kendosite

Tutorial 8

2008-06-10T03:05:00.000-07:00

Provide a definition of Assistive technology (your Cook and Hussey reading may be helpful with this).

"Assistive technology is a generic term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices and the process used in selecting, locating, and using them. AT promotes greater independence for people with disabilities by enabling them to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to or changed methods of interacting with the technology needed to accomplish such tasks. According to disability advocates, technology is often created without regard to people with disabilities, creating unnecessary barriers to hundreds of millions of people" (Wikipedia, 2008; encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com, 2008).

Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions.

One piece of equipment introduced in the Assistive technology tutorial is the Blink Switch. A device that is attached to the interior of a pair of glasses. A client who wears the glasses is able to turn off and on electrical equipment by mere sensitivity of blinking their eyes. As a very compact device, there is a small cord connected to a control switch usually beside the user on some table at a cost of about a thousand dollars.

How does your chosen piece of equipment increased functional capacity for the user? Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture.

The blink switch is able to increase their functional capacity to clients who have some form of severe physical disability, non verbal, and has a limited range of motion but is able aid them in communication and turning items on or off that many take for granted.

Tutorial 7

2008-06-10T03:02:00.000-07:00

Task one: Explain the step by step process required to embed You Tube videos into your blog. Consider using screen captures to provide a visual representation of these steps.

Once your video has been successfully uploaded to you tube, click on your video and under the word embed is a rectangular box that has random letters and shapes or the URL code. Highlight and copy the URL code as seen between the top and second picture on the right column.

You then need to log on to your blog website. To post You Tube video onto your blog, enter the URL code (found next to all video clips on You Tube), click 'new post'. Two new boxes will appear with title as the top rectangle and a larger below this. Give your video a title. Inside the larger box below, paste the copied URL code. After pasting, click publish post.

Task two: Explain the step by step process required to embed a flickr badge into your Blog. Consider using screen captures to provide a visual representation of these steps.

Before embedding a flickr badge, a flickr account must be opened. This usually requires you to already have an existing yahoo account. Once successful, scroll down to the bottom of the page as below.

Along the row 'help', look for 'tools' and left click.

On the right hand column of the page, there is a picture about half way down. To its left is blue wording 'bulid a badge'. Left click this and follow the prompts. Choose either 'a flash badge' or an 'HTML badge' then left click 'next:choose content'.

Tutorial 6

2008-06-10T02:57:00.000-07:00

Provide the web address and the name of the community you are investigating?

http://www.facebook.com/home.php? face book is the community i have chosen and will investigate.

What is the brief or focus of this community?

The focus of this community is predominantly good friends and friends of friends able to interact with one another and share materials each to the interest of the individual.

What services are provided? How interactive is this site? How can people contribute?

Facebook blogger website provides a search tool and links to activities all woman and men like to fill out in their spare time. The website is very interactive. As long as people sign up to this website they may begin to make their own blogs on subjects that interest them. If a friend is online the same time as yourself, it is possible to chat online real time and to view each others materials as well as borrow resources provided that consent is given.

Consider material presented during the lecture and make comments on why people choose to contribute to this community. What is it they are seeking?

People can contribute by posting material onto your own website which will automatically be sent to all your friends which is dependent on whether you have given your consent. Contribution is dependent on the person, there is no quota on how much contribution needs to be made to your own blogger website.

Tutorial 4&5

2008-06-10T02:51:00.000-07:00

Task one: Follow instructions and work in a small group to plan, produce and edit a 30 sec-5minute second short.

Task two: Set up a u tube account:

user name: kendosinthehouse

Task three: Follow instructions to posting your video on U tube.

Task four: Provide a brief summary of the services offered by U tube. Information can be drawn from the week five tutorial handout.

You Tube provide a number of services such as videos, channels and different online communities. Most of these services offer a visual modality in watching small pieces of video coverage of interest to almost anyone. Other services You Tube provide are being able to watch you tube videos on your mobile, to rearrange your inbox account or address book of friends or favorite websites as well as adding your own insight on other videos including your own by seeing how other people rated it.

