TO WIN OR TO EDUCATE? AI AND THE ETHICAL TENSION BETWEEN PERFORMANCE AND PROCESS

Antonio Cuccaro, Claudia Maulini, Michela Cardillo Stagno

Abstract


The digital transition in sport and physical education introduces a profound tension between the algorithmic optimisation of performance and embodied educational processes. This study explores the moral reasoning of physical education teachers in initial training (class A-48) and students on the Master’s degree programme in Science and Management of Sport and Physical Activity when faced with AI-driven moral dilemmas. Using Kohlbergian dilemmas within a focus-group-based laboratory setting, the qualitative analysis revealed distinct professional stances. The Master’s students adopted a macro-pedagogical stance centred on limiting algorithmic authority and safeguarding inclusion. In contrast, the trainee teachers in class A-48 demonstrated a practical-clinical stance, conceptualising a ‘Robot-Student-Teacher Triad’ and introducing the principle of technological ‘fading’ to prevent marginalisation and safeguard human affective feedback. The results highlight the need to integrate Digital Affective Literacy into teacher training.


Keywords


Digital Affective Literacy, Moral Dilemmas, Sport.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.32043/gsd.v10i4.2006

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Copyright (c) 2026 ANTONIO CUCCARO, Claudia Maulini, Michela Cardillo Stagno

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Italian Journal of Health Education, Sports and Inclusive Didactics 

Publisher: Cares srl – REN Press (since 2026). Previously published by Gaia srl – Edizioni Universitarie Romane (2017–2025).

ISSN: 2532-3296 E-ISSN: 3103-5744