Divanshi has been on an entrepreneurial journey since 2012, first with Dance Helpline, and now Ucanji. She has organized several on-ground talent hunts for Dance India Dance, Dance+, So You Think You Can Dance, and more, while also organizing workshops with International as well as National artists across India. She single-handedly launched and managed 27+ Dance Centres across Delhi NCR, and is again on a similar streak with Ucanji. Her sheer dedication has made Ucanji one of the leading online dance learning platforms with more than 5 lakh users where they can learn 14+ different dance styles from the comfort and safety of their homes anytime anywhere. Previous to Ucanji, Divanshi held the leadership position of Director at The Marcom Avenue. She has been working for the Marketing and Communications Fraternity for 8+ years, and her experience in curating marketing strategies has helped brands bring meaningful experiences to life.
The growth of the online ecosystem, whether for studying or skilling or working, commenced in the year 2020 when individuals were restricted to their houses. Because of the collaborative nature of technology and business, working from home has become the norm.
Meanwhile, another variation of the Work-From-Home trend emerged: Learn-From-Home.
In some ways, we can all acknowledge that the Pandemic enhanced technological adaptation and increased online skilling and learning through numerous platforms. Classroom learning has evolved into online class learning, as has the process of developing skills. Because of the availability of novel technology in online education, the fitness and dance industries have also jumped on board the Learn-from-Home bandwagon.
Online Learning & Skilling powered by the Internet
Online learning has disrupted the way of classroom learning in a very positive manner. What is the most common obstacle when it comes to inclusivity? The answer is the availability of connectivity. Connectivity is the key factor to bring technology, learners, teachers and experience to one table.
Here comes, the power of the Internet— equitable access to electronic devices as well as high-speed affordable internet connection.
According to a survey for the year 2020, India has the world’s second-largest internet population of 749 million users. They all have access to the internet via their mobile phones. Digital India, a Government driven campaign has given this result.
Technology Boosts Inclusive Learning & Skilling
The other task is to provide relevant learning and skill development to passionate users. The importance of an online learning platform is critical in this situation. The advancement of digital tools and platforms allows for the creation of a collaborative environment for its learners.
Cloud-based servers are gifts for skill learning systems, allowing them to deliver courses and material to anyone, anywhere, at any time, across any device.
There are several ways to describe how technology has improved inclusive learning and skilling.
Appropriate use of Technology in Learning & Skilling
Technology can be used in the dance learning platforms as a creative tool through music, and video sequences, bringing Virtual Reality and bridging the geographical gap between choreographers and learners together.
Technological advancements have led to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the fitness and dance industries. AI has played an important role in online skill training.
It is possible to tailor the course material and content to meet everyone’s needs and desires. It maximises the effort of online learning and skilling by delivering personalised and suitable material to the correct people. Gone are the days when students would take the same repetitious course over and over again. With such developments, customized course content makes learning more effective and meets the learner’s end-to-end requirements.
Interactive and Immersive Learning Experience
Though many users feel that online learning lacks a physical connection and there is a wall that restricts their movement.
The time is not very far when technology will break the fourth wall of the virtual world and the learnings, the space and the performances will transcend the boundaries of their screens.
Metaverse is one such advancement we have achieved. Through Metaverse, online education and learning could come to life with the help of Virtual reality or VR imaging.
With the Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, fitness lovers and dance learners can transport to the virtual world where they will allow them to interactively explore the space with their mentors and fellow users.
This type of participatory performance or online class will present an opportunity to creatively engage with learners, besides constructing sensory & immersive experiences to learn better.
Conclusion
Although it is debatable whether digital technologies can enhance, assist, or even preserve the physical features of dance, technology may be combined with dance and fitness in such a manner that it focuses on and celebrates the human body.
Technology has begun to do to numerous other creative forms what it has done to other businesses and sectors. Technology has developed as a facilitator that both complements and inspires individuals.
As technology provides an all-encompassing solution, we will witness an all-around upheaval. More discoveries and breakthroughs will occur as technology continues to rise up and bring about pan-industry shifts.