Thursday 15 November 2012

2B Journal Writing Experience

I purposefully held back from starting this task as I have just started a new contract as Dance Captain for 'Sleeping Beauty' the Pantomime in Durham.  I have never been a Dance Captain before and I see writing in my journal as the perfect opportunity to capture the experience.  When I was initially offered the role, my immediate reaction was to politely decline, because my self-doubt crept in.  I have never seen myself as a natural leader. I am always comfortable letting others take the lead and organise me and I did not believe that I had the natural organisational/teaching skills that the role demanded.  However, starting this course has forced me to identify my development needs, it has also increased my confidence and I realise I need to move out of my comfort zone and take on new challenges.  I put into practice what I had already learnt on this course so far, and reflected on particular events in the past where I had taken on positions of responsibility and succeeded. This new found thought process influenced my decision and changed my previous misconceptions and I realised that, in order to progress in my career and develop personally, I needed this challenge and so I accepted the role.

My main objectives when I embarked on my journal writing were not only to record my experiences, but also to reflect and evaluate each event.  I wanted to make sure that I was totally honest and that I wrote how I really felt, not how I thought I should feel.  I wanted a place where I am able to 'let it all out'. 

Finding the perfect writing style was important to me and I began experimenting with various styles outlined in the Reader, but, I found very quickly that my journal writing just did not fit into any particular category.  I persevered, but kept deviating from the style, for example writing a list left me frustrated that I was unable to put down emotions and feelings. I ended up just writing lists of words with no links to what had actually caused me to feel that particular way.  I felt that in order to 'clear my mind'  I needed to write full accounts of how I actually felt at each particular moment. 

I have found that the main reward of journal writing is that, by writing it down, it somehow became permanent and 'concrete' to me. I was interested to read an article by Ron Klug (2002) who observed that by writing things down in a journal the words are outside of us.

Looking back at one of my first journal entries - day one of rehearsals - my train was delayed by two hours and I was forced to walk into a room full of people, all of whom I've never met before. They were already half way through script reading and lists and graphs just couldn't have captured that moment - the sheer humiliation and embarassment - it would have needed 'description, initial reflection, what if and another view!!!!.  Sticking to a particular style just felt too restrictive.  I will keep on experimenting with different styles and maybe use different elements from each category.

I found I preferred to record events in my journal as they happened, getting a snapshot of the moment. However, sometimes this just isn't possible so I have found a formula to use for reflection at the end of the day.  I have typed it up and glued it on the front page of my journal and it acts as an aide memoire for the days I am too exhausted and drained to complete a full record of my experience.

.  What were the major events that happened to me today?
.  What was different about my day?
.  How did I feel?
.  What were the best and worst things about today?
.  What went well and what can I learn from this?
.  What didn't go well and what can I learn from this?

I found this quote by Ron Klug (2002) particularly uplifting:

"A journal is a tool for self-discovery, an aid to concentration, a mirror for the soul, a place to generate and capture ideas, a safety valve for the emotions, a training ground for the writer and a good friend and confidant."

Klug, Ron (2002) How to Keep a Spiritual Journal



Tuesday 6 November 2012

Virtual Classroom...


I feel like I really missed out not being able to attend the 'Campus Sessions 1', but, due to work commitments, it just wasn't possible.  I know I would have benefited greatly from meeting Rosemary and my fellow students on the program. It can feel quite isolating being on an open learning course and I would have relished the company and support.

I really appreciated Rosemary’s blog on the session and decided that, although I wasn't able to be there in person, I would set up a virtual classroom and attempt some of the exercises.
I read through the articles, made notes on the authors and visualized how I would have tackled the feedback session. Reading the articles helped me in my construction of my Web 2.0 technologies blog.

I decided to tackle one of the exercises recommended by Rosemary and write down the definitions I would have given:-

- Web 2.0 – the new-look internet where surfers can interact and share information with other web users.

