Unit outline_

EDPN5015: Sport and Technology

Semester 2, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit will examine the use of technology in sport and introduce students to some of the most applicable coaching tools and technologies. Many new technologies can do what in the past could not be achieved, can show you what the human eye cannot see, and in many cases provide support for coaches' intuition. Many of these tools/software programs can be incorporated into everyday training and coaching, as well as provide valuable information in preparation for athlete development and performance. Most technologies discussed will be portable or laptop based systems. Examples include game analysis, skill analysis and programming software as well as the use of technology to enhance remote coaching. Industry standard applications and software will also be explored.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator James Barkell, james.barkell@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Presentation Application of technology - Part A
Develop a presentation on a new type of sports technology.
20% Week 04
Due date: 28 Aug 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 11 Sep 2026
A 6:40min presentation AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO7 LO8 LO1 LO4 LO5
Written work Application of technology - Part B - Critical Review
You are required to critically review two of your peers’ presentations.
5% Week 05
Due date: 04 Sep 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 18 Sep 2026
500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO6 LO7
Written work Technology skills in essential areas for coaches
Specific task details are outlined on the EDPN5015 CANVAS site.
55% Week 10
Due date: 16 Oct 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 30 Oct 2026
NA AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO7 LO8 LO4
Written work Learning Journal Blog
Specific task details are outlined on the EDPN5015 CANVAS site.
20% Week 13
Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 20 Nov 2026
NA AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO7 LO2 LO4 LO1 LO3

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Grade Mark Range Description
HD 85 - 100

Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration and evidence of superior organisational and conceptual skills. The work is extremely well conceived, coherent, logical, original and lucid as well as professionally prepared

DIST 75 - 84 Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration of very good organisational and conceptual skills. The work is well conceived, coherent, logical and lucid as well as professionally prepared
CR 65 - 74 Strong organizational & conceptual skills and evidence that the task is logical and coherent and professionally prepared
PASS 50 - 64 Demonstrates task organization and conceptual understanding in a style which is mostly logical, coherent and flowing
FAIL 0 - 49 Attempts are made to demonstrate a logical & coherent understanding of the assessment task but some aspects may be confused or undeveloped

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Unit topics and Assessments. The role of technology in sport. Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO7
Week 02 The contribution of technology in sport - is it always beneficial? Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO8
Week 03 Integrating AI into sport Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 04 Tracking Performance and training Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO8
Week 05 Performance Analysis Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO8
Week 06 Video editing, theming and driving themes using AI technology. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 07 Social media Lecture (2 hr) LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 08 Data visualisation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Week 09 The impact of technology on officiating Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO7 LO8
Week 11 Virtual reality Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7 LO8
Week 12 Big data and artificial intelligence Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 13 Technology Showcase Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO8

Attendance and class requirements

This class in completed online, but students are stronly encouraged to attend all online classes, especially weeks 1, 9 and 12.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Readings and other relevant resources will be given in class

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate a familiarity with some of the technological resources produced to support the implementation of specific strategies in coaching athletes and teams
  • LO2. critically evaluate industry standard applications and apply the applications in a coaching context.
  • LO3. develop a deep conceptual understanding of the role of technology in coaching
  • LO4. communicate confidently relevant technology-related knowledge in a coaching context using an evidence based approach.
  • LO5. plan, shoot, edit and develop video resources
  • LO6. acknowledge the importance of keeping up-to-date with knowledge of current trends in sporting technology to achieve optimum performance
  • LO7. evaluate information and the credibility of its sources, and place it in context
  • LO8. demonstrate the capacity to develop, implement and evaluate technological interventions

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Feedback is welcome in this class and you are encouraged to complete the formal surveys and to stay in contact with your lecturers

More information can be found on Canvas

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.