Task 2A Reflective Practice

Hi everyone.

So I started this task yesterday and read through  Reader 2 quite thoroughly. It's definitely a lot to try and sink in.
I know that I am both a visual and kinaesthetic learner. When I was at school my reports would always say things such as; 'Kim is always in her own world' or 'Kimberley is often away with the fairies'. It's true that if I am just talked at or just reading something (no images or diagrams) I really find it difficult to take anything in, and my mind will then regularly wander off into the world of 'Kimmy.'... I need to be hands on to learn anything or see things as diagrams, photos or images.
Initially I thought this task would be very difficult for me, but, I can be very quick to think on the negatives before I move onto the positives. Being a 'deep thinker', this task should actually be a breeze for me. I can be quite logical and try to think things out on the spot, a.k.a Reflection IN Action, which I have learned is probably the most difficult way to reflect for most. But as a dancer it's something that has grown in me, from quickly thinking up an alternative movement when I've forgotten the original one, to using this skill in every day life. I know that as a teacher I have had to think of things on the spot when I have lost the children's attention or enthusiasm, so have had to quickly change from my original lesson plan to something a bit more spontaneous. Reflection ON action is something new but I know will be very beneficial as a teacher, and writing out a journal will be a great way to start.

I imagine it can be quite difficult to reflect on something that perhaps happened at the beginning of the day to then reflect on in the evening. Therefore whenever something happens that I think I will find useful to reflect on I will jot down in my notes on my phone. It will be strange to be writing out my thoughts rather than just keeping them in my mind or talking about them.

Boud's phrase; "Writing is a means of puzzling through", made me think that I've often found that I'm OK at puzzling through my thoughts just in my head, but, I believe that writing these thoughts down will be ten times more powerful than just hoping for the best in my head. I trust in Boud's wise words.

The other thing that is a little scary is what Polanyi said; 'We can know more than we can tell'.
As a choreographer I find it easier to just lie down and listen to the music I want to choreograph to. I close my eyes and can see what movements I can use and what would be effective. I could never express why these movements work, it's just a case of knowing more than we can tell. It just works!
Gardner mentions about different intelligences, and I believe that my strongest is definitely Musical. When either learning a routine or teaching it, it's always easier to listen to the song or piece of music first.
 I too believe that I'm interpersonal, intrapersonal, bodily-kinaesthetic and a little bit logical-mathematical. I may write about parts in my day where I've used one or two of these intelligences and see how I can use them more for my own gain.

So with my journal I will start by referring to Kolb's cycle (pictured below) to help me on my way to reflecting accurately.

I will begin task 2B when I've gotten a little bit more used to writing my thoughts each evening.
This is something I definitely do not want to rush as I know how useful this will be in my professional life.

'Keeeeep blogging' xxx

Task 1B (Remixable data and transformations)

I think I get the idea of this section now...
Remixable data isn't possible in Web 1.0. From my understanding, if I am to use a metaphor, Web 1.0 is a book in the 1800s, Web 2.0 is a book in the 21st century. The difference is that in the 21st century we have photocopiers. Back in the 1800s you would have the option of a library or buying a book. Today you can photocopy or scan a section of a book at the library as well as using a library or buying a book. The section you have a photocopy/scan of can now be used in some other way.
I think today with Web 2.0 we are blessed to have open sites where we can be a the consumer and the producer (aka Prosumer). We share ideas, photos, links and music etc and we have the capability to use these for another use. The only issue with this nowadays is that as a producer your intellectual rights are hard to protect as well as your personal. Therefore it is important for people to be wary of what they post in blogs and web pages etc.
So nowadays devoted and professional publishers are more at danger of their knowledge being stolen and credited by somebody else. With Web 2.0 there is now a range of amateurs and professionals sharing and publishing with their ability to adjust data and images with the help of other 'prosumers'. With 'Produsage' it's unfortunate that you can only be merited on a subject rather than be the owner. If people exploit copyright then your work is at least recognizable to that individual.  
With transformations I could use the metaphor of an old Nokia mobile phone and a Smartphone. The nokia is Web 1.0 and the Smartphone is Web 2.0. With the Nokia, you get what you get on the device, the game of Snake and simple text messages etc. You can't add or alter anything, except perhaps with the newer old nokia phones where you can change the theme on your phone and ringtone etc. But even with that you still cannot add anything. Now with Smartphones you can add any game you want, upload your own backgrounds or themes, create your own ringtones and add different types of messaging applications such as whatsapp.

 With Web 2.0 you have the ability to alter anything to become more particular to you. You also have the option to delete or update anything you publish.
These are my thoughts on this. I really am starting to understand how useful Web 2.0 will be during this course and in my future work, same for all my fellow students. It is a great success and I truly believe it will continue to grow.

