By using the Connectivism theory I have created a list of my top 5 most important sources of information. Obviously Web 2.0 plays a massive part in my choices as it provides us with information that we need at the click of a button. The world would be a very different and less advanced place without Web 2.0...
1. My Phone
So as much as it pains me to put this top of my list, I absolutely could not live without my phone. It gives me access to everything I need from day to day and I have anything I need at the touch of a button, or even better, by asking Siri for help! My phone book keeps all of the contacts in my network in one place with their details safe and stored. Receiving emails straight to my phone makes my life so much easier. If I had to reply to emails by using my laptop I probably wouldn't reply until quite a few hours later but I can reply to emails using my phone within minutes of viewing it. This is very helpful if my agent emails me details of a casting and needs a quick response in order to advise the casting director if I am able to attend. Facetime is one of the best apps on my phone. Living away from home can sometimes be challenging and knowing that I am able to both see and speak to my family (not forgetting my Westie dog) with such ease is amazing. I can connect with them at all times of the day and I love the interchangeable cameras (front facing or front of phone). I must also mention the apps that I have chosen to download to my phone. I think this is a great side to my phone as it makes it more personal to me. I have apps that will allow me to access anything from live travel updates so that I can keep updated and safe on the move to The Stage app where I can view upcoming auditions without signing into my account online.
2. Google
I cannot remember what we all did before Google existed. When people used to say that the internet was going to take over the world they definitely weren't lying. The amount of times I have asked a question and have been told to 'Google it' are just too many to keep track of! Google is a global search engine so allows me to search about anything that is going on around the world and I will have an immediate answer. "Google's mission is to organise the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful" (Google, About Us). Google has played a huge part in my BAPP journey so far as it has allowed me to search for sources online rather than having to spend time that I don't always have in a library.
3, YouTube
YouTube provides me with videos which I can use in my work and professional practice. When learning a new song I normally like to 'note-bash' (work out the melody of the song) on a piano but unfortunately I do not own a piano in my house in London. If I am unable to gain access to a keyboard or piano then I can go onto YouTube and listen to the original cast recording of the song with ease. YouTube is also very useful for finding backing tracks to songs and this is helpful when I do not have time to visit my singing teacher if I get told about an audition at short notice. I also enjoy learning visually so if I need to learn how to do something a bit more practical then I could watch a video online and this would probably help me solve the problem.
4. Theatre/Cinema
I try to visit the theatre or cinema as much as I can. I enjoy going to see new material and writing, (including low budget films or shorts) that I am unfamiliar with as well as classic musicals and plays that are well known and loved. Sometimes when you are having a 'quiet spell' in between auditions and work, it is important to go and see performances. This allows you to see what is currently popular and can help with picking audition material or even helping you to learn about the show and everything that it is made up of, such as the writers and composers. I often find myself sitting in the audience at shows asking myself which roles I might be suited to and which were in my casting bracket as it helps to keep my mind stimulated.
5. Twitter
This social media site is becoming increasingly important in my professional practice. By following both upcoming and established casting directors, tweeting directors about their work that I have seen or connecting with new and upcoming theatre companies, I am able to expand my network of professional contacts and get my profile into the public eye. Twitter is easily accessible on an app on my phone so I can use it on the move too. Twitter also acts as a platform for venting opinions for actors and other industry professionals who might want to respond immediately to news stories associated to the arts.
There are many other sources of information that I also use on a daily basis but these are the top 5 that I use at present. I look forward to seeing others blog about this to see how their sources of information compare to mine!
Reference List
https://www.google.com/about/
Hi Shana, You know it is amazing but until seeing this blog of yours it had not occurred to me that a phone is a major source of information. As you say it provides instant access to so many communications and information sources. The irony is that I refer to it all the time and yet it did not occur to me! Really interesting to see the different sources that you learn from.
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