Digital Learning In Performing Arts

Rakesh Gupta Mar 02, 2022

Technology has brought about a colossal transformation to every sector. It processes the 'Midas Touch' as anything that it touches transforms to gold. Just like other sectors, the performing arts industry has experienced unprecedented alteration with the blessings of new-age technology. Gone are the days when people used to imbibe these performing arts by visiting the instructors. The innovation of the internet and social media have expanded horizons of creativity that have made art a more participatory experience. It would not be wrong to say that the internet has played a pivotal role in broadening the boundaries of what is considered art. According to the survey conducted by Babson Survey Research Group, over 30 per cent of higher students in the United States are taking at least one distance course using technology.

Technology provides a good opportunity for the industry

The internet and digital learning platform provide an amazing opportunity for performing arts organisations to showcase their skills. A live performance can be complemented largely by opportunities for further engagement and the ability to share information online maximises the ability to provide these opportunities at a more in-scale investment ratio. One can reach many more people with an article or video than with a one-time lecture, for example. Using a digital learning platform allows for a better balance of work and studies, there’s no need to give anything up. It allows a person to maintain better time management skills while learning performing skills.

Technology is intensifying access to the art industry by breaking geographic constraints

It has greatly improved accessibility to the arts industry- from a monetary and a logistical point of view. Individuals who live outside of urban areas (rural) are now able to experience performances that were earlier limited to urban areas only. It works like a catalyst that increases conversations between diverse communities and helps people develop a greater understanding – and hopefully, a life-long appreciation for the arts. Apart from doing all these, it has helped in promoting tourism.

In other words, people associated with the art industry today are presented with a gateway to creativity that is sophisticated and complex, supplied with an enormous variety of techniques. People need to hone their skills and understand these techniques well to maximise the capabilities these offer. In doing so, a person not only saves time but also saves money which can be spent on other priorities. The digital classes are also available anywhere there is an internet connection. He can take full advantage of it while travelling. For example, if a person is studying abroad and wants to get a job online can be a good choice. There is no reason to give up on working or studying while travelling to places.

Digital learning encourages engagement

Engagement is one of the essential concerns for any classroom. For performing arts to reach the maximum number of students, the learning activities should be engaging. Digital learning is the best way to get students engaged and interested in performing arts. Students tend to develop interest either by watching Google slide presentations of famous art or being assessed using Plickers. Going live is also considered to be a good way to grab students’ attention.

Some advantages to the organisations

The internet makes it possible for the organisation to market itself more efficiently through online means that include: advertising and social media. It allows an organisation to decrease their budgets and increase revenue by utilising online resources effectively.

Covid-19 impact on digital learning

Globally Covid-19 has resulted in schools shut down, this has increased digital learning for every sector. As per the finding by the Sutton Trust, 30 per cent of middle-class pupils who are learning performing arts were doing live or recorded online lessons at least once per school day, compared to 16 per cent of working-class students.

It can be concluded that Technology has brought undeniable change for every sector including the performing arts industry. It provides students and teachers with access to an assortment of educational resources that inspire creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Technology in the performing art industry is here to stay. It can be undoubtedly said that technology will transform the way the performing arts industry will run in the year 2022 and beyond.