What are dance teachers’ meanings of teaching and learning dance using a smartphone in China?

Abstract

The present study investigated the use of smartphones when teaching and learning dance in China. The research question asked ‘What are dance teachers’ meanings of teaching and learning dance using a smartphone in China?’ This research found that the smartphone was regarded as an ‘assistant’ within the teaching and learning context, wherein the interviewees did not see the smartphone replacing the teacher, but supporting the teacher. This research used a qualitative framework and a constructivist philosophy, which provided a frame for methods of data collection and analysis. Narrative inquiry and case study methods enabled the sharing and documentation of data. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data which came from four dance teachers who taught dance in formal schools and dance studios in China. The findings of this research illustrate that dance teachers’ meanings in this research were shaped by the teachers’ previous learning and teaching experience using a phone.