'Keeeep blogging' xxx

Task 1D Flickr...

So for this task I decided to put my photos into sets (to make is less confusing for you folks).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/104902645@N04/sets/72157636387268303/
So my first set is of the actual show in Israel. The reason why I have set this apart from my 'behind the scenes' Israel photos I will explain in a bit.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/104902645@N04/sets/72157636687237793/
Above is the link for the behind the scenes of Israel.

So the reason I have set these photos apart is basically due to 'Happiness'.
It's unfortunate to say that I really had a hard time out in Israel. I was homesick, quite lonely and I sadly didn't have a lot in common with my fellow performers. The photos are incredibly deceiving as I look quite happy, don't I? 
As performers we learn to put on a face and keep plodding on (a quote my Nanna uses a lot) and in some ways it's quite sad but very convenient at the same time. In every career you have to put on a face and carry on, and some find it very hard to do so, but as performers we have that benefit to just 'face the music and dance' so to speak.
My photos of the shows in Israel were my happy times. I absolutely love performing and I would look forward to this every day. The show is what got me through the seven months out there. It was my haven and of course the main reason why I was there.
It's the love of performing that makes us want to go in to that profession isn't it? The same with most jobs, but I believe that some jobs, no matter how enjoyable, people wouldn't do unless they got paid. I would perform paid or unpaid.

My other two sets are of my 'behind the scenes' of the Oceana and Dirty dancing meets Grease.
In these photos I was genuinely happy and had the time of my life! I got on with my fellow performers and didn't feel at all lonely, and again I absolutely loved the shows!
Don't worry there aren't hundreds of photos in each set, 28 max in one set. ha ha.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/104902645@N04/sets/72157636580828504/  <- Oceana
http://www.flickr.com/photos/104902645@N04/sets/72157636687651194/  <- DDMGrease

Photos are vital in the great wide web. They can either show proof or fakery. They get people talking and debating. In social networking today, we are constantly uploading our photos to hope for 'likes' and comments on Facebook. Flickr, facebook and instagram are all good ways to save memories (in case your laptop gives up the ghost). Like it mentions in the Reader, these sites can be used on any device, and not glued to just one device. The wonderful world of Web 2.0 gives us this great privilege to look wherever, share wherever and spy on our friends wherever. ha ha.
Images and any type of audio visual are vital in social media today as people are more drawn to pages or websites that have photos, paintings, drawings etc or youtube clips. It strikes peoples' attention, whereas a page with just plain text will most likely be overlooked. For example, on facebook, on the home page you tend to get more comments on photos or youtube posts because they show up bigger than just status' etc. Images are memorable, hence will be talked about and thought about for longer. For each individual, personal storytelling, with the use of images and videos can help them to reflect back on their pasts. The images I've used above from my work in Israel definitely help me reflect. Even the use of other peoples' digital storytelling can trigger memories of our own. So all in all, the use of images are by far the best way to win attention and recognition.
So with that in mind here is a photo of the big Me to You bear that my other half gave me the day I came back from Israel. I will never forget the reason for this big loving gesture from the image and of course the teddy itself, as I was home at last and it so happened to be on Valentines day.

'Keeeep blogging'
xxx

Task 1A Alteration...

Hello all.
So I have taken on some hints and tips from you lovely people and have shortened my profile somewhat (as yes it was even longer than it is now ha ha) and have added some personality to it to make it less formal.
I am still working on it by looking at a few others, as mine seems to be a lot more detailed than some and still a little longer, but I think I'd like to keep it detailed as it shows the progress an individual has gone through. Bethany Bullman has a very detailed profile which is informative and interesting. She's added what she has learned from her experiences which I also think is a great thing to add as it shows more value to your experience.
I've come to the understanding that this profile/CV is a way to sell yourself in a less formal way, so I believe it is important to be informative but to only add the really necessary stuff.
Please take a peek and any more tips would be appreciated as usual. If you think I don't need to alter anymore that would be good too. ha ha.

In the voice of Bruce Forsyth; 'Keeeeep Blogging'

Task 1B (ArchitecturesOfParticipation&HarnessingCollectiveIntelligence)

Hello again.
Well here is the part I was dreading, as I did have to read the Reader very slowly to try and understand all of the information.
I used the O'Reilly link given to try to understand more about the 'meme' and it definitely helped, and it gives a lot of useful information on the differences on Web 1.0 and Web 2.0. http://www.oreillynet.com/lpt/a/6228

