3c. Current Sources of information.

            I found this so difficult to establish what my main 5 sources of information were. Then I thought to myself how privileged i was to have all this information so easily at my grasp. It also made me think how differently I would have look at this task 5 years ago. This has all changed due to the dramatic evolution of technology.  After much consideration my main 5 sources of information were from:

My First source of information the internet.

The internet has changed the way the world operates from communicating to finding sources of information. Before the internet if I wanted to talk to someone, I would pick up the phone or even write them a letter. But these days I can connect them on a social networking site or send them an email. Some people may argue that the internet has spoiled the way we affiliate and communicate. Networking sites such as Facebook allow me to contact anyone conveniently, this allows me to be able to seek information off them easily and be connected to others sources of information.

My main source of information on the web is Google this site allows me to enter in anything I could think of and then be connected to a string of sites about this topic. This website makes it so easy to gain access to any information needed. Due to this convenience I feel I use this site the most.  I tend to use these types of sites when trying to find research as recently my Upton Btec course did a contemporary piece based on Isadora Duncan. I used the internet to source all the information I needed instead of having to go to a public library and sourcing the information manually.

The internet has also changed the way I even teach my dance classes as before the internet was widely available I sourced my music from cds. Now I download any music I need off the internet and then transfer it onto my IPod. For me and my students this is easier as I can have my music all in one place because of the internet. For me personally I have found the internet to be my main source of information.

 My Second source of information through My IPhone

            I recently bought the new IPhone 4, since I have had this piece of technology it has change the way I source information. I see my IPhone as a mini laptop, as It has all the facilities a laptop would have. I am able to phone and message contacts easily and I am also able to “ping” other smart phone users. I have synced my IPhone so I have my emails delivered to me like a message. This is extremely advantageous to me, as it means if an important email is sent normally I may not check my mail for a few days but this way I am aware of it straight away. It also enables me to send emails quickly and efficiently whilst on the go. My IPhone also connects me with social networking sites so It is even more convenient to be networking and affiliating socially and professionally.

            One of the benefits of IPhones phones is that they have Apple apps. These are applications you can download onto your phone which can be extremely useful to source information. The app I use the most to excess these sources is EBooks. This is an application that allows me to download any book or source of information onto my phone. I will be using this app more often as we go through the BAPP course.

            My smart phone also has a camera, video and voice recorder facilities this makes it extremely easy for me to take and store information on my phone then easily upload it into networking tools such as Facebook or even onto my Blog. I would highly recommend smart phones as they make sources of information even more accessible.  

 My Third source of information Networked Friends.

            I often relay on some sources of information to come from friends I have met along the line. For example at an audition. It is always beneficial to talk to others that are in your own position as it can often aid you and provide you with advice. I found it extremely interesting reading Jess Hunts Blog on this topic;

“This reminds me of task 3b, theories, relating to networks, the concept cooperation. If we cooperate with each other, in sharing information about auditions, offering accommodation, etc, in turn we can each gain beneficially from the situation.”(Task 3c Sources of Information )

I agree with Jess on this as it is the Tit for tat theory from the reader on the networked professional. Networking and sourcing information is all about cooperation as if you tell one person about an event they are more likely to inform you of the next audition or provide you with a favour. I feel it is extremely important to keep a strong network as it can help you to source valuable information.

My fourth Source of information is through Colleagues/pervious employers and teachers.

I feel I get a lot of information through talking to colleagues and past teachers. In the past it has been the best source of information I could find as it was coming first hand. I always try and talk to work colleagues to gain there advice or opinion on a certain topic. More often than not they will give me advice or a good link to source the information from. I also feel it is vitally important to make a lasting impression on a professional as you don’t know when in the future you will need a source information from them for example a reference. I always try and use the information given to me from colleagues and past professional’s as they have been in your situation and the advice and information they are providing has been tried and tested.

My Fifth source of information comes from Newspapers/magazines.  

            I personally get a lot of information from reading newspapers and magazines. The best sources of information I get about my practice are in the stage newspaper and the dancing times monthly magazine. I am always interested to look into what is happening in the industry and read articles on teaching. When I am reading through these sources I normally come across valuable links to another source of information which often very beneficial. I personally always read through these magazines and newspapers and I never know where they are going to lead me to. Even though the internet may have taken over the sourcing information I will still always use the stage and dancing times as they also have valuable links I wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere.