Technology in our world today;
In today's world technology can be seen to control us, nearly everyone has one if not more devices, children are getting younger and younger using technology, and the way we think, learn and live depends on it. I feel I am the last generation to have grown up without technology taking over my everyday life, to now depending on it for nearly everything. How quickly our world has improved technically and how the younger generation has the ability to adapt to this lifestyle so quickly.
Web 2.0 in the workplace;
Professional communication and information technologies are used extensively in society today and throughout the workplace, it has increased the level to achieve and is a quicker and more sufficient way of learning, it also allows people to work or study from anywhere in the world. Schools have unlimited access to resources and tools through easy to use devices they can interact with, this supports teachers and students to work together in a structured, expeditious manor. This takes the idea of hard work out of the children's mind and replaces it with fun learning.
Web 2.0 is encouraged by businesses as it draws colleagues together, sharing information and ideas in the workplace. Skype and other video sharing networks allow conference calls for businesses to connect together over the world instantly. It is also encouraged for the general public to use as much as possible, many shops or places of interest will have devices to get feedback or ask for help.
We use Web 2.0 constantly in our everyday life, but it brings me back to my thought earlier on how I grew up without most devices until a certain age, life today is made so easy we don't even have to leave our homes, with this being said is it improving our future, or making the people of the future inactive?
Reflecting on my own relationship with PCT;
After researching Web 2.0 I realised I use most communication technologies, allowing me to research and network my business whilst keeping up with my private life. For a freelance performer networking is key, for this I use a number of different ways to grab a potential employers attention. Facebook and YouTube are normally the first places an employer will look to see how you present yourself and the level of your profession. It allows me to interact with with fellow colleagues, video share ideas and photos regarding auditions and jobs. I have instant access to my emails so I don't miss any job requests, updates and news whilst on a current job or keeping social with family and friends. I can quickly interact with the world, sharing my pages,thoughts and style whilst gaining experience from other people anywhere in the world.
Looking at Tim O'Reily an early advocate for Web 2.0's meme map, it shows what is recognised for an application to be classed under Web 2.0. It suggests different concepts and decides and if it comes under communication process or interactive. The diagrams also looks at how an application can transform text from being published to other people being involved. This relates and highlights the "play" and "trust your users" from the diagram and also looks at the behaviour of the Web 2.0 application.
Different positions and interpretations;
There are different aspects to consider when looking at Web 2.0, below I will talk about the 3 main competencies,
Architectures of participation is related to Web 2.0 as it enables the users to interact in an active and passive way, according the English Oxford dictionary the meaning of participation is,
"The action of taking part in something" (https://en.oxforddictonaries.com/definition/participation)
Web 2.0 allows you not only to take part in something but to also to create it. This being said it is only achievable if you have the right tools provided.
If we don't have time, money, skills, infrastructure, etc then we will be unable to participate in something (Hamilton 2000)
Web 2.0 is created as an easy to use network allowing everyone to use, interact and change information whilst sharing it around the world. It also means the user is free to do much more with the information and customise their platform to their choices and needs.
Web 2.0 is supported by remixable data and transformation, this means the data can be reused and rearranged by its users. It's gives the freedom and encouragement for the people who see the information to participate with it.
"the consumer is also the producer" (Valtysonn 2010, page 205)
A great definition by Valtysonn on Web 2.0 that explains that today information, images, videos etc can be shared and changed by other users. This can be challenging in today's world as people like myself network and promote their business online, for the information to be accessed and changed by everyone means I have no control over where my information is going, but it is also one the key selling points for Web 2.0.
Web 2.0 allows communities to go beyond their networks and into others, changing your space whilst linking your pages with others. Users can interact and support applications such as Wikipedia whilst sharing and discussing information via blogs and social media pages. I can research practitioners, jobs, news on the arts and discuss this on Facebook, Twitter etc with other people in the industry. We are constantly relating information to each other and trying to expand our knowledge on our profession.
Ethical Consideration;
Speaking earlier about how my information can be seen and shared by a wider audience, it is important to consider what you post.
Web 2.0 is an amazing way to market and promote myself as a business however, getting to the right audience is important. Keeping my private and work life separate is key and constantly building a good online reputation for my employers/viewers.
Considering that there is a younger audience always watching and learning from you is also important. In the future I wish to teach and help young people in the industry, in order to do this I already need to create a professional and inspiring environment around me.
"Social media services and apps can also be used as educational tools, but there are important issues to consider including privacy, appropriate content, security and your comfort level with the apps and services". (connect safely.org)
I think teachers are most in danger with social media as you are always being watched not only by student but by their parents and other practitioners around you, it's a tricky business but also so rewarding if you use the tools in the right way for yourself and your students.
When using Web 2.0 your also need to consider where you get your information from and copyright purposes.
Good run down... how do these ideas work when applied to your professional practice more specifically? Wikipedia is good for a first stopping point - but it is often not 'authored' so hard to verify - how have you refined you use of social media for what you do?
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