the Canadian Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIP) and ethical guidelines, we are seeking your consent to participate in this research study.

Risks: There are no risks from participating in this study other than perhaps getting “tired” of filling out the online survey (which will take approximately 15-20 minutes).

Ethical Considerations: Please be assured that this research study will be conducted in line with the highest ethical standards, and has the approval of the each participating institution's Research Ethics Board. We can also ensure you that the online survey will be used in ways which are scholarly and respectful of your dignity.

By filling out the online survey, your name will not be collected at any time prior, during and after the research study (e.g., future publications). You have the right to refuse to provide consent, or to withdraw your consent at any time prior to submitting your online survey responses. Hence, if you volunteer to participate in this research study, you should always remember that you can withdraw and stop participating in the study at any time you wish prior to submitting your online survey responses. You will not be penalized in any way if you withdraw and stop participating in the study. However, please understand that if you volunteer to participate and submit your online survey responses, it is not possible for us to remove your data.

Participation Benefits: Potential benefits of this research study to the participants include: a greater understanding of their own teaching practices; more understanding of how Alternative Environment Activities are employed in PE programs across Canada; and a deeper awareness of how important Alternative Environment Activities are for student learning.

We would like to know if you are willing to participate in this research study. Therefore, included at the beginning of the online survey, the first question will ask if you “agree” to participate. If you click “agree,” then you will be lead into the survey as you will have provided consent. If you have any questions, please contact us (see contact information above).

This study has been reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Boards from both Universities. The following is the contact information from the REBs that approved this study:

Concordia University of Edmonton REB: (phone) 780-479-9341
University of Winnipeg UHREB: (phone) 204-786-9058

Thank you for your consideration of participating in this research study.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brent Bradford

Concordia University of Edmonton
7128 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton, AB, T5B 4E4
Telephone: 780-479-9274
Email: brent.bradford@concordia.ab.ca

Dr. Daniel Robinson
St. Francis Xavier University
216 Xavier Hall, Antigonish, NS, B2G 2W5
Telephone: 902-867-5569
Email: dan.robinson@stfx.ca

Dr. Stephen Berg
University of British Columbia – Okanagan
1137 Alumni Ave, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7
Telephone: 250-807-9682
Email: stephen.berg@ubc.ca

Dr. Nathan Hall
University of Winnipeg
515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9
Telephone: 204-258-2950
Email: na.hall@uwinnipeg.ca

Alternative Environment Physical Activities involve applications of basic fundamental motor skills in physical activities that are held in varying environments outside of the traditional school setting.

Consent: I have read the attached explanatory letter of introduction, have had the project described to me, and provide my consent to participate in the above named study. By clicking “agree” below, I agree to the researchers using data provided by me after I submit my responses on the following survey which includes Part A, B, and C:

Alternative Environment Activities Online Survey for Physical Education (PE) Teachers (which I will be required to complete once)

I understand that the findings of this research study may be used in disseminating information about the employment of Alternative Environment Activities in Canadian schools, and that the results may also be published in scholarly publications, or used in presentations.

I understand that participation in this research study is entirely voluntary and that I may withdraw my consent to participate at any time prior to submitting my online survey responses. I understand that my individual information will be kept confidential, and that there will be no findings that will identify me. I understand that there are no negative consequences should I decide not to participate, and give my consent freely and willingly.

*This question is required.

2. Copy of LETTER OF INTRODUCTION
Investigating the Incorporation of Alternative Environment Activities in Physical Education Programs across Canada

Dear Physical Education (PE) Teacher,

Our names are Dr. Brent Bradford, Dr. Dan Robinson, Dr. Stephen Berg and Dr. Nathan Hall. We collectively represent Faculties of Education at four different universities (Concordia University of Edmonton; St. Francis Xavier University; the University of British Columbia - Okanagan, and the University of Winnipeg) stretching from coast to coast across Canada. We are presently conducting a research study in the area of Alternative Environment Activities in Physical Education programming.

We are writing to introduce you to our research study, Investigating the Incorporation of Alternative Environment Activities in Physical Education Programs across Canada. Alternative Environment Activities support the development of basic fundamental movement skills and elements such as strength, endurance, physical fitness, balance, etc. Unique to Alternative Environment Activities is the application of basic fundamental movement skills in activities that are held in different environments other than the gymnasium. They expose students to such places as swimming pools, arenas, sports facilities, camping sites, trails, etc.

Therefore, the purpose of this research study is to investigate the employment of alternative environment activities in elementary and secondary school physical education (PE) programs in Alberta, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Manitoba. Specifically, PE teachers’ overall thoughts will be investigated concerning the incorporation of alternative environment activities into their PE programs.

Between Sept 2015 and June 2017, we will collect data through an online survey that will take approximately 15-20 minutes of your time. In order to be consistent with the Canadian Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIP) and ethical guidelines, we are seeking your consent to participate in this research study.

Risks: There are no risks from participating in this study other than perhaps getting “tired” of filling out the online survey (which will take approximately 15-20 minutes).

Ethical Considerations: Please be assured that this research study will be conducted in line with the highest ethical standards, and has the approval of the each participating institution's Research Ethics Board. We can also ensure you that the online survey will be used in ways which are scholarly and respectful of your dignity.

By filling out the online survey, your name will not be collected at any time prior, during and after the research study (e.g., future publications). You have the right to refuse to provide consent, or to withdraw your consent at any time prior to submitting your online survey responses. Hence, if you volunteer to participate in this research study, you should always remember that you can withdraw and stop participating in the study at any time you wish prior to submitting your online survey responses. You will not be penalized in any way if you withdraw and stop participating in the study. However, please understand that if you volunteer to participate and submit your online survey responses, it is not possible for us to remove your data.

Participation Benefits: Potential benefits of this research study to the participants include: a greater understanding of their own teaching practices; more understanding of how Alternative Environment Activities are employed in PE programs across Canada; and a deeper awareness of how important Alternative Environment Activities are for student learning.

We would like to know if you are willing to participate in this research study. Therefore, included at the beginning of the online survey, the first question will ask if you “agree” to participate. If you click “agree,” then you will be lead into the survey as you will have provided consent. If you have any questions, please contact us (see contact information above).

This study has been reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Boards from both Universities. The following is the contact information from the REBs that approved this study:

Concordia University of Edmonton REB: (phone) 780-479-9341
University of Winnipeg UHREB: (phone) 204-786-9058

Thank you for your consideration of participating in this research study.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brent Bradford

Alternative Environment Activities Online Survey for Physical Education (PE) Teachers (which I will be required to complete once)