Apps For Assessment; Dance & Drama; Research by Becky Harvey

Teaching and Learning

Innovation Fund 14-15 by Becky Harvey

Aims of Project

•       To develop students technical and performance skills by giving instant visual feedback in class

•       To develop students critical analysis skills through self and peer evaluation

•       Summary of Project

•       Use video camera to film technical exercises and exam work for visual feedback by myself or self/peer evaluation

•       Record students creative/choreographic work

-          This ensured no ideas/movement was forgotten in between rehearsals

-          Any student who missed lessons or rehearsals would be able to catch up at home

The use of the app 'ubersense' was very effective for development of technical & physical skills

Freeze frames of a performance can be highlighted and annotated. 

For example areas of

misalignments are highlighted:

•       Hips

•       Shoulders

•       Arm

The app allows the viewer to slow down the recording, which is great for detailed analysis of technique

The app enables you to be able compare exercises and performances.

Students are able to instantly assess themselves in terms of

-          Timing

-          Spacing

-          Shapes made

-          Technical aspects e.g. Flat back exercise

They can compare two of their own performances to assess development of skills or performance over time

-          I can record a voiceover to draw students attention to different aspects of  their technique.

Use of the iPad video camera:

Used to develop choreographic skills particularly in the second year:

•       Students could perform their group work in different ways e.g. Different formations and then watch the two back to assess which one works best aesthetically or translating their dance idea.

•       Record work to analyse at home

•       Record work to be able to effectively plan their next rehearsals for their dancers

Benefits and Outcomes

iPad became an integral part of the course this year

•       Students became more reflective dancers

•       Aspects of technique improved

•       Saved time in choreography lessons

•       Students were able to keep up to date

•       Record of progress

Future Developments

•       Upload videos into clickview and moodle for student access

•       Use of video camera to record evidence for BTEC Performing Arts – video log

•       Develop use of iPad for theoretical elements of the course – revision tools ('flash cards++' & 'ideas flip')