Module 1 Focus Skype- 28th September

Module 1 Focus Group, 28th September 

Tonight we had a very valuable Skype session where we shared, contributed, developed and debated lots of ideas.

I feel like from all the ideas and information shared tonight, I may have to make a few different blogs to cover all the topics discussed!

We started with the 3 Lenses from our Handbook

1. Communication of ideas (including Web 2.0)

2. Reflection, Ethics and Reflexivity

3. Networks, Community and Connectivisum

I thought I would start by touching on what is web 2.0 ?

After visiting many websites and watching some videos I have summarised that Web 2.0 represents a web where information transfer a two-way street.

The two way communication means that users can communicate with other users on the websites and platforms and share their opinions and information. It bridges the gap between the online users.

‘Web 2.0 marked an era where we weren't just using the internet as a tool anymore—we were becoming a part of it.’

References 

Techopedia.com. 2020. What Is Web 2.0? - Definition From Techopedia. [online] Available at: <https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4922/web-20> [Accessed 29 September 2020].

Schwerdtfeger, P., 2020. What Is Web 2.0? What Is Social Media? What Comes Next??. [online] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtnP-towatpbqMyKI9m_nGw. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iStkxcK6_vY> [Accessed 29 September 2020].

Lifewire. 2020. What Does 'Web 2.0' Even Mean?. [online] Available at: <https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-web-2-0-p2-3486624> [Accessed 29 September 2020].

WhatIs.com. 2020. Web 2.0. [online] Available at: <https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/Web-20-or-Web-2> [Accessed 29 September 2020].

We began to debate about what the pros and cons were to Web 2.0. 

The new Netflix program “The Social Dilemma’ came up in discussion. I have actually already written a blog on my opinions on the documentary (feel free to read)

https://anderson-emily-ks.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-social-dilemma_22.html

A few comments that stood out to me….

A point raised from a dance teacher in our group was, where are the boundaries with children and the use of social media. Particularly the use of the recent app ‘Tik-Tok’  It was stated that children come into lessons and aren’t engaged in their learning, that they often want to talk and obsess over Tik-tok. There were worries about predators online and how children are becoming more vulnerable to this because of these apps.

It got me thinking that I personally wouldn’t want my children (I don’t have kids yet FYI.) to go onto social media apps, as I do think its dangerous, addictive, bad for their wellbeing and can easily be used incorrectly!

Someone else raised that the suicide numbers have dramatically increased since the world of social media, therefore its obviously causing a negative impact on peoples emotions and has created online bullying!

Another interesting point was how its ironic that social media is called ‘social’ media, as it makes us very unsociable and switched off to our surroundings. The example is that you go into a restaurant and look around and see couples / families on their phones and not engaging with each other!

Some of the positive points raised were that during the pandemic Web 2.0 has been amazing at connecting our industry. I myself have been using instagram live as a way to take classes and to keep practising and training, in fact its even more incredible as you can take classes with teachers world wide that you would otherwise never get the opportunity to!

We spoke about self promotion and how the industry is changing because of sites like twitter and instagram and that even in Westend show programmes people are starting to include their social media handles for people to be able to follow them on their accounts!

...

The conversation then moved onto the Idea of Race. Adesola said that race can be physical, cultural and that history comes into play with peoples identity. 

We discussed some peoples personal experiences in our industry and in their everyday lives where they have had racist or unethical experiences.

We spoke about the recent BLM movement and how this has influenced our industry too. One huge thing that I came away with from my peers discussion, was it can be wrong or assuming to ask someone where they are from, instead its better to ask what someones heritage is. These are issues I need to discuss more and admittedly educate myself more on!

I took a lot away from tonights discussion and its got me thinking and asking so many questions!

I can’t wait to read everyone else blogs!