- Blog – An online diary which logs events, activities and thoughts.

- Wiki – Website where users can add, edit, or remove information.

Plagiarism – Using somebody else’s work and claiming it as your own.

Learning – Absorption and retention of knowledge or a skill.

Communication – Giving and receiving information either face to face or through any medium.

- Collaboration – Working with others in order to achieve the same goal.

- Convergence – The coming together of more than one idea to form a common concept.

- Knowledge – Information known to a person or community.

I then considered the various communication methods outlined in the blog and how I use most of them in my everyday life.

I enjoyed watching the video feedback sessions from fellow BAPP students. I was impressed with how much they achieved - I’m sure I couldn't have come up with so much in such a short time. It was helpful to hear how they felt new technological tools could help in their professional development.  It was also so nice to be able to put names to faces.

On reflection I believe this was a positive learning experience for me, as it increased my awareness of communication methods and increased my confidence in tackling self-directed learning. Hopefully, I will get to meet everyone soon.

Betty x

Monday 5 November 2012

Task 2a - Becoming Reflective

Secretly, I’ve always wanted to keep a journal.  A big, red, leather bound one with a lock and a key, that I could hide away. A journal that held my innermost thoughts, my deepest secrets and wanton longings.  Reality is that my life isn't that exciting and that’s probably why I never have. ‘Had Nando’s, watched X Factor, had a glass of wine and went to bed’ is hardly ground-breaking journalism.  So now I have an excuse, the justification.  My new status as BAPP journal writer will, I hope, be a release, somewhere I can keep a private record of my thoughts and events that are unique to me. A chance for me to explore new ideas and feelings in a style and language that is personal to me and in a way I feel comfortable with.  

Reflection to me is a process of thinking constructively about both positive and negative experiences and identifying what was good or bad and most importantly, what I can learn from it.  Keeping a journal hopefully will give me direct benefits. It will provide me with a snapshot of where I am and what I’m doing, enabling me to self-review and develop, both professionally and personally, by analysing my own experiences.

Boud, cited in the Reader, advocated the use of prose, images, sketches, poems and even colour and form as devices to express ways of reflecting on an experience. I intend to embrace all these methods. I’m also going to take the 9 day challenge recommended in the Reader i.e. trying a different way to write using methods like lists, graphs, charts etc., and experiment with different styles. I will write accounts, make notes and try any way to make a record of each experience and hopefully find the 'perfect recipe' that works for me. It is important that it doesn't become a chore, that I find a style that I’m comfortable with.

So I’m off now on a journey of self-discovery, with the first stop being Selfridges to buy that journal. Watch this space….

Thursday 1 November 2012

Task 1b...


‘Never before in the history of the planet have so many people on their own had the ability to find so much information about so many things and about so many people.’ Thomas Friedman (2006)

I approached task 1b with fear and trepidation. I have always considered myself to be computer illiterate and just the title Professional Communication Technologies had me reaching for the dictionary.  This to me was my first major challenge.  I decided to instigate the power of positive thinking, focus and start at the very beginning.  

Ironically, I went onto the Google web page and typed in 'Web 2.0' and I discovered that the phrase 'Web 2.0' was coined by Dale Dougherty whilst at a brainstorming session to describe the new web environment after the dot-com bubble crash.  As I researched further, I was surprised and secretly relieved to discover that Web 2.0 was already a big part of my life.  I frequently use Facebook and twitter to communicate with my friends. I put videos on YouTube, research on Wikipedia and here I am writing my own blog and 'Googling' Web 2.0, phew.