I have always thought that Wikipedia was a reliable source, (which I'm sure I'm not the only one) and I still do to an extent, but I now realize that more options are available to attempt to get accurate information. I do completely understand the logic in this, that with Web 2.0 you have absolutely millions of people on the web blogging and giving out knowledge (on Twitter, Facebook etc), and using these multiple participation methods online can eventually get you solid results, rather than putting all hopes on one. I know that I don't use Web 2.0 enough and am now starting to realize the benefits.
We would be lost without Web 2.0 if it was taken away. Social networking is a daily part of most people's lives, and I've realized how vital participation methods are now in the present day. I for one have been very ignorant and take it for granted. It is remarkable how different Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 is.
My only differ on getting accurate information is that in some cases you may find yourself struggling to find exact truth, as there could be a number of different opinions on a subject you are looking for with links given to provide  proof of each individuals' knowledge, giving results in full. Hence, it could lead to absolute confusion forcing an individual to the library to find an original source, or any Web 1.0 facility where participation is unavailable. I therefore believe that in a few cases we will have to go for an original source or go for the most popular and agreed information. I have often done research on many things and I have had to go along these lines of sticking with the most agreed information, plus, sources with images which I think are a great way to prove anything. Saying all this, that's life isn't it? I think I have a lot to learn about using resources on Web 2.0. These are only my initial thoughts for now. Saying that though, I do believe that you learn something every day, beyond your original research which can be useful in any career. That's Web 2.0.
I much prefer interaction and participation than all that makes Web 2.0, it encourages others to share knowledge of their own, which is helping others even if it wasn't your aim to do so. I'm sure I've shared stuff that may have helped somebody in some way. You can create and/or take part. Collaboration is useful in so many ways today and I'm glad Web 2.0 was born.
It is also so strange to realize that on these sites such as blogs or personal web pages, strangers can communicate with you, and I never thought of it in that way before. They are strangers, (except of course your friends on facebook) but with Web 2.0 it doesn't feel like you are talking with and teaming up with strangers, it feels totally natural. Even on facebook with the people you know, but perhaps aren't particularly that close to, you suddenly feel close and have something in common; Social networking, and any status or photo you put up will get you comments from these people because of their own reflection and/or empathy.

I am still unsure on Remixable data and transformations, so I will try to give my thoughts on that once I've cracked it ha ha. The thoughts above are based on Architectures of participation and Harnessing collective intelligence. I am sure to understand more on Web 2.0 over the next year.

Happy studying!! xx
xxx
(apologies for any incorrect grammar, but I hope it's understandable)

The CV confusion...

Right, so after being very confused about uploading my CV, I have read recent blog posts that have clarified that that wasn't necessary. So pheeeew. Confusion over.
Please check out my CV/profile, and I shall be commenting on your lovely profile's soon. I know mine needs some improvement, so comments, good or bad, I will much appreciate.
My next step is to read the 'REEEADER'....(said in a spooky voice; which I think is quite appropriate being halloween soon and lets be honest the Reader is a little scary) Hence forward to Flickr which I have started, but need to add a few more bits and bobs.

Take care to all fellow students. x

Reflection....

Earlier today, I had been reading the module 1 handbook, and as others have said I think I will have to read it a good few more times to get my head around the tasks.
If anyone would be sympathetic and helpful enough to explain where I am to write my profile? Perhaps I am being a little 'sandwich short of a picnic' and I bet it's really simple, but I'm a little unsure.

I have read a couple of blogs today and one which struck out to me mentioned about the Induction day on the 24th of September. We were asked to look at a newspaper each and to find something that got our attention, being a photo or title etc. Mine was a drawing of a man looking very glum sat in a 'Memories erased' centre. It was about the government choices in the past, and obviously the man wanted to erase all of his past memories of these governments' actions. It made me remember stuff that has happened in my past which I would love to erase from my own memory, but remembering that very famous phrase; 'everything happens for a reason.' We can either learn from these memories or continue to suffer within them and not move forward. The bad memories are there for each individual to alter to a positive memory in their minds. These bad things happen to help us to become better people and to encourage and help others who may experience something similar. Depending on the memory they can help to prevent future mistakes.

Onwards from the rather dreary thoughts above, it just amazes me how such things like photos, pictures, music and visuals trigger some of the best and worst memories in our minds. Most of the time I bypass the stuff that may trigger off a bad memory and I remember the best times instead. So rather me reflecting deeply on the bad memory I make myself remember the good and best of times.
Perhaps I am the only one that does this, but I think it's something I've learnt to do over time.
I'd like to know how others deal with these things?

On a more positive note, I have recently choreographed a routine to 'Blame it on the boogie' by Michael Jackson for my year 1 dance class on a saturday. The reason I chose this song was because it reminded me of the time I was at that age and I use to dance around my living room to it. It's a great hit and really makes me happy inside, just like it did when I was 5 years old. The kids seem to love it too.

Will post again soon...   ;)