Blog Creations, Tutorial three

Linked to the purpose of this blog the third tutorial required several tasks to be completed and to maintain a structured order. I decided to inform you of the process of completing this blog relevant to the paper Participation Occupation.

Task one was to set up a Google account and email the lecture my user name and password. This was to ensure that there was another copy in case I had misplaced, or forgot it.

Task two was to create a blog through blogger.com. A template has to be chosen, in which we could change in the future and a blog title. The titled needed to have my name and incorporate the subjects title Participation Occupation, therefore opting for the title Participation Occupation 1 Sarah Bonnar. I also had to complete the purpose of the blog and this is the first post called over-all purpose of blog. There is also a brief over-view under the title. I also had to complete a blog profile. This consists of my name, gender, occupation and location as well as uploading a passport size photo of myself, or one that represents me.

Task three was to begin posting content of the tutorials that I attended and for fill the requirements of each session. 

Task four required me to create a flickr account and upload photos in the form of a photo badge, linking to the my second post called Digital Imaging

Digital Imaging, Tutorial Two

Purpose

The purpose of this blog is to understand the use of Digital imaging and the purpose that it has in society. It is also imperative to grasp an understanding of terminology within Digital imaging. This blog will also explore the pluses and minuses of digital imaging in relation to traditional film based and what some of the ethical issues might be with the distribution of digital imaging. Finally discussing the ways in which digital imaging is used in the practise of occupational therapy.

Introduction

Digital imaging is used through-out society to provide information to a particular audience. The certain devices that people in society today use to capture images for a variety of reasons consist of video cameras, laptops, and hand held devices such as camera phones or digital cameras. A digital camera is an electronic device which captures and stores the photos (some cases videos), electronically in a digital format. Ways in which information is stored, transferred and used.

Soft ware is the “collection of computer programs and related data that provides instructions of telling a computer what to do” (Wikipedia, 2011). Some examples of software’s are listed below.

·       Application Wares- These consist on programs that get down loaded onto the computer or inserted such as word processer, video games, media player or centre, photo shop and i tunes.

·       Middle wares are a form of soft ware which controls the distribution of information for instance the local memory and message passing among programs.

·       Test wares, are anti viral programs, or control programs to test the software.

·        Hard ware is the “general term for the physical artefacts’ of a technology, as well as the physical components of a computer system” (Wikipedia,2011). Some examples of hardware’s are listed below.

-          Terminals and connectors

-          Cable assemble

-          Switches

-          Resister

-          Power Sources

-          Display technologies.

Digital Imaging in the form of Work

Digital imaging is used through-out society for a range of purposes. People use it in work related situations to provide and record information. One particular work setting is in medical based practises. In this setting there are hundreds of digital images that are taken, however many can’t be retrieved. However in 2002 there was a new computer system called PACS which allows for digital images to be sent to multiple computers ranging from both inside and outside the setting.

PACS stands for,

P- Picture, digital diagnostic image

A-Archiving, electronic storage and retrieval

C- Communication, complete network with multiple access points

S-System, controlled by integrated technology

It is providing information to be analysed in a work related setting for the purpose of informing those whom are of concern as well as maintaining a record. This way if it is manually lost there is another coy, which is  easy to access. The main forms of imaging that go through this program are CT scans and MRIs.Link to Healthinformatics article called ‘Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine’. (DICOM). This article provides descriptions of DICOM and the application of them in the medical settings. Outlining the benefits it provides to the client and the successful running of hospitals, clinics, dentists, and others healthcare providers.   http://healthinformatics.wikispaces.com/Digital+Imaging+and+Communications

Digital Imaging in the form of Play

Digital imaging can be used in the form of play. Play is described as an “occupation selected for amusement, recreation, diversion, sport or frolic”, (Christiansen, Townsend, 2004). Therefore is could be assumed that uploading images on your face book, twitter, my space account or other sites is done for play, if this occupation is deemed enjoyable. This is a source that informs people of your latest actions, and acts as an archive, on your profile page.

Link to Picture Social The network for Photographs. On this site members share knowledge, and learn through displaying their photos, critiquing others, discussing equipments through blogging.

http://www.picturesocial.com/

Digital Imaging in the form of Record Keeping (Family)

The finial way that digital imaging can be used is in the way of family. Capturing photos of family have been around since people were painting pictures of the famous and adored. As technology has developed so has the method in which we obtain and store photos. The purpose has not changed, as it is still done to demonstrate growth and maturity of the ones involved. It holds a sentimental value to those whom it is important to, it an electronic way, followed by developing the digital image, opposed to traditional film. It allows for a record to be kept of the ones whom we love, and the ones we have lost creating an outline of ones achievements.

