Experiments in Online Dance Instruction: Skype Lessons
Ever had an online class… in dance?
Probably not. Online instruction is generally reserved for academics or non-physical activities.
Those dance instruction sites that do exist are usually just collections of non-interactive videos where instructors explain and walk through a specific move or concept with different breakdowns, but that’s not really a very personal learning environment.
Yet there are interactive possibilities usually reserved for the conference room that could easily be applied to a personalized online learning environment for dance, and they are widely available and nearly free.
Skype, probably the best known video and audio web telephone software, has a lot of potential for applications in online learning environments.
Students can call in from all over the world so long as they have an internet connection. While the possibilities for direct physical feedback are less available, the array of potential students is vastly increased as the constraint of physical proximity is removed.
The Experiment
I’m offering free 30 minute private lessons via Skype as a test of the potential and limitations of online dance instruction.
If you’re interested contact me and we’ll set up a time that will work with both of us.
The only things I require are:
- You provide your own webcam, skype, and internet connection.
- You have a partner to work with on your end for physical feedback.
- You understand that this is an experiment in learning and may have some glitches.
What I Hope To Learn
The benefits of reaching a global audience for private lessons is untold, however the limitations for video conference lessons are only partly known. A few of the things I hope to learn are below.
- Learn the limitations of the media (Skype & Video conferencing software)
- Learn what types of material and topics are most accessible in this format
- Learn what types of material and topics are least accessible in this format
- Learn how to explain technique and material without resorting to physical feedback
I will be asking those who participate in this experiment to provide me feedback on the sessions, media and information presented and will be sharing that here.