Toward transformation: Digital tools for online dance pedagogy

Abstract

Media advances have changed the ways in which we interact, communicate, teach, and learn. The growth of telecommunication, video sharing sites, specifically YouTube, and social media, have exponentially increased the number of people interested in dance and dance education. Technology presents new ways for students to think about their learning, express their ideas, and problem solve. Dance teachers and artists are recognizing the digital explosion through increased connectivity in all aspects of the profession, artmaking, instruction, and performance. Instructional technological developments seem to be in sync with current art education policy initiatives and educational practices. These developments have increased opportunities for students to customize and take charge of their own learning. The following technological options are considered in this article: online instruction, massive online open courses, dance-specific professional development programs, applications to support dance instruction, and dynamic communication and feedback systems that may be used in the classroom. This article further examines the use of online instruction, handheld devices, and new media technology in teacher education programs. Strategies for the integration of technology in the study, technical training, and creative practice of dance as well as the benefits and limitations of online instruction for dance are addressed.