Task 1b - Initial Thoughts

Web 2.0 - A highly valuable resource for Professional Practice when used correctly

Earlier this week, I left my laptop charger at work and as the saying goes I felt like I had 'lost a limb'.  I hate to say that but it did.  I realised that I need my laptop to work, to do my degree and I need it to keep connected with the world.  Before this incident and before reading Mark Zuckerbergs 'Is connectivity a human right' I would have said no, connectivity is a want not a need.  However, now I think being connected is actually a way of life for most people in the world, with over a third of the worlds population on Facebook.  In his article he says:

'If you know something, that doesn't stop me from knowing it too.  In fact, the more things we all know, the better ideas, products, and services we can all offer and the better all our lives will be.'

This is the beauty of sharing.  I can relate this back to myself.  I have a network of professionals on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter always sharing new ideas and inspiration.  A group Facebook page called 'The Hustle' shares job and audition information everyday, making it so easy for me to keep up to date with the performing industry.  Another example is 'Dancers Pro'.  On this site you can create an online profile of yourself and they send you auditions that are tailored to your profile.  Most of these auditions I would not know about unless I had this account.  More locally to me, is a page which connects hundred of mums from Inverness, this is a fantastic, easy-to-use, free tool to advertise my Dance and Tricks classes.

Saying this, I know that being connected on the internet opens you up to a world of dangers.  One personal example I can give is of my friend in college who was caught out whilst on a night out for her 21st.  An anonymous person had sent over Instagram and Facebook pictures to our college and they were told she was no representing the college appropriately.  Needless to say, she made everything private and no longer posts any photos which could possibly be used against her.

As a dance teacher, I know the way you come across on Social networking is so important. I found it very interesting to read 'Getting into trouble on Facebook' by Larry Kuehn.  It tells an example of an American teacher who gets fired after making comments about her children on Facebook.  She may not have been friends with any of the parents but that is not to say that the information cannot be passed on.  After reading this, I decided to look for some more examples and found this link:

http://www.businessinsider.com/17-people-who-were-fired-for-using-facebook-2014-7?op=1&IR=T

Some of these examples may not seem particularly fair but it shows you that as a professional, you need to be extremely careful with what you choose to post on Social Media.

Kuehn also talks about befriending students on Social media and says:

'Most high school students think it is okay to be Facebook friends with their teachers' Toronto Star

Since I have started teaching my Dance and Tricks classes I've had many new follow requests from students.  To accept them, would be to take away the professional relationship I have developed with them.

This brings me to a quote I saw shared on Facebook a few days ago:

I find this quote important as it shows that in this industry you are your own business, and you should think about this before posting.

I've made it a rule for myself to only post positively and to share positive experiences with everyone.

Lisa Horn has a blog called 'The Publicity Gal' which I found whilst researching.  She says:

'Everything you post on Social Media impacts your personal brand.  How do you want be known?'

And I will think about this quote every time I post something new to my Social Media.