So with my new found knowledge of Web 2.0 and the ability to recognise its use as a valuable social media networking agent, I decided to look at how it had evolved from the original Web 1.0. I went back to Google, entered 'Web 1.0' and was immediately transported back in time to my teenage years, with examples like My Space, Ask Jeeves, Britannica Online and a variety of static sites that allowed the viewer to view pre-determined material.  Web 1.0 displayed information but didn't allow two-way interaction; it simply told you what you wanted to know.  Reading through ‘Reader 1’ I see that Web 1.0 is described as being like a newspaper or T.V. It didn't offer instant communication or explanation, only the creator could express thoughts and feelings.  So I can see now how Web 1.0 has evolved into Web 2.0, it really is an enhancement of Web 1.0.  Dr. James Hogg from the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality described Web 2.0 as two ‘A’ words: “Anytime. Anywhere.”  I take this to mean what the web is right now. When I log onto the internet I get the same thing no matter where I access it, its 24 hours, and 7 days interaction.  So Web 2.0 - simply put - is the second generation of web-based communities.

Tim O’Reilly cited in the ‘Reader 1’ describes Web 2.0 as a series of platforms, without a hard boundary. As a performer it is easy for me to understand the concept of a ‘platform’ as a stage, a performance, a place where for that moment you can share your ideas, opinions and emotions and they are valued and listened too. Web 2.0 for me is an enabler allowing the user to communicate. It is a place where you can express yourself and, for that moment, you have your own platform.

So what does Web 2.0 mean to me personally? 

As a performer, working predominantly unsociable hours and spending months away from family and friends, Web 2.0 has enabled me to feel included, and involved. Web-based technologies allowed me to see my newly-born twin nephews’ first moments after they were born, despite being on the other side of the world. It enabled me to be involved in the planning of my best friend’s 21st party whilst being docked in the Amazon.  I have been able to participate and share in the excitement of my brother’s wedding blogs and shared family holiday snaps. Its enabled me to keep friends and family close. 'Skyping' my mum, seeing her face and hearing her voice whilst being in the middle of a force 8 gale in the Bay of Biscay, kept me sane.  It has simply helped me keep in touch with my ‘real world’.

Professionally, Web 2.0 has enabled me to interact with prospective employers by sites such as Facebook that advertise auditions. I have used YouTube to promote my show reel, knowing that it can be accessed from anywhere in the world at any time. One of the best contracts I ever had was cast purely by me submitting my show reel. Web 2.0 has given me control of the information I deliver. I can add information and data to the site at any time - day or night.

Academically, Web 2.0 has given me the opportunity to access this course whilst continuing my career. I can interact with my fellow students, communicate with tutors, collect information, research and download data all at the press of a key from wherever I am in the world.  However, I do realise that there are limitations to this technology. Lorenzo, in his article ‘Ensuring the Net Generation is Net Savvy’, poses the question "Do we know what we are doing, whether the information is valid?" and warns "information is not just created by experts – it is created and co-created by amateurs". Lorenzo then recognises that, for the student, sorting valid information from mis-information is a constant and ongoing challenge. So just how credible is the information we obtain from Web 2.0. Wikipedia is a good example of the type of site Lorenzo warns us about, anyone can edit and add information.  Wikipedia itself states there is no easy way to see which information or article was added by which editor.

I believe that the responsibility lies with me to be ‘Net Savvy’ to protect my credibility by taking educated risks, looking and evaluating the content of the information supplied by looking at the structure, the dates, the references given and using my own judgement to reach a conclusion on its authenticity.

So as I end this blog, I feel I have gained a deeper understanding and knowledge of what Web 2.0 actually is and what this new technology can offer me, both in my personal life and in my professional life. I am intrigued and excited to delve deeper into the new tools and technologies available that will further enhance my career.  As I end my first ‘academic’ blog I feel empowered, and encouraged by the experience. 

References:

Dale Dougherty (2004) (O’Reilly Media Company conference)
Charles Dziuban and George Lorenzo (2006) ‘Ensuring the Net Generation is Net Savvy’
Thomas Friedman (2006) ‘The World is Flat’
Dr. James Hogg cited in ‘If someone asked you to explain Web 2.0 would you have an answer’ by Ashley Pinder (2009)
Tim O’Reilly cited in Reader 1