The First Group Discussion- On February 20th 2018

The First Group Discussion

 

On Tuesday February 20th:

 

Open Skype discussion is a great opportunity for all of us to hear about other students in different modules. I especially found the group discussion beneficial because you get to talk to students who have already done your module or going to do the module you have just finished. We talked about the role of literature review, how you develop literature, what body of literature to include, how we present and analyze it and the range of different literature etc. I think these topics were specifically brought up for module three students. It is always great to be informed on what you will be required to do in the next module. I and Matthew were the only module two students and we got to hear how module three students found their inquires. There were many different ways to approach and narrowing your inquiry. Firstly, looking at your blog’s subject that you write a lot about. Secondly, benefit your own practice what is right for you and what you know the best. Thirdly, look more broadly and map the field of your interests. Helen gave a great example of, “you being a host who is building up a guest list for a theme party. It’s not black and white. Eventually you will notice it more specifically.” Fourthly, try not to reinvent your inquiry. Your inquiry should be relevent to your practice. It should be what you want to understand further. I now have better idea about how I could develop my inquiry. 

Starting A New Term, New Module

Starting A New Term, New Module 

On Friday February 9th

 

We had the induction Skype call for new and returning students. There were many of us from all three modules. This session welcomed all modules to the new term. we talked about things we needed to know about the BAPP course.

 

We discussed:

 

Handbook - you read it as a guide to structure each module

Academic Calendar - organize your schedule for the term

Reading material - it gives the basic theories you need to learn

Tasks – helps you to engage in the process of the final assesment

Blogs - Chance to share your ideas and thoughts, have conversations with others, and a way of developing the course (make sure each post is no more than 400 words)

Unihub - contact information, summon, library, template forms are all on here

7. Skype discussion, campus sessions - place to network, interact, talk, listen, discuss with other students and learn from the other field artists

 

We also talked about organizing physical space, sorting out your laptop, and understanding when you are the most productive. These were the most important aspects throughout the BAPP course. Also, planning your dates in advance and giving yourself enough time to hand in the final assessment just in case you might get caught up with an unexpected project or work.

 

2a Reflective journal task

Journal writing experience

 

Boud said “Journal writing can be viewed through many different lenses: as a form of self-expression, as a record of event or a form of therapy.” (Boud, David 2001 p9).

 

Journal writing has been an excellent method to practice expressing my emotions, gathering my thoughts and questioning myself on a variety of issues. For instant, ‘Why I decided to take this course?’ ‘What I am hoping to improve?’ ‘What I thought and learnt while I was teaching children?’ ‘What was that I felt missing?’ ‘How I want to move forward as a professional?’ In addition, it reminded me of my goals and my purpose of taking the BAPP course. Until I read over the handbook and went through references, I didn’t know I could also use my journal writing as a record of event. I found this most beneficial as a professional. I can record before and after the each audition. 

When I went to a musical theater audition, as soon as I sat in the waiting room, I looked around and started to compare other candidates to myself. A is prettier, B sounds good at practicing the same piece, C has good singing technique, etc. It made my heart beat faster and made me more nervous. Then I remembered, I brought my journal with me. I asked myself questions ‘Why did I want to be an actress?’ ‘What was it that brought me back to another audition?’ ‘What I want judges to see in me?’ ‘What is my strength? It helped me to clear my head and be more focused on myself. After all, all you need is one yes. Most of the time, I feel overwhelmed once I walk out of an audition. I feel this way due to my regret. I know I could have done better at certain things during the auditions. But, I often forget and make the same mistakes. This time I evaluated the audition afterwards. Firstly, my song choice was good but, when a music director asked about my vocal range I wasn’t able to answer her. I wish I would have written it down and memorized it when my college professor told me during class. I am definitely going to ask my current singing coach at the next session. Recording a journal afterwards reminds me what went well, what I should avoid doing next time, how I can improve, it gives me clear direction and helps me avoid making the same mistakes at the next audition. 

Journal writing has made me feel more comfortable with giving my opinions in last few group discussions..I am going to use it continuously until I gain more confidence in having my voice in public forum.

2d- Inquiry

My past 3 months of daily practices have been focused on getting ready to go back on auditioning. To be able to do that I made to do lists:

 

    First, updating my CV and head shots for commercials and theater

    Second, Getting back in shape as well as improving my physical strength; Join the gym and work out

    Third, finding an acting and singing coach to improve my techniques

    Forth, uploading my CV on various entertainment websites

 

while I was going through the audition lists, most audition roles were for Caucasian males. This brought many inquiries to emerge in the back of my mind.