Link to HP Digital Photography which brings you an article called ‘Take better family Portraits and Photos’.Provides all the information on family photos the purpose, advise on taking them, how to use them, and share them.

http://www.hp.com/united-states/consumer/digital_photography/take_better_photos/tips/family-portraits.html

“A new technology is rarely superior to an old one in every feature”

The statement “technology is rarely superior to an old one in every feature” in relation to digital cameras could be implying that although every six months a new model of digital camera comes out, they still hold the same purposeful meaning as what they once did and that was to capture and retain information. They all have the ability to capture photos, however the most significant feature currently in the lime light in the size that they come in. It has been the latest ‘rave’ to have technological devices as small as possible, but maintaining the highest quality of picture.

With each product out there on the market there is always something similar that we chose to compare it to. In this case digital cameras verses traditional film based cameras what are the pluses and minuses of each of them. 

Digital cameras are currently, a ‘need to have’ product. The price of buying one is decreasing by the month. There are constantly new colours, functions, and models, but the most important factor that is the size in which they come, is said to be drawing the most costumers. There is no film that is required in a digital cameras and one memory card allows approximately 350 photos to be taken, which is around 15 rolls of film. Users have the ability to print the photos when they want, and have the ability to view photos for instance feedback on the quality of the shot taken, providing the user the opportunity to delete it before printing. They are portable and easy to share and you can take as many as you like without creating wastage. However though, there are potential drawbacks on digital cameras. Some would say the complexity of it makes them difficult to use, as there are so many functions on digital cameras these days, resulting in them having to learn more. Digital cameras were created with the intension of the buyer owning a computer to use in conjunction with it, and it can’t be assumed that everybody does own a computer. At the end of the day it comes down to personal preference and what you as the customer are going to use the camera for. Each writer, observer and user is bias in their view, and has their own justifications and reasoning’s behind what they value in and within a camera.

Ethical issues with distribution of digital images

Ethical issues seemed to arise over the “nature of creativity, representation, ownership, profit and service and the application of new technologies” (Katzensten, 2010). This is affected by cultural preference political view and individual personality.  

One particular issue that arises is the potential to be harassed by disturbing photos. Users are increasing the likely-hood of people finding out who they are, what they do, where they go, and who their friends are. All of these things can be expressed in a photo. There have been thousands of stories of people being picked on, abused, teased and humiliated through social networking sites. There have also been cases of predators targeting young girls, and pretending to be someone they are not resulting in law breaking actions. The access and security  can be weaken by the choices that users make, however it doesn’t stop the potential for things to occur. 

The other large ethical issue that society needs to be aware of is, photo manipulation. This technique is used to deceive or persuade the viewer, to want a particular product and this is done in the form of photo representation. It is widely used in magazine industry making the product subject more desirable resulting in self esteem issues among men and women. However it has the same affect online. Men and women are consistently wishing they were able to altar something in their life or body, and manipulation of photos can lead them into a false sense of security often resulting in them feeling worse, or have money stolen from them. The risks are high with disclosing information online such as name, age, town and phone and credits card numbers.

Link to New Zealand Herald article called ‘ School face new cyber bullying menace’

It outlines the potential problems when young children get hold of technology and misuse it. It is a story of a New Zealand boy who was affected by technology being misused.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10383882

Link to Occupational Therapy

Digital images are used to enhance clients learning in the practice of occupational therapy. They can be used to allow communication between the client and therapist and provide simple question and answer learning from the client. For example, asking the colour, shape, noise, and name. It can also be used with clients whom have memory disorders.

References
Christiansen, CH,. Towsend, EA. ( 2004). Introduction to occupations; The Art and Science of living, (2Ed), Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

Katzenstien, B. (2010). Ethical Issues in photograpgy. Retreieved on 22nd March 2011 from

http://www.iconicphoto.com/pdf/ethical_issues_in_photography_0305.pdf

Woulfe, C. (2006). Schools face new cyber bullying Menace, New Zealand Herald, New Zealand, Electronic copy, Retrieved on 23rd March 2011, from

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10383882

Information Technology and Ethical Concerns, Tutorial One

   

Purpose

The main purpose of this blog is to discuss Information and Communication Technology and how it has influenced society, as well and its common place. It will also explain the IT devices that people use in their daily occupations to allow feasible completion. Mention will be made to human occupations and how their occupations have a common connection to the way they use technology. This post will cover the importance that the Occupational Therapy process has in society and the link it has to the science of occupation, followed by a brief over view of the development of Occupational Therapy and Technology in the past decade. Lastly outline some of the ethical issues that society currently faces, and how these will potentially affect societies functioning in the future

Introduction

Occupational Therapists are being ‘described as an enabler, who facilitates clients rather than doing things for them,'(Townsend, 2002, p. 3). Occupational therapy links to Occupational Science, as there is a manipulation of the context and being occupied is the essence of being human. The Occupational Therapy is no longer solely vigilant of the environment but now focusing on the intrinsic importance that a person will gain when partaking in meaningful occupations.

