Thursday, June 24, 2010
To sum it all up!
I have enjoyed this paper and have expanded my knowledge regarding information technology and what it has to offer. I feel this will assist me in futer practice as an Occupational Therapist.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tutorial Eight (Posting You Tube Videos and Flickr Badges to Blogs: Explaining the Process)
How to Embed a Youtube Video
• Before embedding a Youtube video firstly choose a video that interests you.
• Beneath this video and the right had corner is an ‘Embed’ button, click on this.
• The box on the left of this button will fill with HTML script (or computer jargon) highlight the information within this box.
• Right click on the mouse and scroll down before left clicking on ‘copy’.
• Sign into your blog.
• Once signed in, left click on ‘New Post’ to open a new posting page.
• Click in the ‘Title’ box and write in the name of your clip.
• Click into the compose box, right click and scroll down before left clicking on ‘Paste’.
This will transfer the computer code for your clip onto your page.
• Click on the ‘Publish Post’ button on the bottom, left corner.
• Click on the ‘View Blog’ button to view your video!
How to make a Flickr Badge
• Before embedding a Flickr Badge onto your blog you need to sign into your blog and using a second window log into Flickr.
• Once signed into Flickr, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the ‘tools’ button.
• Click on the ‘Hey where is the badge’ button to make a flash badge.
• Click on the ‘Next: Choose content’ button.
• Decide on the content you would like before clicking on the ‘Next: Layout’ button.
• Select which layout you fancy from the options before clicking on the ‘Next: Colours’ button.
• Decide which colours you would like to use and then click on the ‘Next: Get code’ button.
• Right click on the code and scroll down before left clicking ‘Copy’.
• Return to your blog page and, Left click on the ‘Customise’ button in the top, right hand corner of the page.
• Click on the ‘Add Gadget’ button which is located in the middle of the page.
This will open a new window.
• Right click on the HTML/Javascript before scrolling down and left clicking on the ‘Paste’ button.
• Click on the ‘Publish Post’ button, before clicking on the ‘View Blog’ button to view your Flickr badge.
• Before embedding a Youtube video firstly choose a video that interests you.
• Beneath this video and the right had corner is an ‘Embed’ button, click on this.
• The box on the left of this button will fill with HTML script (or computer jargon) highlight the information within this box.
• Right click on the mouse and scroll down before left clicking on ‘copy’.
• Sign into your blog.
• Once signed in, left click on ‘New Post’ to open a new posting page.
• Click in the ‘Title’ box and write in the name of your clip.
• Click into the compose box, right click and scroll down before left clicking on ‘Paste’.
This will transfer the computer code for your clip onto your page.
• Click on the ‘Publish Post’ button on the bottom, left corner.
• Click on the ‘View Blog’ button to view your video!
How to make a Flickr Badge
• Before embedding a Flickr Badge onto your blog you need to sign into your blog and using a second window log into Flickr.
• Once signed into Flickr, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the ‘tools’ button.
• Click on the ‘Hey where is the badge’ button to make a flash badge.
• Click on the ‘Next: Choose content’ button.
• Decide on the content you would like before clicking on the ‘Next: Layout’ button.
• Select which layout you fancy from the options before clicking on the ‘Next: Colours’ button.
• Decide which colours you would like to use and then click on the ‘Next: Get code’ button.
• Right click on the code and scroll down before left clicking ‘Copy’.
• Return to your blog page and, Left click on the ‘Customise’ button in the top, right hand corner of the page.
• Click on the ‘Add Gadget’ button which is located in the middle of the page.
This will open a new window.
• Right click on the HTML/Javascript before scrolling down and left clicking on the ‘Paste’ button.
• Click on the ‘Publish Post’ button, before clicking on the ‘View Blog’ button to view your Flickr badge.
Tutorial Seven (Assistive Technology)
This week we were introduced to assistive technology. This hands on tutorial was really interesting, we looked at a range of assistive devices which are designed to help people with disabilities and enable them to live a normal life. This software and equipment for fills communication, daily living, entertainment, productivity and educational needs.
