Task 1b Professional Communication Technologies

Task 1b Professional Communication Technologies

Web 2.0

Prior to reading Reader 1 I had never even heard of the term Web 2.0 which refers to internet communications extended to a larger number of people. Prime examples of this include social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram and other participating sites such as wikis and blogs. This is a progression from Web 1.0 which is all about one-way communications between creator and reader as seen in normal websites. Here there is limited opportunity to interact with other viewers and create your own content where as Web 2.0 the line between creator and reader merge somewhat allowing the creator to become the reader and as a result of this further collaboration between users is enabled.  

Full version can be found here: http://www.oreilly.com/pub/a/web2/archive/what-is-web-20.html

After reading Tim O’Reilly’s article I learnt that the concept of Web 2.0 began with a conference brainstorming session between O’Reilly and MediaLive International. (http://www.oreilly.com/pub/a/web2/archive/what-is-web-20.html) The conference took place shortly after the bursting of the Dot-com bubble in 2001. Downes describes the revolution of the web crash clearly and concisely introducing us into the ‘Network as Platform’ idea meaning that all the software that manages the application is not run locally on your computer and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. ( Downes, 2005 on http://elearnmag.acm.org/featured.cfm?aid=1104968 )

How do I use Web 2.0?

Web 2.0 allows millions of users to share and create content on numerous platforms. I use the most common platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Blogs. Nowadays particularly in the industry Web 2.0 is used for almost everything and most recently I have even heard producers choosing when torn between two people for a role have gone with the person with more Instagram followers. (Shocking I know!) There are huge positives for the industry with Web 2.0, with the platforms such as Youtube and Vimeo we are now able to upload evidence of our work such as showreels and audition videos opening us up to a wider range of job opportunity all over the world as it is no longer essential to attend an in person preliminary audition we are able to save time and money as now we can be sure that the director has some interest in ourselves before progressing any further with the audition process. 

Architectures of participation

The notion of participation is an important one, in that participation is connected to the ability to actively involve the reader in their processes. Tim O'Reilly (2004) stated that he came to use the term ' ''The architecture of participation'' to describe the nature of systems that are designed for user contribution.' (http://archive.oreilly.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/articles/architecture_of_participation.html )

By reading the article listed above I was able to gain further understanding as to how the user is able to communicate more efficiently and that each platform is progressively developed and replaced (the technical term of this is perpetual beta). 

Remixable data and transformations

Web 2.0 is frequently supported by what is known as the remix culture which originates from hip-hop and rap music and is used to describe the re arranging of materials. It refers to the notion that we as users share photos, music and text. This sharing then promotes further participation and communication proving this to be an essential asset of Web 2.0 

Harnessing collective intelligence

Describes the effectiveness of web 2.0 in building and developing social communications and allowing people to develop beyond their existing professional networks. 

Ethical considerations when using Web 2.0

It is extremely important to consider copyright and authenticity when using a public forum such as the web. It is always advised to get permissions when posting anything including others. Teacher’s are probably the most vulnerable group in danger from violations of boundary crossing between one’s personal and professional relationship and any posts involving children must be dealt with using consent forms, signed by a parent or guardian. In today’s world it is imperative to treat your online profile as your professional image. It is vital that you post only what is in the best interest of your company and future employers and consider the potential consequences each time you post. For me personally whenever I post a photo on Instagram I always think ‘would my grandma above of this’. She is an extremely traditional lady and I believe if she would approve then so would anyone else. I also take a similar approach when posting dance photos as I only post the very best of my ability in hope to impress future employers. 

Bibliography

Downes,S (2005)E-learning 2.0, elearn magazine, vol.2005,no.10. Available from: http://elearnmag.acm.org/featured.cfm?aid=1104968 (accessed 27 October 2016) 

O'Reilly, T (2004) The architecture of participation. Available from: http://archive.oreilly.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/articles/architecture_of_participation.html (accessed 23 October 2016) 

O'Reilly, T . (2006) What is web 2.0: Design patterns and business models for the next generation of software, Available from: http://www.oreilly.com/pub/a/web2/archive/what-is-web-20.html (accessed 23 October 2016)