Examining Digital Technology and Virtual Learning for Ice Hockey Coaches in Atlantic Canada: Creating a Hockey Podcast to Support Communication and Leadership Education

Abstract

In the sport of ice hockey, coaching and leadership have been examined through many facets. Technical skill development, player management, and the ability to improve performance have been notable areas of inquiry. As the critical role of coaching leadership and communication are emerging, there is limited research available which explores the context of digital or virtual communication practices to support the development training of ice hockey coaches. Thirteen (n=13) ice hockey coaches participated in this study which examined coaching leadership training. The use of online training methods was noted by 84% (11/13) of the respondents. This paper will focus on general communication & leadership practices using digital and virtual learning within coaching experiences. Creating a mobilization process in which podcasting was utilized as an accessible dissemination process will also be discussed. Results demonstrated that asynchronous online learning was a common option for ice hockey coaching training and coaches also used cell phones, group texts, online video streaming for leadership and training purposes. Overall, the results offer perspectives regarding digital and virtual leadership experiences of coaches and highlight the use of podcasting to share those valuable educational experiences. Future recommendations for continued study, specifically within podcasting are offered.