1. Provide a definition of Assistive Technology:
Assistive technology is “a broad range of devices, services, strategies and practices that are conceived and applied to ameliorate the problems faced by individuals who have disabilities”.
Cook, A. M & Hussey, S. M (2005) Assistive Technologies: Principles and practice. Mosby-Year Book, Inc. Retrieved June 01, 2010. From http://moodle.op.ac.nz/ file.php/440/Resources/Week_7/Cook_and_Hussey.pdf
2. Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions.
The Big Buddy Button is a very strong, reliable and durable switch which is suitable for people who need a large switch which they can hit with a lot of strength. It comes in a variety of vibrant colours and designs and provides auditory and tactile feedback. This switch has a wide plastic surface and because of its durability, can be used in almost any circumstance. The contact area measures 63 mm across and stands 25mm high. The cost of the Big Buddy Button is $95.00 (GST free).
Technical Solutions, Australia (2010) Electronics for people with a disability. Button switches: Big Buddy Button. Retrieved June 01, 2010. From http://www. tecsol.com.au/ Switch Button2.htm
3. How does your chosen piece of equipment increase functional capacity for the user? Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture.
This device would suit an individual who has limited mobility in their upper limbs. It enables the user to receive auditory and tactile feedback, for example the Big Buddy Button can be connected up to a computer which makes a sound when the user pushes the button. Images can also be displayed on the screen of the computer and be changed with by a push of the button. The user is able to use the computer independently and can be stimulated by playing games, looking at pictures and listening to music.
Wii Gaming!
1. Why do you think Wii gaming has appealed to people who are not traditionally video game players?
Wii offers a dynamic and interactive experience that other gamming consoles can’t even contend with. It allows the user to control their actions on the screen by moving a handheld motion sensitive controller.
Wii offers a huge range of software which caters to many different interests for example: sports: boxing, skiing and tennis, Problem solving: puzzles and maths.
2.What is the relevance to OT?
Wii enables therapists to facilitate new and exciting therapy interventions for clients as it offers a vast variety of interactive games and activities and covers a range of interests.
“Wii-Habilitation is a website put together by therapists who have been working with, and incorporating the use of, the Nintendo Wii within therapy and rehabilitation sessions.
This website contains information regarding how the Nintendo Wii can be used by therapists, patients and the general public to maximise their physical potential whilst enjoying the interaction with computer gaming”.
Redmond, R (2010) Wii-habilitation: About wii-habilitation. Retrieved June 01, 2010 fromhttp://www.wiihabilitation.co.uk/
3. Investigate the other applications offered by Wii gaming console, how else could it be used as an OT tool?
Wii offers games which can be used in a group situation or individually in order to improve an individual’s physical functions, for example: balance, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, muscle spasticity, vision and dexterity.
Wii also can improve and individual’s cognitive abilities, for example: memory, behaviour, comprehension, concentration, sequencing, reasoning and decision making skills.
A therapist can observe a client as they are playing the Wii in order to gather information regarding their physical and cognitive abilities. This data can later be compared in order to determine if the client has made progress.
Wii-hab!
1. Provide a definition of Assistive Technology:
Assistive technology is “a broad range of devices, services, strategies and practices that are conceived and applied to ameliorate the problems faced by individuals who have disabilities”.
Cook, A. M & Hussey, S. M (2005) Assistive Technologies: Principles and practice. Mosby-Year Book, Inc. Retrieved June 01, 2010. From http://moodle.op.ac.nz/ file.php/440/Resources/Week_7/Cook_and_Hussey.pdf
2. Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions.
The Big Buddy Button is a very strong, reliable and durable switch which is suitable for people who need a large switch which they can hit with a lot of strength. It comes in a variety of vibrant colours and designs and provides auditory and tactile feedback. This switch has a wide plastic surface and because of its durability, can be used in almost any circumstance. The contact area measures 63 mm across and stands 25mm high. The cost of the Big Buddy Button is $95.00 (GST free).
Technical Solutions, Australia (2010) Electronics for people with a disability. Button switches: Big Buddy Button. Retrieved June 01, 2010. From http://www. tecsol.com.au/ Switch Button2.htm
3. How does your chosen piece of equipment increase functional capacity for the user? Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture.
