INTRODUCTION TO YOGA
THROUGH AN INTERACTIVE MODULE
An Instructional Design Project to aid in Yoga Instruction
Deanna Pasternak
University of Hawai‘i
Educational Technology
deannacp@hawaii.edu
WHAT IS THIS SYMBOL?

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Sanskrit “Om”
Commonly used in yoga
at the beginning and
end of class
Hindu sacred syllable
Many meanings


Eternal
Sound of the universe
WHY YOGA?
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Physical fitness is
important to me
personally.
I had no idea where to
start when I decided to
start practicing yoga 7
years ago.
Was not aware there
were even different
styles.
WHY?
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Starting a new fitness
routine can be
intimidating to some
people.
It’s hard enough to be
motivated to work out
when you aren’t
intimidated.
Lack of interactive
material online.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Anyone Who…



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Would like to start practicing yoga.
Has practiced yoga in the past and would like more
background information.
Is interested in the benefits of yoga
Would just like more information on the subject of
yoga
REQUIREMENTS
 No
prior yoga knowledge necessary
 Basic computer and internet browsing skills
 18 years or older
QUESTION

“After completing the
module, participants
would feel more
confident in their yoga
knowledge when
walking into either their
first or current yoga
class?”
CONTENT
Background and History
 8 Limbs of Yoga
 Information for your first class
 Frequently used terms
 Introduction to the Sun Salutation
 More Information
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METHODS
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Interactive multimedia module
 Hosted
online
 Text portion developed using Rapid Weaver
software for the Mac
 Interactive part developed using Adobe Flash
 Videos hosted on YouTube
MODULE
MODULE
MODULE
MODULE
MODULE
MODULE
MODULE
MODULE
MODULE
MODULE
INSTRUMENTS
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Pre-survey
 Paper based
 True/False format
 Anonymous
 Measured prior yoga knowledge
Example
 The Sun Salutation is a series of poses completed one after
the other.
True
 False

INSTRUMENTS
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Embedded questions
 Created with Adobe Flash
 Nine questions
 Multiple choice and true/false
 Option to try again if incorrect on first try
 Feedback provided
INSTRUMENTS
INSTRUMENTS
INSTRUMENTS
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Questionnaire
 19 Likert Scale questions
 Demographics
 Attitudes towards module
 Questions aimed at effectiveness and clarity of module
 After evaluating this module I feel more comfortable attending a yoga
class.
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly Disagree
INSTRUMENTS

1 Open ended question

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Suggestions for
improvement
Post-Survey

Same questions and
format as Pre-Survey
SMALL GROUP TEST
14 Participants
 85% held and advanced degree
 100% had their own computer
 57% had some experience performing yoga
 35% had used media such as DVD or online
resources to learn about yoga

FINDINGS AND RESULTS
100% found the module clear to follow
 100% found the navigation and videos
successful for content delivery
 100% found the embedded questions useful
 Terminal Objective: 92% felt comfortable
attending a yoga class after evaluation
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FINDINGS AND RESULTS
FINDINGS AND RESULTS
FINDINGS AND RESULTS
ANOMALY

5. There are many different kinds of yoga can
accommodate many different levels of physical
ability
 True
 False
CONCLUSIONS
Technology can be used as an aid in yoga and
possibly other fitness education
 Module was effective and well designed
 Participants Feedback

 “gives
a great intro to yoga and provides incentive
to try it”
 “great instructional module with a lot of information
provided”
 “great… well done… very informative”
CHANGES
Minor spelling errors
 Less true/false questions
 Image Resolution
 Use more self created video
 Online Instruments
 Reword confusing questions
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FUTURE STUDY
Follow up surveys to participants of module to
see if any attended a yoga class
 Give module to students in an actual yoga class
 Develop more content
 Host module on yoga studio websites
 Incorporate more technology like the Nintendo
Wii Fit
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 Thank
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You!
Questions?
deannacp@hawaii.edu
http://homepage.mac.com/dpasternak/IntroductionToYoga/index.html