Log Fifteen: Task 3A – Current Networks

• Question 1 - What are the current and different ways (tools) that you have, or do, engage your professional network?

The current tools I use for engaging my professional network is generally through use of email, phone calls, video calling or simply through meeting. I also use LinkedIn to connect with other people who are also interested or are already part of teaching in some degree. I think it's important to have tools such as LinkedIn  because it's another method of sharing each other's experiences and potentially learning new things.

• Question 2 - What are the established (and different) ways that others use their networks, especially if they are more established or experienced practitioners that you admire?  

I admire the way Chickenshed Theatre Company have expanded their network through use of web 2.0 tools such as YouTube allowing them to create mini trailers about upcoming shows. I also admire my close friends, who have decided to follow their own dreams along the performing arts path, for always believing in themselves and staying positive for when they go to auditions that they have been invited to from their respective casting agencies. This is a clip from Chickenshed Theatre Company's 2010 show called "Crime of the Century".

• Question 3 – Are there methods, approaches and technologies that you use socially that might apply and help you develop your professional networking?

As I use Facebook primarily for social reasons I feel I could expand my professional network even more by connecting with people who like myself are interested in teaching in a school. I feel that this can develop my network because of the exposure Facebook would bring . I have also recently debated about whether to join Twitter for social and professional reasons.

• Question 4- When you reflect upon current networks, can you think about the motives of others to be in the network and what values and purpose they have in mind?

Upon reflection I feel the motives of others are quite simply to have one’s achievements recognised and to professionally expose themselves in their chosen field of work. I feel the value of part of a network is that you are accepted and respected for choosing to be part of the network but more importantly you are "known" and potentially leading to an experienced practitioner taking a keen interested. Thanks for reading and watching.