This device would suit an individual who has limited mobility in their upper limbs. It enables the user to receive auditory and tactile feedback, for example the Big Buddy Button can be connected up to a computer which makes a sound when the user pushes the button. Images can also be displayed on the screen of the computer and be changed with by a push of the button. The user is able to use the computer independently and can be stimulated by playing games, looking at pictures and listening to music.
Wii Gaming!
1. Why do you think Wii gaming has appealed to people who are not traditionally video game players?
Wii offers a dynamic and interactive experience that other gamming consoles can’t even contend with. It allows the user to control their actions on the screen by moving a handheld motion sensitive controller.
Wii offers a huge range of software which caters to many different interests for example: sports: boxing, skiing and tennis, Problem solving: puzzles and maths.
2.What is the relevance to OT?
Wii enables therapists to facilitate new and exciting therapy interventions for clients as it offers a vast variety of interactive games and activities and covers a range of interests.
“Wii-Habilitation is a website put together by therapists who have been working with, and incorporating the use of, the Nintendo Wii within therapy and rehabilitation sessions.
This website contains information regarding how the Nintendo Wii can be used by therapists, patients and the general public to maximise their physical potential whilst enjoying the interaction with computer gaming”.
Redmond, R (2010) Wii-habilitation: About wii-habilitation. Retrieved June 01, 2010 fromhttp://www.wiihabilitation.co.uk/
3. Investigate the other applications offered by Wii gaming console, how else could it be used as an OT tool?
Wii offers games which can be used in a group situation or individually in order to improve an individual’s physical functions, for example: balance, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, muscle spasticity, vision and dexterity.
Wii also can improve and individual’s cognitive abilities, for example: memory, behaviour, comprehension, concentration, sequencing, reasoning and decision making skills.
A therapist can observe a client as they are playing the Wii in order to gather information regarding their physical and cognitive abilities. This data can later be compared in order to determine if the client has made progress.
Wii-hab!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Tutorial Six (The internet and Online Communities)
Over the past few weeks we have been investigating an online community of interest to us. We were asked to comment on the services this community provides, reasons why users contribute to it and what they get out of it. We also looked at ethical issues concerning its use and its content.
1. Provide the web address and the name of the community you are investigating:
I have been following facebook.com
2 – 3. Brief focus of this community, what services are provided? How interactive is this site? How can people contribute?
Facebook is a social networking site that allows users to communicate and share their lives with others all over the world. People can up-load photos and videos and report their daily thoughts, feelings and events to friends via private messaging or on the daily new feed. After activating a Facebook account, users can search for their friends and family and “add” them, creating a list of their contacts, who are then able to follow their page. Users can also join groups such as “Otago OT Guinea pigs”, play games such as Farmville and take quizzes.
4. Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment on why people choose to contribute to this community. What is it they are seeking?
One of the reasons why people choose to contribute to this community is that it provides the user with a convenient way to communicate with friends and family whether they are living close by or on the other side of the earth. Friends can keep up to date with mates while on their travels and can share their great experiences with others via messages, photos and videos. People can also send event invitations to a number of users at one time which can save money and time on postage and text messaging.
5. The following is an example of the topics which are discussed on Facebook:
Title of Facebook Blog: Groups
Our goal is to make this Community Page the best collection of shared knowledge on this topic. If you have a passion for Groups, sign up and we'll let you know when we're ready for your help. You can also get us started by suggesting a relevant Wikipedia article or the Official Site.
Retrieved May 30, 2010 from: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=
109594135727701&v=app_2373072738&ref=search#!/pages/Groups/
397557634458?ref=ts
6. Considering material presented during the course and make comment on the potential ethical issues that may arise in this community e.g. lack of identity and accountability.
Potential issues concerning this site include lack of consent and privacy violation as users are able to post embarrassing photos of their friends which will be in full view of many other users who may not be friends. However Facebook allows users to report inappropriate photos to site organisers which can then be deleted off the site. Users can choose to display private information on their profile which can be viewed by many users.
7. Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment on the benefits this community holds over traditional notions of community e.g. communities reliant on geographic proximity
Facebook enables the user to sit in the comfort and privacy of their own home while connecting with others eliminating the need to venture out into the cold and drive for half an hour to speak with someone. For some it is a more comfortable way to communicate with others as there is no need to speak over the phone or in person. Users are able to chat via live messaging or send more personal messages through a private inbox.
8. Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment what this community lacks or cannot provide which traditional communities can.
Facebook does not allow users to communicate verbally as a telephone would. It also doesn’t offer a video/audio option.
1. Provide the web address and the name of the community you are investigating:
I have been following facebook.com
2 – 3. Brief focus of this community, what services are provided? How interactive is this site? How can people contribute?
Facebook is a social networking site that allows users to communicate and share their lives with others all over the world. People can up-load photos and videos and report their daily thoughts, feelings and events to friends via private messaging or on the daily new feed. After activating a Facebook account, users can search for their friends and family and “add” them, creating a list of their contacts, who are then able to follow their page. Users can also join groups such as “Otago OT Guinea pigs”, play games such as Farmville and take quizzes.
4. Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment on why people choose to contribute to this community. What is it they are seeking?
One of the reasons why people choose to contribute to this community is that it provides the user with a convenient way to communicate with friends and family whether they are living close by or on the other side of the earth. Friends can keep up to date with mates while on their travels and can share their great experiences with others via messages, photos and videos. People can also send event invitations to a number of users at one time which can save money and time on postage and text messaging.
5. The following is an example of the topics which are discussed on Facebook:
Title of Facebook Blog: Groups
Our goal is to make this Community Page the best collection of shared knowledge on this topic. If you have a passion for Groups, sign up and we'll let you know when we're ready for your help. You can also get us started by suggesting a relevant Wikipedia article or the Official Site.
Retrieved May 30, 2010 from: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=
109594135727701&v=app_2373072738&ref=search#!/pages/Groups/
397557634458?ref=ts
6. Considering material presented during the course and make comment on the potential ethical issues that may arise in this community e.g. lack of identity and accountability.
Potential issues concerning this site include lack of consent and privacy violation as users are able to post embarrassing photos of their friends which will be in full view of many other users who may not be friends. However Facebook allows users to report inappropriate photos to site organisers which can then be deleted off the site. Users can choose to display private information on their profile which can be viewed by many users.
7. Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment on the benefits this community holds over traditional notions of community e.g. communities reliant on geographic proximity
Facebook enables the user to sit in the comfort and privacy of their own home while connecting with others eliminating the need to venture out into the cold and drive for half an hour to speak with someone. For some it is a more comfortable way to communicate with others as there is no need to speak over the phone or in person. Users are able to chat via live messaging or send more personal messages through a private inbox.
8. Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment what this community lacks or cannot provide which traditional communities can.
Facebook does not allow users to communicate verbally as a telephone would. It also doesn’t offer a video/audio option.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Tutorial Four and Five (Video Production Sessions)
1 - 3. Over the past two weeks we have been looking at planning and producing our very own videos. We were to base these short 30 second films on “Overcoming Adversity”. We began by discussing some basic film production skills before creating a story board and script and becoming familiar with ways to use a video camera effectively. We then shot the video which portrays a young wheel chair user who encounters some difficulty with accessing a walkway within the polytech grounds. She finds her own way to overcome this issue and is able to join her friends and head to class.
Our group had a lot of fun shooting this, however we encountered some difficulties during the editing process as the editing application was not available for our use. This film can be viewed through the YouTube link below…….enjoy!
4. YouTube first began as a personal video sharing service and has now developed into “the world's most popular online video community”. It allows millions of users all over the globe to watch and share videos. Just a few examples of what YouTube offers to its users are: up-to-date current events, educational videos, entertainment such as favourite TV moments, hobbies and interests. The YouTube community determine what is popular on the site and can express their opinion via comment sections.
