Let's dance: how to build a user model for dance students using wearable technology

Motor skill learning is an area where wearable technology and user modelling can be synergistically combined for providing support. In this paper, we explore how a simple accelerometer sensor can be used to capture motion data associated with critical aspects of learning in the context of social dancing. We developed a prototype mobile app that tracks students' motion data whilst they practise dance exercises. This paper describes a set of features, such as rhythm duration, consistency and body motion, which can be automatically tracked and included into a dance student model. These dancing features can be presented back to the students as feedback, in the form of i) summaries, ii) visualisations or iii) narratives. We illustrate the feasibility and potential of modelling these features through a study with beginner students taking dance classes during three weeks.