Application of social media in Chinese martial arts learning and preservation of Chinese martial arts in Hong Kong

Abstract

Chinese martial arts are viewed as one of Chinese cultural heritages. Teaching and learning of Chinese martial arts have been very traditional. The establishment of “Master-disciple” bond is very important. On the other hand, social media have been increasingly used in education nowadays. The use of social media fosters an e-learning community for better interaction and enables effective and efficient learning. The research purpose is to investigate the application of social media in Chinese martial arts learning and preservation of Chinese martial arts in Hong Kong. It is intended to examine and investatagate the current usage of social media and the factors affecting learners’ behavioral intention to use social media in Chinese martial arts learning. The effect of social media on preservation of Chinese martial arts is also evaluated. The Unified Theory of Acceptance of Use of Technology (UTAUT) model is employed for exploring the factors influencing behavioral intention to use social media. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and self-efficacy are supposed to have positive influence. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted in this research. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered. Quantitative data were obtained by an online questionnaire survey. A sample of 68 Chinese martial arts learners was collected. Qualitative data were obtained by semi-structured interviews with five learners. Results of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis suggest three key findings. First, many learners are currently using YouTube, Facebook and WhatsApp for sharing videos, exchange learning materials and communicating with teachers and classmates. Second, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and performance expectancy are considered as factor affecting learners’ behavioral intention to use social media in learning. Third, using social media helps the preservation of Chines martial arts in two ways: heritage protection and interest arousal. Recommendations are made to individual teachers and learners, martial arts clubs and associations, and the Hong Kong government.