The key concept to this unpinning process is the manipulation the environment. This is done by adapting the task (s) to support and facilitate both physical and mental rehabilitation. This is to ensure a positive outcome in their performance. This is important to understand, as technology is enabling Occupational Therapists to manipulate the environment to grant completion of activities of daily living. Information technology can be defined as, "The total knowledge and skills available to any given society", (Collins Concise Dictionary, 1998). The World Bank defines ICTs (Information, Communication Technology) as “the set of activities which facilitate by electronic means the processing, transmission and display of information” (United Nations, 2003).Therefore it could be interpreted as, the resources that society has, can potentially shape and develop the way society functions. It is the process and representative of information that allows people to learn and develop to become more independent in their daily living. Technology also aids the performance to guarantee the client is able to achieve their daily occupations. Daily occupations consist of leisure, work, play and self care, activities of daily living, (ADLs). ICTs is about sharing, delivering, and gathering information to allow communication through technological devices

Technologies place in society

Technology can come in forms of web pages, cell phones and electrical equipment all of which give people the ability to function in society with minimal care or assistance. It has is able to manipulate the persons current situation, and change to suit the persons environmental, physical or psychological needs. It is allowing people to communicate with the wider world. People have the ability to send messages, weather reports, and allow people to have a greater understanding of other cultures and people across the world. All of these can be done simply by recording a video clip, or the use of Skype to interact with the recipients. You tube is a method that people share information in a meaningful way. An example is attached which demonstrates a how to tie shoe laces, resulting in a great educational source for the young and old.

The domain of concern is the common place, in which technology is used. For many people it is a part of their everyday routines. Nevertheless there are people in society may not use computers and technological devices, because it doesn’t seem attractive, pleasant or they simply may not have the need, or knowledge to use it, therefore they do not use it. It is vital that Occupational Therapists comprehend the purpose, and regard to the client’s needs to decide whether technology will advance their occupation doing. This is because if we are going to intervene in other people’s lives then we need to know ‘our place’ and how it is best to support their needs in daily occupations in their common environments. Technology is used as a therapeutic tool and must be used in the correct environment and the right time to assure it benefits the person. By signifying the ‘problem’, the correct tools can result in triggering an positive action causing an effect on the clients performance. Technology is a therapeutic intervention, and one particular form of technology that is highly effective is, video games. A video game is “game software available on CDs or DVDs requiring a TV or specialized computer desktop for display” (Computer Desktop Encyclopedia, 1981-2008). The benefits of video games are most effective with pain management. However it also increased the range of motion of patients whom had sustained a traumatic brain injury “there was an increase in the arm reach with people with traumatic brain, and significantly the range of motion increased in all 20 patients”, (Siestema, 1993). It was also discovered that, patients who had acquired burns to their upper limbs, the method of using video games was beneficial. There was a plan written up, that contained of using of “different sized joysticks which, shaped the movement of the hand, wrist and the elbow”, (Griffiths, 2005). It has also been stated that it can help with children who have Autism “It’s no secret that Mario is a big favorite with children and has been for decades now but children with Autism may see a lot of extra benefits from playing his games, you just have to be careful which ones and for how long”(Duncan, 2010). There are certain limitations and precautions that need to be taken into consideration when contemplating if this method would be beneficial to the client. There are many loop holes in the Internet, resulting in a risk of information about clients been publicised. Over stimulation of games can cause a mild increasing the likely hood of aggression, frustration and a deterioration of the client.

