Digital Transformation of Physical Education in Higher Education (2018–2024): A Systematic Review of Virtual, Hybrid, and AI-Enabled Modalities

Abstract

The period between 2018 and 2024 saw a rapid digital transformation of higher education and physical education globally, significantly accelerated by technological innovations and the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review analyses the three key approaches driving this change: virtual methods i.e., fully online physical education; hybrid methods, which combine online and face-to-face learning; and artificial intelligence-based methods, such as adaptive learning platforms, intelligent learning systems, and wearable technology. The study analysed a comprehensive collection of peer-reviewed and open access literature published from 2018 to 2024. Key findings show that virtual physical education expanded rapidly beyond 2020, ensuring continuity of instruction but also producing challenges related to kinetic learning and student engagement. Hybrid physical education approaches have emerged as the new normal, combining the benefits of online face-to-face learning while increasing flexibility, motor skill acquisition, and student motivation, while artificial intelligence-based innovations such as adaptive learning, VR/AR simulations, computer vision-based training tools, Wearable devices have enabled personalized learning, instant feedback, and data-driven assessment Overall, the digital transformation has brought significant benefits in student engagement, personalized learning, assessment accuracy, and inclusion for diverse learners. But challenges remain such as lack of direct physical interaction in virtual environments, need for effective instructional design in blended learning, teacher training gaps, data privacy concerns, unequal access to technology This review presents an integrated analysis of current trends and technological innovations in digital physical education and highlights best practices and future directions. Ultimately, achieving a sustainable, student-cantered digital transformation in physical education will require addressing infrastructural disparities, developing teacher skills, and implementing policies that integrate technological possibilities with ethical pedagogical balance.

Keywords: physical education, digital transformation, blended learning, artificial intelligence, higher education