Task 3c Sources of Information

Task 3c

Sources of Information 

To identify my five main sources of information I used the theory of connectivism to assist in my decision making. I have included this below; 

• Learning and knowledge rests in diversity of opinions.
• Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources. 
• Learning may reside in non-human appliances.
• Capacity to know more is more critical than what is currently known
• Nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning.
• Ability to see connections between fields, ideas and concepts is a core skill.
• Currency (accurate, up to date knowledge) is the intent of all connectivist learning activities. 
• Decision making is itself a learning process. Choosing what to learn and the meaning of incoming information is seen through the lens of a shifting reality. While there is a right answer now, it may be wrong tomorrow due to alterations in the information climate affecting our decision.
  
  (Siemens, 2004, pp 3-4) 

In this blog post I am hoping to critically reflect with regards to the importance of my chosen sources of information to me and my practice. After analysing the above sources, I can conclude that I most certainly draw my knowledge from a wide variety of networks. The views and works of others within my ‘current networks’ shape my own personal decisions and work.

1.The Internet 

The internet is my prime source of information both in my professional practice and also my day to day life. Within seconds we are able search absolutely anything and are given the answer almost immediately. I am able to connect with people from all over the world via facebook learning how they are finding working for a particular company, receiving audition notices and primarily keeping up to date with my own work place. Coastal City Ballet members have a private facebook chat. Through this we are able to be notified within moments as to any schedule changes, tour travel times and costume fitting dates etc. Networkdance is a great way to learn about other companies and up and coming auditions, it also allows for my professional profile to be presented publicly and the opportunity for me to apply for auditions directly via the site.

 The internet enables you to instantly connect with someone, however with this freedom also comes great responsibility. You have to be careful about what you post, express and discuss with other people and be able to respect one another when it comes to posts involving others. 

2. Directors and Teachers

I’m not sure whether it is because I am a recent graduate or just the way I learn best but I rely heavily on advice and feedback from my directors and teachers. It is through them I can gage my success and ability when comparing to others in my network of practice. Additionally I most definitely am able to develop an understanding of their teaching style and thus improve my technique. As seasoned professionals I can also learn a great deal from the stories they tell from their earlier days of performing, due to them having such experience and being so well respected within the dance community there is a desire to please and satisfy them encouraging me to work harder every day. The teachers and directors in the world of professional dance are all closely related to each other. Many will have been at school together or working in the same company at some stage. This means that by knowing one teacher you very quickly become associated with another and this results in a broadening of the professional network.

3. Colleagues 

Upon joining Coastal City Ballet, I have learned a great deal from the other dancers in the company. Especially those who are older and more experienced than myself. I have gained knowledge and advice in so many areas but the most important I would say have been advice on professional etiquette, touring, corrections to my technique, how to cooperate with others in the company, how to improve my C.V and audition techniques. I take being one of the youngest members of the company as a positive thing as I am able to push myself whilst performing with professionals who are much older. The only way to learn about the professional world is from the people already in it and I am extremely lucky to work with such kind dancers who are always open to answering my questions and giving advice. 

4. Contacts 

Keeping in contact with friends and past colleagues has been extremely useful over the past couple of years and has served me well particularly when auditioning for companies. An ex-graduate of Northern Ballet School informed me that the Ballet Company she was currently in were auditioning for female dancers and within a couple of weeks I sent over a video audition and was accepted into the company. I am also signed with a modelling agency and only discovered the agency because I went to lunch with a friend in Los Angeles and got chatting to the opposite table. 

5. Casting Websites

Throughout the years I have been subscribed to numerous casting websites and auditions forums. From a young age I was part of Spotlight which got me many roles as an extra in tv shows and even larger acting roles with CBBC. As an adult I am now part of Actors Access and Casting Workbook (in Canada) where my talent agency select the appropriate auditions for me to attend. I am also subscribed to network dance, dancing opportunities and backstage. I receive daily emails with the most recent auditions which is extremely useful as without those websites, you would find it incredibly difficult to be in the know about different jobs.

Having identified my main sources of information I would say that I can develop my usage of every source to gain greater knowledge in my work so I am currently exploring the ways that I can do this.

Bibliograhy

Siemens, G (2004) Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age [Accessed 4th April 2018]