Professional communication technologies

Throughout BAPP arts, readers are given to us students as a method to stimulate ideas and to expand creativity when practicing a worked based learning course.

What is Reader 1?

Reader 1 is an introduction to the use of technology, more specifically, the use of Web 2.0, along with detail into its key principles and how it can be used as a method of assisting work based practice. Literature is also given as an additional aid into supporting us in our development in understanding the importance of technology, especially in our generation, where the use of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram would be classed as a necessity to a wide proportion of society.

What is Web 2.0?

The reader states that the idea of defining such a broad topic is proven difficult with various practitioners and literature all stating differently the principles and concepts of Web 2. However, generically, the term Web 2.0 refers to the use of social networking sites as a community in itself, as opposed to web 1.0 which consisted of the basic use of a creator and a consumer of the creators ideas with no interjection. 

Web 2.0 is relation to my development?

From my experience in working in the industry, a lot of auditions and jobs go on line appearing on social media such as Instagram and Facebook groups, which allow us to respond with comments straight away, and the ability to tag a friend so that they are then instantly notified with an opportunity. Furthermore, creating choreography, teaching and putting the footage on social media builds up a sense of recognition, as the dance industry is a small knitted one, with people being familiar with one another because of class footage on you tube, or concept videos that are liked and shared with another friend. If a video is posted to ones profile with a lot of positive feedback, it inspires people to come and take your next class, and gradually as time progresses, there is a significant increase in the participants attending class on a weekly basis.  

Just recently, i have been looking around the internet to find a good portfolio photographer, and that has consisted of me looking through dancers Facebook's and Instagram accounts to see their portfolio pictures which has finally helped me to come to the conclusion of whom I wish to have take my own. If we were without web 2.0 in this instance, web 1.0 would only limit me to view the photographers website which would consist of their best photos which portray them in the best light possible. However, having the ability to view someone else's and to comment there and then, gives me and the consumer in a wider picture the ability to have an open mind and to not be misled by what the creator wants us to see. we have access and a greater input in today's technology.

Theorists

When researching into web 2.0, I looked at the insight given by leading theorists involved in the topic of technological development through the use of web 2.0. Explained below (briefly), outlines the theorists perceptions for the development of web 2.0.

Theorists	Argument
Tim O’Reilly	Promotes creativity and interaction between users and creators.
Ullrich et al	Users have the ability to make data easily accessible without relying on a governing body.
Bruns	Our participation enables us to become both the creator and consumer.
Valtysson	There is no definite division between the creator and the consumer which encourages people to participate.

In my view, I believe that through the use of web 2.0, working connections and networking are easily done because we are able to connect with others of a similar interest in terms of work through a few clicks on our smart hand held devices or laptops. Not only can we edit information almost instantly as the creator but we can also instantly critique others work too, in a safe and user friendly environment. However, a lot of us rely more than we should on the use of social networking and use it as a way to connect with our friends and families instead of interacting face to face because it is easier and more convenient to fit around busy lifestyles. In my opinion, although the use of web 2.0 is extremely good for networking, eventually, people will forget the art of conversation, and rely too heavily on social networking and technological development for interacting with each other on a day to day basis.