 

◦ Why diversity (ethnicity, sexuality, age) in Hollywood as well as Broadway is still a controversial issue? I see more women and minorities on TV, but still in Hollywood or stages we still have a long way to go. In 2016, 70.8% of speaking roles were white, 13.6% were black, 5.7% were Asian, 3.1% were Hispanic or 7% other.

 

Also, since I was new in the States, I joined various actor, singer and dancer groups on Facebook. My cultural background instills responsibility in me as an international artist that the roles I partake in portray Asian society in a positive manner,

 

◦ Why are Asian characters all Kung-Fu fighters, loud and naive?

 

◦ What is required to change these stereotypes?

 

◦ Why are stereotypes usually portrayed negatively?

 

I believe it is important for an artist to identify oneself. One shouldn’t forget their unique background. One should find a way to balance ones beliefs and morals, as well as nurture positive work relationships. I hope I can earn an influential position so that people have no other option but to embrace differences and encourage empathy. I am looking forward to exploring more about different inquiries on the next Module.

 

Task 1c,1d- Importance of digital storytelling

         Nowadays, sharing images on social media has become easier and faster, without the limitation of location and time. Digital storytelling is now widely used in the workplace and education. Storytelling is a fundamental element of the human condition. People always want to feel as though they are part of a community. By telling your stories you can receive empathy from society. Smart devices allow us to communicate instantly. Digital images are easy to produce, publish, and share. The implication of using images and audio-visuals are quite beneficial to users in many ways. First of all, you can engage, brainstorm and collect your thoughts. Secondly, while developing your ideas you will actively practice critical thinking. You can engage and inquire the purpose, audience, reactions, mood of music, effective words etc. Thirdly, by using digital storytelling you learn to combine auditory and visual elements to create your final project. Fourthly, you learn new technologies. This is essential to surviving in the 21st century. Lastly, you will develop communication skills to reflect and understand your insight. From this process, you will learn to express as well as share your emotions with the audience.

 

Here is my Flickr address:

https://www.flickr.com/people/jaeeunahn/

And my youtube address:
https://youtu.be/suwQyAPdBUY

Task 1b- Thoughts on Reader 1

     Recently, a great deal of attention has been paid to modern technology and its effects on our life. In fact, I cannot go a day without checking updates on Facebook, Kakao Talk(Korean version of Whatsapp), and Naver(Korean version of Google). However, the trend of using Web 2.0 and social networking sites in the workplace, education and public services remains a source of constant debate. Generational learning method changes, low income educational attainment, confidentiality between professional and private life, Privacy, authenticity of information and copyright law are all issues to consider.

     
     From my perspective, while this trend has raised ethical issues, we can not avoid the fact that the technologies we use are already a vital part of our way of life. They continue to develop and improve. Therefore, we must find a way to adapt and be aware of the many concerns.

      
     In October 2004, Tim O’Reilly and Dale Dougherty adopted the term ‘Web 2.0’ at the O’Reilly Media Web 2.0 conference. Web 2.0 is referred to as the second generation of Web-based communities. Web 2.0 is described as user-generated content which is accessible and compatible for net users. With Web 2.0, we are able to communicate, share and collaborate with others on social networking sites like blogs, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Skype. When I was in school, I learned through one way communication. Whether the relationship was author-reader or teacher-student, I was unable to fully engage and contribute due to being only able to receive and reiterate the information given to me. Towards the end of my studies, I was slightly influenced by the first generation of web communities(web 1.0). There was limited opportunity to interact or create my own content unlike web 2.0, which is what we are using throughout this course. Although, I feel the method in which I received my education was superior, through this course I have come to realize the advantages and disadvantages to both methods of learning. It would be more efficient for web 2.0 users to get collective information more readily. Also, while learning through one way communication, I was unable to be as critical about topics as well as give live feedback and converse on a wide range of topics.  This level of convenience would have been unimaginable while I was in secondary. At last, I am able to experience this learning method with these programmes after 10 years of graduation from college.

     
     Web. 2.0 has changed the way everyone receives information. This can already be seen in the different levels of education that the wealthy and low income earn. I was able to clearly see the changes that web 2.0 have made throughout the past decade. Devices such as computers, smart phones, WiFi, smart technology, etc. have made it more convenient for students to gather information. It was no longer necessary to travel to bookstores and libraries. Students could increase their knowledge on commonly debated topics by using search engines such as Google. Students are now able to learn and supplement information from the internet in their work. This advantage at such an early age helps to further education inequality. Students in wealthy areas are already accustomed to using the technology we are using in our course. In the past few years we have seen the value of smart devices decrease. This has helped to even the playing field. However, many students still can’t afford these technologies. They may only be able to use them at school. Even more so, many low income schools don’t have the funds to provide their students with the tools necessary to prepare them for the future.