Task five (blog posting): Provide a brief account (1-2 paragraphs) on how the use of planning (storyboard and scripting aided your groups short film.

Although initially slow, the storyboard assisted our group in deciding what areas we were to film. Once the topic was decided, along with some improvisation, were able to make a reasonable, coherent story after editing. Because everyone in our group had no competent skills in drawing, spaces that was supposed to be used in this section for pictures, was filled in with words of location. A large part of this exercise was improvising on the spot, film now and edit later.

Tutorial 3

2008-06-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

Tutorial Three: Blog Creation Tasks

Task One: Follow instructions to set up a account with Blogger

kendosinthehouse@google.......

Task Two: Follow instructions to complete the following Blog construction tasks

Choose a Blog Template (this can be changed later if you wish)
Provide a Blog title (this will need to incorporate your name and the course title Participation in Occupation 1)
Provide a Blog outline. This is a short statement outlining the purpose of the Blog (this information should come from the course outline and assessment guidelines for Participation in Occupation 1).
Complete your Blog profile (you need to include your age, gender, industry, occupation and location)
Up load a photo to your Blog profile

Task Three: Follow instructions to start posting content. Your first two post should be taken from the technical descriptions for tutorials one and two.

Task Four: Provide a brief summary of the services offered by Blogger (this will be your third posting. Information can be drawn from the attached hand out). In addition to this name one other Blog host.

The services offered by Blogger include, related services that would assist in some part with the blog website such as google reader that would allow all URL websites posted on this website to be automatically included onto the blogger website as well as others who are connected or grouped with the same blog site after others members give their approval. The Blogger website also gives up to date information on blogging information as well as related links relevant to blogging. It is also now possible to view someones blog by using cellular phones and teaches you the steps to carry out this new function. Other services available are links to other interesting links related to subjects of your interest and not just spam or irrelevant subjects. One other blog host is facebook.com or myspace.com

Task Five: Upload 5 photos from tutorial 5 onto your flickr account.

Any remaining time can be spent

· Exploring Blogs hosted by Blogger and other services (e.g.myspace)

· Setting up a personal Blog

· Organising your flickr account into groups

Occupational therapy and toilets accessibility at Dunedin Polytechnic

2008-06-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

Tutorial 2

2008-06-06T02:01:00.000-07:00

"A new technology is rarely superior to an old one in every feature ". Briefly discuss this statement in relation to digital camera technology. What would you consider to be some of the pluses and minuses digital camera technology holds in relation to more traditional film?

Is new technology always going to be better than the obsolete features? From my standpoint, the answer is no. For example, nowadays, digital camera has a focus function that allows the 'shooter' to half hold down the shutter button, and the camera, presumably focuses the object or item in question. The question to ask here is, everyone has different likes and dislikes on how focussed an object should be. So why should a camera decided how focussed an object should be by pressing a button with unknown applied pressure to the shutter button. Is this always going to give the desired image? In short, the answer is probably yes, however, the digital technology takes away personal preference or personal choice. We rely too much on a button to focus the item because the camera instructions say so. If you take away what we each wish to see and depend on pressing an automatic button, this would greatly disadvantage having a choice. Alternatively, it would be far easier and less fuss using digital camera technology being a lot quicker with a reasonable quality picture. Digital camera technology can also develop the pictures within a matter of minutes whereas film cameras took at least a week. When discussing the speed of developing photos, digital camera technology is quicker. Another advantage is, if a shot was taken by mistake, normal film photos could not erase that photo. Any 'bad' shot could be deleted from the digital camera but not from a roll film. Digital cameras are able to be used as a handy video camera and not only be used as a camera. Instead of taking pictures, real time video moments can be taken making the experience even more surreal.

List some of the ways that digital images can be stored transferred and manipulated using other communications technology?

Nowadays, many digital images are stored on the persons desk top computer be it desk top or lap top computers or in programs called 'my computers'. Many images can be transferred by one of two ways. Either, by sending an email attachment of the image or by saving the image on to a Universal Serial Bus (USB flash stick). Photos or almost any picture can be manipulated or changed by using a program called photo shop.

