It is becoming more and more apparent that our Professional Networking is a highly important part of our current and future professional lives, and that we will benefit greatly from actively and effectively engaging in our Professional Networks. From a Connectivist perspective, a professional network is a system with which we can interact to learn.
Connectivism
'Over the last twenty years, technology has reorganised how we live, how we communicate and how we learn.' (Siemens, G, 2004)
Connectivism is a learning theory for the digital age, where learning is a process of connecting specialised 'nodes' or information sources. The connections that learners make, help them create their own learning network. Through this 'connected web', learners will be able to stay up- to- date with content as it changes. Such content includes, but is not limited to: courses, email, communities, conversations, web search, email lists and blogs.
The BAPP (Arts) course may be seen to use Connectivism as it's primary theory for learning. Through developing our blogs, we have created a professional network which connects us all, and whereby we are able to interact and learn from each other. We draw upon other online articles and extended reading to form knowledge, and are beginning to be able to identify credible resources.
Upon reflecting on my sources of information, I realised that the sources I use have changed recently. Some that I've used regularly in the past, I don't use so much anymore. I created a diagram to show how my sources of information have changed, and how some have remained constant.
Dance websites such as Dancers Pro, Star Now and Dance Cast were my main sources for gaining information regarding dance auditions. You are able to view other dancers' profiles, which can give you ideas as to how you want your own profile to look. Contact information for production companies and agencies are sometimes available. I would regularly buy The Stage newspaper before it was available online, and then frequent the website in more recent years.
Attending dance classes and auditions were always a useful source of information. At Pineapple Studio's in London, a lot of the teachers taking classes there can offer helpful tips and advice on the industry, and some are even looking to cast dancers for work during their classes.
During auditions I would often end up talking to other dancers, where we would share experiences and sometimes information on other auditions and dance companies.
My family have been a constant source of information. As we are really close, I always turn to them for their support and advice. This could be tips on interview techniques, how to approach sensitive subjects at work, or advice and encouragement when I have felt down after an unsuccessful audition. I learn through talking about, and reflecting on issues with them.
Email is an important source for me. I have been glued to my phone or computer in the past, waiting for that all important email after attending an audition to tell me whether I've been offered the job or not. Between dance contracts I would send emails with my updated c.v., photo's and availability to all of my existing contacts as well as new contacts I had found through researching on the internet. Email is still my primary medium for contacting colleagues whether it be via my personal or work email address.
When I began my current job role, I didn't have any prior experience, and there was a lot of new information I had to learn. The majority of this was learnt through a handover period with the girl I replaced. She spent a week training me 'on the job', showing me how to use our management system, and the processes that I need to go through at work. I am still constantly learning from my other work colleagues, through talking to them, asking them questions and sometimes just observing them. We are also sent hand- outs, regarding safeguarding children, our data protection policy etc.
I was interested to read on Stephanie's blog, that one of her sources of information is documentaries. It made me realise that I had forgotten about the media! Although I do occasionally watch documentaries, I've never really watched dance or work related ones. There are so many available to us, and so much further information, via the radio, t.v. etc, which is perhaps an avenue I should explore further.
The Internet holds a wealth of information. Some sources are more reliable than others, but none the less, there is so much knowledge to be gained.
'Learners as little as forty years ago would complete the required schooling and enter a career that would often last a lifetime. Information development was slow. The life of knowledge was measured in decades. Today, these foundational principles have been altered. Knowledge is growing exponentially. In many fields the life of knowledge is now measured in months and years.' (Siemens, G, 2004)
Not only has the life of knowledge changed, but having more than one career in a lifetime, if not a few is more widely accepted. We are now continuing our learning and education for many years post college or university. These changes have been facilitated by knowledge that is available to us, via the Internet and Professional Networking.
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