     There were several issues raised as ethical concerns using web 2.0. First of all, the nature of social media may blur the boundaries between work and private life. Keeping your private life separate from your work life has become impossible for many people. Everyone can see who your friends are, where you have been and even what articles or videos you have ‘liked’. Kuehn’s article ‘Getting into trouble on Facebook’ pointed out the dilemmas that teachers encounter using Facebook. For example, while I was teaching children I had to be mindful of what pictures, religious and political views I posted. This made me feel as if I was censoring and at times lying about myself even on my own Facebook account. Somehow, Facebook became the platform of bragging and boasting. To many, this has added pressure to keep up with or meet the expectations of others, rather than being themselves. I found this to be extremely ironic.

     
     Privacy pertaining to your personal details has become a highly controversial issue. Whenever you’re joining a new social network website, you always have to fill out your details. However, your details can be stolen by hackers and exposed. With your information, thieves can easily commit cyber crimes. Personally, I have been a victim of credit card fraud. It is very upsetting and an unfair experience. It is astonishing that someone could have your email, phone number, credit card details, personal information and purchase things under your name. It was a very long frustrating process to even report. Although, most of the time, it is out of your control, you should always make sure to keep your personal information safe.

     
     Public web forums enable users to frequently publish inaccurate information which destroys the integrity of said data. For example, If one was to accept the information on Wikipedia as fact, there is ample opportunity for misinformation. Nevertheless, social media has made it incredibly easy to manipulate the thoughts or views of others. For instance, this past United States presidential election and Brexit revealed the power social media has. Many people believed whatever they saw on Facebook without question. This lead to many creating their own echo chambers on Facebook. For this reason, it is essential to filter yourself when you read, watch and hear what is written and shared on the web. You should be able to keep your center and do critical thinking.

     
     Lastly, Kawashima raises the argument about cultural policy and copyright law threatened by mini-creators. Due to the innovation of technology, it is easier to obtain content. Youtube or Instagram made it even simpler to save someone else‘s work, recreate and share it as your own. Even so, imagine that your picture, video or music is shared. However, your name isn‘t mentioned anywhere on the post. The mini-creator takes all the credit you deserve as the original creator! How furious would you be? Thus, original work of authorship must be protected by copyright law not only nationwide but internationally.

     
     To conclude, widespread use of Web 2.0 results in enhancement of people’s workplace and education. BAPP course mostly relies on web platforms and electronic tools to interact, communicate and collaborate between students and tutors. As long as we are aware and try to rectify the ethical concerns, I feel that it would be beneficial to all of us. I am excited to experience a new way of learning through this course. As well as, be able to promote myself through the Web as an artist.

 

Module one Task 1a- CV->Professional profile

Jaeeun Ahn was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. She grew up singing in local community theatres. It was there that she began her love for performing.

Jaeeun Ahn is an international actress, singer and dancer based in Atlanta, Georgia. She has worked in London and South Korea. At age 21, she moved to London to expand her training in Musical Theatre Arts. She attended Laine Theatre Arts obtaining level 6 National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre from Trinity college London. Jaeeun is currently in the last year of her BA honours degree in Professional Practice in Arts at Middlesex University London.

Jaeeun Ahn is known for her ability to bring characters to life in the comedic fashion and is also versatile across genres. She has strong singing and dancing techniques and is also multi-lingual. She speaks fluent English, Korean and basic Japanese.

Theatre credits include Elsa, Frozen (Dae-Jeon exhibition centre, South Korea), Believe in yourself (Epsom Playhouse), Bellhop, Lucky Stiff (LTA Studio Theatre), Seeing Tomorrow (Epsom Playhouse), Life after high school (LTA Studio Theatre), The Moat of Tears (The Place, London), Our day out (LTA Studio Theatre), Name of the Game (Epsom Playhouse).

Jaeeun Ahn has also worked as a Musical choreographer and Director for National Primary school Musical Drama Competitions (2008-2013), Theatre Teacher at various kindergartens, primary schools and a university (2008-2017). Lastly, she was a Teacher Trainer in Educational Global Leader (EGL) and Bonding Education Disney in South Korea (2008-2017).

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