AN ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING CANTONESE OPERA MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG: Application of the Computerised Kinetic Chain Assessment and Learning System

This chapter discusses the transition of teaching and learning of Cantonese opera in Hong Kong from traditional master-apprentice approach to institutionalised group teaching, and how the development of the Computerised Kinetic Chain Assessment and Learning System (CKCALS) facilitates the assessment of, for, and as learning of Cantonese opera in the 21st century. The CKCALS is an automatic device using the Microsoft Kinect® for Xbox 360 system, which is identified to be effective for supporting the teaching and learning of body movements in previous studies, to capture and calibrate the 3-D motion of the learner performing Cantonese opera movements. It allows the learner to observe and follow the movements of the expert shown on the computer screen, and scores the level of alignment of their gestures with the standard. The system provides the learner with both quantitative and qualitative feedbacks. The feedbacks are immediate, individualised and precise, which not only inform the learner of the level of their performance, but also provide useful information for the improvement of their subsequent learning. The theoretical framework, benefits, limitations and expected impact of the CKCALS are also discussed.