A Brief History of Youtube
5. Planning the storyboard and writing a script enabled our group to be better prepared and more efficient during filming. We all understood our responsibilities and what our characters were required to do within the film. The story board enabled us to see an end product before we’d even begun filming.
Youtube.com. (2010) Youtube fact sheet. Retrieved April 04, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/t/fact_sheet
Overcoming Adversity!
Reaching new heights!!!
Speaking of overcomming adversity, check these pictures out! A summer occupation that my cousins and I enjoy is a little something we like to call biscuit launching.
.JPG)
Our group had a lot of fun shooting this, however we encountered some difficulties during the editing process as the editing application was not available for our use. This film can be viewed through the YouTube link below…….enjoy!
4. YouTube first began as a personal video sharing service and has now developed into “the world's most popular online video community”. It allows millions of users all over the globe to watch and share videos. Just a few examples of what YouTube offers to its users are: up-to-date current events, educational videos, entertainment such as favourite TV moments, hobbies and interests. The YouTube community determine what is popular on the site and can express their opinion via comment sections.
A Brief History of Youtube
5. Planning the storyboard and writing a script enabled our group to be better prepared and more efficient during filming. We all understood our responsibilities and what our characters were required to do within the film. The story board enabled us to see an end product before we’d even begun filming.
Youtube.com. (2010) Youtube fact sheet. Retrieved April 04, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/t/fact_sheet
Overcoming Adversity!
Reaching new heights!!!
Speaking of overcomming adversity, check these pictures out! A summer occupation that my cousins and I enjoy is a little something we like to call biscuit launching.
.JPG)
Tutorial Three (Blog Creation Tasks)
This week our task was to set up our blogs!
1. In order to do this we needed to create a Google account.
2. Following this we formatted our blogs by choosing templates and colour themes before deciding on a title. We then provided a statement which describes the purpose of our blogs and completed our Blog profiles, which I might add included our stunning pictures!
3. We began to post our technical descriptions from Tutorials One and Two onto our blogs.
4. We were then asked to provide a brief summary of the services offered by Blogger. This is detailed below:
Blogger provides the following services to users all over the world:
- Educational information.
- A place for users to share their ideas and interests.
- An interesting way for people to communicate with others.
- Easy to follow links to other sites.
- Up- to- date news.
- A place to store information.
5. We were then asked to make Flickr accounts and upload 5 photos onto these before posting them onto our blogs.
1. In order to do this we needed to create a Google account.
2. Following this we formatted our blogs by choosing templates and colour themes before deciding on a title. We then provided a statement which describes the purpose of our blogs and completed our Blog profiles, which I might add included our stunning pictures!
3. We began to post our technical descriptions from Tutorials One and Two onto our blogs.
4. We were then asked to provide a brief summary of the services offered by Blogger. This is detailed below:
Blogger provides the following services to users all over the world:
- Educational information.
- A place for users to share their ideas and interests.
- An interesting way for people to communicate with others.
- Easy to follow links to other sites.
- Up- to- date news.
- A place to store information.
5. We were then asked to make Flickr accounts and upload 5 photos onto these before posting them onto our blogs.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Tutorial Two (Digital Camera use and applications)
During Tutorial Two we discussed digital camera use. We compared digital to traditional cameras, looked at what digital imaging offers and how its used in Occupational Therapy practice. We considered the ethical issues surrounding the use of digital cameras and looked at Flickr.com, a photo management and sharing application. Then we were let loose with a camera to capture our very own snaps to up-load onto our blogs and Flickr accounts. Below are brief technical descriptions of the points covered during this tutorial.
1. “A new technology is rarely superior to an old one in every feature”.
In relation to Digital cameras, this statement is suggesting that just because a camera is digital, it does not mean that it can outdo an original film camera in every way. Digital cameras have excelled in many areas such as convenience, efficiency and practicality. This is shown as they are being made smaller, to fit in a handbag or to be hand-held, enabling them to be handy whenever a candid moment arises, as well as enabling the captor to view the photos and delete the unwanted ones, rather than paying money to process the photos, without knowing what they look like.
However many believe that digital cameras do not fully capture the standard of quality in a photo that an old film camera can, believing that overall a film camera is superior to a digital camera in quality of photos.
