Thursday, 30 September 2010

Task 1b- developed thoughts on the reader 'Professional Communications Technology'

At school we were always advised not to use Wikipedia when doing research due to the fact that it can be inaccurate because anyone can change the information. In fact, we were actually told off if we had used it to obtain information. At the time I did not give this comment a second thought and I have steered well clear of the site ever since. I accepted that my teacher was correct and I did not question what I was told to do. After going through the reader and researching web 2.0 I realise that there is so much more to sites such as Wikipedia than a handful of inaccurate information. However, I can see the theory that if anyone can edit or add information then there are no guarantees that it is correct unless we fully trust the knowledge of every user. While one of the main principles of web 2.0 is linked to trusting other users, there is a difference between valuing everyone’s opinion and accepting factual information. Therefore I can see why my school was wary of us researching on Wikipedia but the reason behind it was never properly explained.
I then decided that it would be fitting to research web 2.0 on a web 2.0 site itself. So Wikipedia was my first port of call. It went through most of the principles, concepts and characteristics of web 2.0 which are all explained in the reader and additional reading. However, the section I found most interesting was the criticism. I would recommend reading all the information on Wikipedia on this topic but this is a section which made me think more critically;
‘In terms of Web 2.0's social impact, critics such as Andrew Keen argue that Web 2.0 has created a cult of digital narcissism and amateurism, which undermines the notion of expertise by allowing anybody, anywhere to share and place undue value upon their own opinions about any subject and post any kind of content, regardless of their particular talents, knowledge, credentials, biases or possible hidden agendas. Additionally, Sunday Times reviewer John Flintoff has characterized Web 2.0 as "creating an endless digital forest of mediocrity: uninformed political commentary, unseemly home videos, embarrassingly amateurish music, unreadable poems, essays and novels", and also asserted that Wikipedia is full of "mistakes, half truths and misunderstandings".[45]
Wikipedia, Web 2.0 (online), last modified September 2010. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0 (accessed 28th September 2010)
                This shows that there are also disadvantages of web 2.0 and ever increasing technology. In my opinion, as long as the user is aware of the disadvantages and dangers that are presented then an increase in technology can only be a good thing. While we should value everyone’s opinion that comments on a video, posts a blog, or updates their status on facebook, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is correct. In an ideal world, we should use that opinion to shape and develop our own ideas and the beauty of it is that we can discard it from our mind if we don’t like it. It seemed ironic to be searching for information about Wikipedia on Wikipedia but it seemed a fitting approach.
One of the first things that occurred to me after going through the reader on web 2.0 was that I have never even considered the possibility that new sites such as facebook and blog sites would be of a different generation to any other sites where there is a clear boundary between the creator and the reader. I understand all the concepts of web 2.0; that the internet is used as a platform, that the roles of reader and creator are merged and it enables a ‘many to many’ approach where millions of people can talk to each other over a blog, a video on you tube, or a social networking site. It is clear that all these factors help people to broaden their own knowledge and ideas by being more able to hear the opinions of others on the internet. It is amazing to think that you could now have a relationship with someone over a social networking site who is sitting half way across the world. However, is it not slightly concerning that anyone else using web 2.0 or looking at facebook could know as much about your relationship as you do? In order for something to be private, you have to actively make it private, if not it is there for the whole world to see. I think that some users forget how many people can see what you write as you feel like you are just writing to one person and this could possibly cause more problems than it is worth.
          Clearly web 2.0 has altered the way people work and it must affect nearly every industry in some way. One of the ways it has helped the dancing/performing industry is that it has facilitated the communication between employers and potential employees. It is now possible for an employer to search for someone on the internet (most probably using Google, a web 2.0 search engine) and then they are likely to find their facebook page, blog or you tube videos of their work. This could then lead to that person getting a job purely based on their involvement in web 2.0 sites and how they have portrayed themselves over the internet. This concept seems an invaluable advantage of the new and developing web technologies and communications.
          According to the information, this new web generation encourages social interaction. However, is this actually the case? It may well encourage virtual interaction but not physical social interaction with another person. Social networking sites are extremely popular and easy to use but more time spent interacting on the internet means less time spent interacting socially. In my opinion it is more important that future generations develop social and ‘people’ skills rather than how to discuss a youtube video with someone in Australia. Sometimes I think that social networking sites are a way for people to hide behind something and block out their insecurities. Surely this means that they will find it harder to talk to someone face to face if they are more used to talking in a chat room where they are in the comfort of their own home, safely behind their laptop and they do not have to be judged on their physical appearance if they don’t want to. In effect you can be virtually whoever you want to be, which again poses a danger of people saying they are someone they are not. The gravity of this danger is seen through cases of paedophiles talking to children and interactive sites give another opportunity for them to look at and talk to children.
          It is clear that web 2.0 has changed the way the world works and if this can change our lives so much then surely a further increase in technology would change them even more. Technology is always developing so surely there will be a third web generation coming soon? When I researched this on the internet I found that there are various ideas on what is next for the web. These included; a merging of the internet world with the real world and an even more intelligent web which is virtually like a personal assistant by providing exact answers to your questions rather than a list of websites which might contain the answer you are looking for. I found the following idea particularly interesting;
‘Eventually you might be able to ask your browser open questions like "where should I go for lunch?" Your browser would consult its records of what you like and dislike, take into account your current location and then suggest a list of restaurants.’
Strickland. J, 2008 How web 3.0 will work (online), how stuff works.com, available from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/web-30.htm (accessed 30th September 2010)

Wednesday, 29 September 2010

Task 1d- photos on flickr

In relation to task 1d I have posted a set of photos of 'my work' on to flickr. By doing this I have realised that there are so many ways to market yourself on the internet so if someone (i.e a potentail employer) was to search for you then your photos would come up. This could help you 'sell yourself' and perhaps lead to employment.

