PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AND VIRTUAL EDUCATION: TEACHING COMMUNICATION SKILLS ONLINE

Comparisons between e-learning and face to face instruction are plentiful and even somewhat outdated. However, early studies in efficiency of e-learning are usually constrained to traditional fields such as language, mathematics, science and humanities. Recent research indicates that contemporary information and communication technologies may also be able to offer significant opportunities for education in the field of performing arts such as classical and modern dance (Račić, Jandrić & Vučina, 2011). On such basis, authors of this study have tried and implemented e-learning into the highly skills-based field of communication science. This study compares training in communication skills in physical and virtual learning environments. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies – questionnaires and focus groups – it compares various elements contributing to student success in two groups of students at Specialist graduate study in IT technologies at the Polytechnic of Zagreb. The first group of students has attended traditional face to face lectures, while the second group of students has studied independently using online multimedia textbook ‘Communication Skills’ written by Petar Jandrić (2012). Both groups have been surveyed at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the semester. Questionnaires and focus groups have been focused to student motivation, expectations from face to face and e-learning classes, average time spent learning, achieved grades and advantages and disadvantages of e-learning. On such basis, this study identifies the main opportunities and challenges for education for physical performance using the contemporary information and communication technologies.

References:
Jandrić, P. (2012). Communication Skills. Zagreb: Polytechnic of Zagreb. Retrieved 28 March 2013 from: http://nastava.tvz.hr/komunikacijske-vjestine/index.php/en/.
Račić, P.; Jandrić, P.; Vučina, Ž. (2011). E-learning and dance education: instructional design for professional issues in ballet. Conference Proceedings: International Technology, Education and Development Conference (INTED 2011). Gómez Chova, L.; Candel Torres, I.; López Martínez, A.