Technology has advanced tremendously over the years as many people have moved from traditional film camera use to a digital option. However I feel that there are pros and cons to both digital and old film loaded cameras and ‘the newer option’ will not always out-do and older device. Many users agree that traditional film cameras produce better quality photos than newer digital models. Also photography is a meaningful occupation enjoyed by many individuals who would agree that using a digital camera would take the challenge and enjoyment out of the activity as the user would not go through the developing process.
Digital cameras are a more convenient option as they can be small in size, durable and water-proof allowing the user to take it with them to a range of locations that a traditional camera could never go. For example extreme sports enthusiasts can ensure they are capturing their moments of childish madness while jumping from a plane, watching their mates fly off the back of a biscuit or getting some serious air off a jump at the snow. The digital camera can store an impressive amount of pictures which don’t have to be developed in order for users to view them instantly and if found to be embarrassing, shocking or just plain boring can be deleted. The images can then easily be loaded onto the computer to be edited and shared with friends and family over the internet.
2. List some of the ways that digital images can be stored, transferred and manipulated using other communications technology.
Computer applications such as photo shop allow the user to edit photos using options such as cropping, red-eye removal, adjusting the contrast and exposure of images. Images can be transferred and stored onto a computer and sent to others via the internet or up-loaded onto photo sharing applications such as Face book. These can also be transferred onto USB’s or CD’s where they can be stored.
3. 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.
One ethical issue concerning the use of an image capturing device is safety; for example an individual can be located as someone can view an image and recognise the surroundings in order to discover their whereabouts. Another issue to consider is consent. This should be gained prior to transferring an image onto the internet. (This also includes individuals who may be in the background of the image). A prime example of this lack of consent is displayed daily on Face Book (a social networking site). Friends often upload embarrassing pictures of their mates without even considering previously gaining their consent. The site works to prevent this as it gives users the option to report the photo to site organisers who can remove the image from the web page. Identity theft can occur when images are misused by other users.
4. Discuss some ways that digital images could, or are, being used in Occupational Therapy practice.
Digital images are used within Occupational Therapy practice to capture important information about a client’s environment, for example space, lighting, floor surfaces and the layout of a room. They can also be used to record the way a client functions within that environment, for example their mobility, range of movement (ROM), their preferred method and sequence. These images can also be revised at a later date to evaluate intervention in order to determine whether a client has made progress in their area of difficulty. Digital images may also be used in OT practice during education sessions. Providing the client with a picture of a piece of equipment ensures that the therapist is considering a visual learning style.
5. Provide a brief summary of the services offered by Flickr.com
Flickr is a free online photo management and sharing application that allows its users to up-load, edit, organize and share their photos and videos with other members, whether it be friends up the road of family members across the globe. It enables the user to keep in touch with others and offers other interesting features such as card making, photo books, framed prints and DVDs.
6. Name one other photo storage website which offers a service similar to Flickr.com
Photobucket is also a free online photo management application which allows users to upload, edit and share photos, videos and graphics with others via emails and social networking sites such as Myspace and Facebook. Photobuckets huge library provides a vast amount of videos and images for your viewing, all with just the click of your mouse.
7. Explain what the difference is between a digital and an optical zoom.
Digital zoom simply crops the image to a smaller size, them enlarges the cropped portion to fill the frame. This results in a poor quality, blurry photo.
Optical zoom adjusts the focal length and magnification of an image, resulting in a clear, high quality image.
8. Explain what is meant by the term megapixel
A digital image is created by thousands of pixels or picture elements which can be described as “tiny tile-like elements” of colour. A megapixel amounts to one million pixels.
Digicamhelp.com. (2010) Digital photography terms. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from http://www.digicamhelp.com/glossary/digital-photography-glossary/
1. “A new technology is rarely superior to an old one in every feature”.
In relation to Digital cameras, this statement is suggesting that just because a camera is digital, it does not mean that it can outdo an original film camera in every way. Digital cameras have excelled in many areas such as convenience, efficiency and practicality. This is shown as they are being made smaller, to fit in a handbag or to be hand-held, enabling them to be handy whenever a candid moment arises, as well as enabling the captor to view the photos and delete the unwanted ones, rather than paying money to process the photos, without knowing what they look like.