Given the prevalence of image capturing devices, and thinking about the issues discussed in tutorial one, consider what sort of ethical issues may arise with their use?

Such ethical misuse of images could be exploiting or marketing the image without the persons consent. Most people do not wish to share personal items or activities which they had just finished and wish for privacy. Yet another ethical rule is a person wish for anonymity. In an opportunity to earn money and prevent others using ideas that are clearly yours, ethical consideration allows people to apply for patent or intellectual property and ownership.

Briefly discuss some of the ways that digital images could, or are, being used in Occupational Therapy practice.

Digital images can be used in O.T. practice today by taking pictures of the client performing certain activities and breaking the photos down to measure technique, posture or fault in limb position to carry out the task. Images could be a means to detect fault and although it is a freeze frame shot, perhaps a better means for Occupational Therapy practice is by recording someones behavior of speech or by using the video function on digital cameras. This could then be viewed and critiqued by both therapist and client.

Provide a brief summary of the services offered by Flickr.com?

This web site allows you to manage any of your online photos and videos. Not only are you able to upload almost any picture or video, it can be set up in such a fashion so that it can be shared by known groups or in privacy so that anyone cannot see your photos without your consent (ethics). You and others may be able to view different locations but in same democratic area as it may not be possible to see all of the area you took pictures of. Others in this same example would be able to share their photos with you allowing a greater perspective of the location you were at. Flickr also allows you to make Sexy cards, photo books, framed prints, Target pick up, DVDs and more importantly, allow you to get updates from family and friends.

Name one other photo storage website which offers a service similar to Flickr.com?

One other photo storage website similar to Flickr is snapfish where most people are able to upload an infinite number of photos identical to Flickr.

Explain what is the difference between digital and an optical zoom?

Optical zoom, like a zoom lens on a film camera changes focal length and magnification as the image is zoomed whereby the quality of the image remains high through out the zoom range. Whereas, digital zoom chops the images into a smaller and enlarged size to fill in the required frame. Unfortunately, image quality is lost and becomes less clear. This can be fixed using almost any image editing program like photo shop.

Explain what is meant by the term mega pixel?

Mega, is a standard unit of measure. A mega pixel is one million of a kilopixel. Another million of a mega pixel is a giga pixel.

Tutorial ONE

2008-05-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

TUTORIAL ONE

Provide a definition of Information Technology/ Information Communications Technology Communications Technology.

Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware. IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and securely retrieve information" (wikipedia, 2008).
Today, the term information technology has ballooned to encompass many aspects of computing and technology, and the term is more recognizable then ever. The information technology umbrella can be quite large, covering many fields. IT professionals perform a variety of duties that range from installing applications to designing complex computer networks and information databases. A few of the duties that IT professionals perform may include data management, networking, engineering computer hardware, database and software design, as well as the management of administration of entire systems. When computer and communications technologies are combined, the result is information technology, or "infotech". Information Technology (IT) is a general term that describes any technology that helps to produce, manipulate, store, communicate, and/or disseminate information. Presumably, when speaking of Information Technology (IT) as a whole, it is noted that the use of computers and information are associated" (wikipedia, 2008).

Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?

Information technology does not always apply to just computers and programs but is closely linked when speaking about technology which is to the most part, always common or always used in some way be it at work or leisure. Such examples are phones, cell phones, EFTPs machines, cash registers, and computers to name a few. Some people would go as far as to suggest that society would struggle to get through life without the use of technology as we are a part of the new generation (Beekman, 2005).

What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?

IT devices that are familiar, competent or comfortable using for myself are: most computers using software that have been used regularly such as Word, Excel, Power Point, and many others. Other such technological devices i feel comfortable using are calculators (both reverse polar notation and not), cash registers, ipod devices, various tv and stereo technologies. In a sense, any device would be daunting for anyone who is not familiar to IT devices but to some part, here appears to be a lot of overlap.

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?

Two IT devices that come to mind during fieldwork placement is identity entry swipe cards and computers to analyze results after conducting an AMPS assessment on patients. This program is only used by those who are qualified and specifically trained with a calibrated marking schedule to give an honest assessment of the test. This is all done using a CD ROM and a computer. Without knowing how to use this tupe of technology can lead to complications on the misuse of results or the inability to obtain the results by not being able to use the computer how it should be used.