Ethical issues and concerns with technology

One of the concerns that are associated with technology is the potential for isolation among those who use and demand it for everyday use. This occurs when people unconsciously pull away from their roles and routines, and become fixated on the device, game, or project. This can lead to poor social skills, communication barriers, self care deterioration, and/ or mental health disorders. As society is vastly developing people are becoming dependant on technology too work, as well as encompassing the attitude that ‘the newer the better’. This is causing a digital divide within society, consequentially due to inequality of access to technological devices. Therefore the comment of the Internet and Technology are being a form of ‘democratic technology’ would then suggest that society would have to increase the access and ability of technological devices. Although the Internet is a place where people are able to express their political opinions, communicate, educate, and share relations, it is next to impossible to make these choices without being unbiased. This is partly due to the social insecurities that one may have, and the drive to be accepted. Ethical issues can come in the form of storage for personal information. Social networks have an increasingly amount of space for personal information which has the impending possibility, your personal information is sold for monetary gain. Ethical situations could take form in security as hacking takes place and can result in positive and negative situations. A positive situation would be when the police hack into a computer to reveal a potential predator that is threatening to society. On the other hand a negative situation would be when someone hacks into a computer to discover personal information and begins to threaten, which is a blatant invasion of privacy and human rights. Then finial ethical issue is the downloading of software. Software is described as “a series of instructions that performs particular task called a programme” (Computer Desktop Encyclopedia, 1981-2008). This takes form by copy writing music or movies. This comes down to the person’s choice to make decisions based on external factors and creating their own code of ethics.

Occupational Therapy links to wider society

Intellectual property, is commonly known as IP “refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce”, (United Nations, 2003). “Occupational therapists are creative by design and are enablers of occupation engagement they often develop innovative assistive technologies” (Pain,2008). However due to the lack of internal resources for handling intellectual property they have an informational disadvantage. Internal resources can take form in engineers, researchers, teachers, and lawyers. It can be difficult for Occupational Therapists to connect with internal resources, and they can face a lot of criticism for the behavior. The ‘free movement’ groups oppose intellectual property as they believe it harms the health of the person and others effected, it is preventing progress of the person, and it is simply to make the suppliers richer. Richard Stallman argues that it "operates as a catch-all to lump together disparate laws [which] originated separately, evolved differently, cover different activities, have different rules, and raise different public policy issues" ( Wikipedia, 2011). 

Social justice is what occupational therapists need to be aware of in a community and clinical based setting. Social justice can be referred to as “the idea of creating a society or institution that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity, that understands and values human rights, and that recognizes the dignity of every human being”, (Wikipedia, 2011). It is important in general society that everybody gets equal rights and is treated with the respect that they deserve. The practice of Occupational Therapy strongly believes in obtaining social justice in society; however be complex at times due to personal and environmental aspects. These can vary from personal beliefs and interpretations on the situation to economic based reasons or environmental barriers. Each aspect the Occupational Therapists needs to be conscious to encourage the finest outcome. This is due to acquiring the right of social inclusion and occupational justice that the person desires. In which concerns the practice of occupation therapy as it is based on human occupations.

Occupational therapists in practice need to gain and give informed consent to verify certain agreements with those involved. Informed consent is “whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon a appreciation and understanding of the facts and implications on action”, (Wikipedia, 2011). This is vital to the safety of the occupational therapist and the place of employment, as an incident may occur and prosecution is desired action one is wanting to impose. It allows the client to be informed of the process, permitting them to put across their preferred opinion on their rehabilitation process. 

Link to the Ethics in Information Technology

<a href="http://www.ehow.com/facts_5764997_code-ethics-information-technology.html?sms_ss=blogger&amp;at_xt=4d84d0db3d46178a%2C0">Code of Ethics in Information Technology eHow.com</a>

Link to an article based on the benefits of games for those with a variety of impairments
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/10_Benefits_Of_Video_Games.html

References
Collins, H. (1998). Collins Concise Dictionary, London, England
Computer Desktop Encyclopaedia, ©1981-2008
Duncan, S. (2010). Mario Bros video games as an Autism Treatment. Retrieved, 16/05/2011, From http://www.stuartduncan.name/autism/mario-bros-video-games-as-an-autism-treatment/
Griffiths, M., Grey, P. (2005). Video games as a therapeutic tool. Naldex, 2007, From www.naldex.co.uk.page.cfm/link=115 ,Retrieved 20/03/11.
Pain, TK. (2006). An Occupational Therapists intellectual property: FAQs. Occupational Therapy Now, (8) 3
Sietsema, JM. Nelson, PL. (1993). The use of a game to promote arm reach in persons with traumatic brain injury, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 47(1), 19-24
Townsend, C. (2002). Introduction of Occupational; The Art and Science of Living, New Jersey, Pearson Upper Saddle River©
United Nations, (2003). Conference on trade and development, Information and communication technology indices, United Nations New York, & Geneva.
Verdonck, MC,. Ryan, S. (2008). Mainstream Technology as an Occupational Therapy Tool: Technophobe or Technogeek?, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, (71) 6,253-256.
www.Wikipedia.org.wiki/intellectual_information Retrieved 20/03/11
www.Wikipedia.org.wiki/intellectual_information Retrieved, 20/03/11
www.Wikipedia.org.wiki/social_Justice Retrieved, 20/03/11