However many believe that digital cameras do not fully capture the standard of quality in a photo that an old film camera can, believing that overall a film camera is superior to a digital camera in quality of photos.
Technology has advanced tremendously over the years as many people have moved from traditional film camera use to a digital option. However I feel that there are pros and cons to both digital and old film loaded cameras and ‘the newer option’ will not always out-do and older device. Many users agree that traditional film cameras produce better quality photos than newer digital models. Also photography is a meaningful occupation enjoyed by many individuals who would agree that using a digital camera would take the challenge and enjoyment out of the activity as the user would not go through the developing process.
Digital cameras are a more convenient option as they can be small in size, durable and water-proof allowing the user to take it with them to a range of locations that a traditional camera could never go. For example extreme sports enthusiasts can ensure they are capturing their moments of childish madness while jumping from a plane, watching their mates fly off the back of a biscuit or getting some serious air off a jump at the snow. The digital camera can store an impressive amount of pictures which don’t have to be developed in order for users to view them instantly and if found to be embarrassing, shocking or just plain boring can be deleted. The images can then easily be loaded onto the computer to be edited and shared with friends and family over the internet.
2. List some of the ways that digital images can be stored, transferred and manipulated using other communications technology.
Computer applications such as photo shop allow the user to edit photos using options such as cropping, red-eye removal, adjusting the contrast and exposure of images. Images can be transferred and stored onto a computer and sent to others via the internet or up-loaded onto photo sharing applications such as Face book. These can also be transferred onto USB’s or CD’s where they can be stored.
3. 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.
One ethical issue concerning the use of an image capturing device is safety; for example an individual can be located as someone can view an image and recognise the surroundings in order to discover their whereabouts. Another issue to consider is consent. This should be gained prior to transferring an image onto the internet. (This also includes individuals who may be in the background of the image). A prime example of this lack of consent is displayed daily on Face Book (a social networking site). Friends often upload embarrassing pictures of their mates without even considering previously gaining their consent. The site works to prevent this as it gives users the option to report the photo to site organisers who can remove the image from the web page. Identity theft can occur when images are misused by other users.
4. Discuss some ways that digital images could, or are, being used in Occupational Therapy practice.
Digital images are used within Occupational Therapy practice to capture important information about a client’s environment, for example space, lighting, floor surfaces and the layout of a room. They can also be used to record the way a client functions within that environment, for example their mobility, range of movement (ROM), their preferred method and sequence. These images can also be revised at a later date to evaluate intervention in order to determine whether a client has made progress in their area of difficulty. Digital images may also be used in OT practice during education sessions. Providing the client with a picture of a piece of equipment ensures that the therapist is considering a visual learning style.
5. Provide a brief summary of the services offered by Flickr.com
Flickr is a free online photo management and sharing application that allows its users to up-load, edit, organize and share their photos and videos with other members, whether it be friends up the road of family members across the globe. It enables the user to keep in touch with others and offers other interesting features such as card making, photo books, framed prints and DVDs.
6. Name one other photo storage website which offers a service similar to Flickr.com
Photobucket is also a free online photo management application which allows users to upload, edit and share photos, videos and graphics with others via emails and social networking sites such as Myspace and Facebook. Photobuckets huge library provides a vast amount of videos and images for your viewing, all with just the click of your mouse.
7. Explain what the difference is between a digital and an optical zoom.
Digital zoom simply crops the image to a smaller size, them enlarges the cropped portion to fill the frame. This results in a poor quality, blurry photo.
Optical zoom adjusts the focal length and magnification of an image, resulting in a clear, high quality image.
8. Explain what is meant by the term megapixel
A digital image is created by thousands of pixels or picture elements which can be described as “tiny tile-like elements” of colour. A megapixel amounts to one million pixels.
Digicamhelp.com. (2010) Digital photography terms. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from http://www.digicamhelp.com/glossary/digital-photography-glossary/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)