What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via the IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet)?

A possible implication that may arise from sharing/ transfering information over the net are the misuse of private information such internet fraud (banking fraud) or materials taken from the web (copy materials) without expressed permission from the original source breaking patence. With the growing number of computer hackers, private information may be misused through community web sites (facebook and bebo) to exploit the person or friends in question by gathering private information that can allow for stalking or abuse someone. Mobile phones can also be exploited by way of receiving personal information that was initially intended to just the two speakers. Again, a breach of privacy. It does not matter by which modality of technology used, sharing information through the aforementioned modes (computer or cell phone) alway has risks unless preventative measures may reduce the risks by putting into place such programs or routines such as using spy ware programs for computers or not lending out your phone to anyone.

Provide a definition of computer ethics?

Computer ethics covers a wide spectrum of subjects related to human values, relationships, a need for privacy, anonymity and property/ ownership of ones work. For a broader definition that apparently encompass the aforementioned topics is: "Computer ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct. The term "computer ethics" was first coined by Walter Maner in the mid-1970s" (wikipedia, 2008). "The importance of computer ethics increased through the 1990s. With the growth of the Internet, privacy issues as well as concerns regarding computing technologies such as spyware and web broser cookies have called into question ethical behavior in technology" (wikipedia, 2008).

Provide a definition of Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property "is a legal field that refers to creations of the mind such as musical, literary, and artistic works; inventions; and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, and related rights. Under intellectual property law, the holder of one of these abstract "properties" has certain exclusive rights to the creative work, commercial symbol, or invention by which it is covered" (wikipedia, 2008).

Provide a definition of social justice?

Social justice refers to the concept in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law. It can also refer to the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within a society (Crocker, Major, & Steele, 1998).

Provide a definition of Informed Consent?

Informed consent "is a legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon an appreciation and understanding of the facts and implications of an action. The individual needs to be in possession of relevant facts and also of his or her reasoning faculties, such as not being mentally handicapped or mentally ill and without an impairment of judgment at the time of consenting. Such impairments might include illness, intoxication, insufficient sleep, and other health problems" (wikipedia, 2008).

In your own words briefly summarize why (or why not) a great understanding of ITC and the ethical issues it encompasses will help us in our practice and daily lives?

As we have entered the 21st century, information and technology has advanced by a greater advancement of electronic equipment. For more efficient and faster real time passing of information or money, IT has revolutionalised how we use this information.
When discussing matters in regards to communication coupled with ethics, as an Occupational Therapist and our daily lives by receiving real time information. In that diagnosis and treatment strategies could be more effective and speaking to past therapists (be it in NZ or overseas), and hearing first hand what they believed should be done, by a collaborative process, this may aid in a quicker recovery of the client. Not only does it cut down the delay in response time, information can be passed on first hand, real time and in years to come, literally in person with the use of quantum/ video conferencing a lot quicker and with minimal barriers or privacy being exploited or misused.
Others ways which Occupational Therapists may be able to use this type of technology are: choosing different therapeutic tools, use as a basis of questioning process, by working in a system or simply used to volley information amongst professional colleagues.

Reference

Beekman, G. (2005). Computer Confluence 6th ed. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Inc.

BRAIN REPAIR

2008-05-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

HAVE WE ACTUALLY ENTERED INTO AN ERA WHERE BRAIN DAMAGE CAN NOW BE REPAIRED? IS THIS A HOAX OR IS THIS FOR REAL? EVERYTHING I HAVE LEARNED DURING MY POST GRAD STUDIES SAYS OTHERWISE. TIME TO GET EXCITED, HOPEFULLY GONE WITH THE DAYS WITH TBI AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES. iS THIS COMMENT PREMATURE? LET YOU BE THE JUDGE...........

2008-03-06T17:08:00.000-08:00

2008-03-06T17:01:00.001-08:00

Occupational Therapy

2008-02-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

the wonderful world of computing and Blogs, about time, and that's what i'm talking about!