Here is the link to my album on flickr:

Natalie's photos on flickr

Any comments or improvements would be greatly appreciated!

Monday, 27 September 2010

Response to Paula's blog on reputaion

I have just read Paula's post on the importance of reputation and I found it so interesting and informative that I thought I would write my own post about it. I also thought this would be a good oppertunity to practice putting a link on a word as this is something I have never done before. I would never even have thought to do it if Mark Iles had not suggested it to me. It is such a clever idea as it makes it so much easier to get involved as you can go directly to a site or a blog that the person has mentioned without having to search on the internet to find it.

Going back to Paula's piece, I couldn't agree more. Even if we don't realise it, we base some of our opinion on someone's reputation and the opinion that others have of that person. Subconsciously I have come to rely on the people who have been commenting on my blog and actively posting on their own blog. Even though I did not consciously make a decision I have now formed an opinion that they are reliable people just because they are involved.

When I have received comments on my blog I have found it so much more helpful than I thought I would. At first I found the idea of having an 'online relationship' with someone a bit strange, but now I realise that it is not strange at all and in fact adds a new dimension to the way you talk to that person and the way you view them.

When we meet someone in person we are so influenced by the way the look, their physicality and their mannerisms. However, when you are talking to someone via their blog you are forced to judge them on different qualities and it is these qualities which help you form your opinion of them and if and when I see some of the people in person again I will view them with a completly different mindset.

I think that communication via the internet allows a lot of barriers to be let down that we have when we meet people in person for the first time. There is much less awkwardness and everything is more open. I'm sure this is largely due to the fact that we don't feel like we are being judged by the other person as we are in the safety of our own home, behind our own computer and the person cannot actually see us.

After writing this blog, it has lead me to think  about the reader and the thoughts I had after reading it. I now feel like I need to go back and read it again, while also looking more in to the additional reading for a more informed opinion. I will do that now and come back with more developed thoughts.

Thank you to everyone who has comented on my posts so far, it has most definately been helpful!

Friday, 17 September 2010

Professional profile

The following post shows my CV with reference to task 1a (professional profile). I found this task particularly helpful as it helped me look at my existing CV much more critically and encouraged me to make some ammendments.
While I was taking a deeper look at my CV, I decided to do some research on the internet regarding templates for various types of CVs. I felt this was necessary because while I was at college I was only shown one type of CV template and I think that was for a 'dancer' CV. I found a lot of templates and infomation but there was a particularly useful article on 'The Stage' website. The main piece of advice for writing a CV that the article focused on was:

'Keep it brief, keep it relevant, keep it simple.'
Attwood, B and Byrne, J, 2010, How to Guides: Write a CV , The stage Newspaper Limited. Available from http://www.thestage.co.uk/connect/howto/writecv.php (accessed 17th September 2010)

I also thought this would be a good opportunity to have a go at referencing something for the first time using this system. If I have not done it correctly then all comments for improvements would be greatly appreciated!
So after all that, here is my ammended CV:
Natalie Less
DOB: 08/04/1989                           
Height: 5’4”
Hair: Dark Brown
Eyes: Hazel
Nationality: British

Education: Rowan Preparatory School (1991-2000)
                     Surbiton High School (2000-2007)
                     Performers College (2007-2010)

Academic qualifications: 11 GCSEs obtaining 4A*s 7As in Maths, English, Science, Geography, French   Spanish, RS, dance and drama. A levels; Geography (A), French (B), Spanish (B)

Dance and Drama qualifications: ISTD Advanced 2 modern (B)
                                                             ISTD Advanced 2 tap (B)
                                                             RAD Advanced 1 ballet (pass)
                                                             LAMDA advanced Gold (Distinction)
                                                             ISTD full FDI teaching qualification in tap and modern
                                                             National Trinity Diploma in Musical Theatre
Dance styles: Ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, partner work
Singing: Alto
Vocal range: Bottom E to top B
Other skills : Full clean UK driving licence
                         Skiing
                        Advanced modern foreign language skills
Performance experience:
May 2010
Valerie
‘Smile’ the musical
Directed by Simon Adkins
April 2010
Cabaret dancer
Daisy ball, Grosvenor House
Directed by Brian Rogers
February 2010
Judge Helen Gurie
‘Vernon God Little’
Directed by Simon James Green
January 2010
Singer
Kander and Ebb compilation musical
Directed by Simon Adkins
November 2009
Dancer
‘Got to Dance’ Sky 1 indent
Choreographed by Adrian Gas











Thursday, 16 September 2010

Induction day

Hi everyone, so this is my first post and i'm quite nervous about writing it but I am going to bite the bullet and get stuck in! I went to the induction day on tuesday and found that it was really helpful in outlining the aims of course and the various expectations. I am now finding the whole thing much less daunting and really looking forward to getting started properly. Everyone on the course (staff and students) seemed so friendly and willing to help and I can't wait to embark on this course with all of you! I hope everyones blogs are going well and I am really looking forward to mine not looking so bare!
Hope everyone is well x