Task 3c - Sources Of Information

Starting this task I was drawn back to 'Task 2c - Reflective Theory' and Kolbs cycle.  I started out by searching google reader and typed '3c'.  I saw Liams idea of a brain storm which I also used in 3a, I think it is a very effective way and decided I would start this task off the same way.  My cycle started at the point - reflective observation.


My sources of information are very valuable to me and are all on par with each other, I don't know what I would do without them.  The sources are something I don't think about I just know what I want and I know where to find it so this task is interesting as it will highlight there importance to me.  The sources are all apart of my learning cycle and progression as a teacher (and student!).




My current five sources of information are:


Google
There are many search engines but I always use google and would be lost without it.  I use the internet via Google Chrome, I don't know what I used to do without it.  I can open numerous pages and have a toolbar of my most used webpages.  My 'Home' button is the google search engine which I will use as a search engine which leads me to information on whatever I want.  On a professional level it can lead me to research a dance school or a show.  On a day-to-day level I can search for a recipe.  I use Google probably almost everyday.  Not only is it a search engine like discussed in Task 1 about Web 2.0, but it is the source of Blog information 'google reader', and also Google documents.  To me Google is a god send and I really do not know what I would do without it.


Blogs
My Blog is definitely a current source of information.  Blogging has become a major part of my everyday life.  If I am not logging on to read, I am logging on to write.  The BAPP course introduced me to blogging and at first I was reluctant but now it is a massive part of the course - I have really got into it.  I have learnt so much already and I feel like it is only just the beginning.  Looking at other peoples Blogs and engaging is a key part of the course and learning process.  Being on a work based learning course I felt I wouldn't meet anyone, and even though I have not been able to make campus sessions I feel personalities shine through peoples work, and I feel I know the students really.


Facebook
As Liam said about status browsing being a good source for him, it is for myself too.  Most of my contacts are from the dance industry so there are always videos, class information, audition information etc.. being uploaded.  I have contemplated deleting facebook, as I find myself on there when I don't need to be, but I can not bring myself to it.  Facebook is too much of a source of information to delete it.  As I mentioned about a dance school I work for being on facebook, that is something that benefits me too, as I work for more than one dance school - it keeps me 'in the know'.  People think of Facebook as a 'nosey' place but when people add things to their profile then they know all their contacts can see it.  I think of it as just being interested in what people are up to.  Its hard when you meet so many people in your life to keep up with them but you can see what they are up to and still feel in touch with their lives.


YouTube
YouTube is a source I could not live without.  I have many uses for YouTube.  In the past I have uploaded audition material and sent it out to potential employers - and was offered a job from it.  I have also searched and found material from shows of companies that I may be auditioning for.  I now use YouTube to find new music, to get dance ideas, and to upload my own videos.  I may want to find a song that I have heard, I like to watch music videos to see what style of dance is used.  If I have a song in mind I want to dance too, I may look at a few pieces of choreography.  I also upload videos to my channel so that my students can look and practice along with them if they get stuck (especially good when coming up to a show). 


Face-to-Face
I like face to face conversations.  Sometimes speaking through text or email can give a wrong impression, or maybe your point may not be put across as well.  If there is something to organize with more than one person (like planning a show), I think meetings are the best way to do this, as everyone comes together at the same time and can each put across their opinion or idea.  You also find out more as you can only put so much into an email or text so when speaking everything can be said.  Technology means that people skype, email, text, call, facebook rather than meeting up.  I met up with Aicha the other day as we have not seen each other in years, and not only was it good to catch up, but it was also good to talk about our professional lives and find out information about experiences that may help with our own experiences.


Thinking about the future I intend to improve on my Blogging!  At the moment I am more likely to talk about someones post in my blog rather than commenting as I tend to read a little of someone's task and then I am inspired to write and sometimes I can't stop and then forget to go back and comment!  This way of doing things is not always the best as I know I am supposed to be commenting on others blogs.  I had a bit of a gap with blogging, and wish I had kept to the time limits but due to work commitments it was hard so I think in this module I have not engaged as much as I should and therefore I will make a conscious effort to do so after I have completed the Module, as I feel I am limited with time and know I need to get the tasks completed.