Monday, June 1, 2009

Tutorial One

Technology:

Technology is the study of mechanical arts and applied sciences; these subjects collectively; their application in industry. "One con not change one thing without changing or affecting many others"

Ursula Franklin, The real world of Technology. 1989 Massey Lectures


Information Technology/Information Communications Technology- IT

Definition: Information Technology noun the use of computers, telecommunications, etc in electronic processing, storing, retrieving and sending information.

Allen, R. (consultant editor), (2004).The penguin english dictionary. London: Penguin Books

This technology is now very prevalent in society today, with many people using it in their everyday lives. There are many IT devices and systems that I am comfortable and dare I say it competent using such as: email, internet, mobile phones, fax machines, computers, digital cameras, internet banking to name a few.

Whilst on fieldwork I have seen a number of ways in which IT has been used in Occupational Therapy practice for example, in the use of electric wheelchairs, voice recognition, intranet for staff, video conferencing, emails, internet searching, laptops, mobile phone, Nintendo Wii. However there are some ethical implications that can arise in the use of these. There are rules about who can use it, and who has access to it, what information is used, along with who governs it.

Computer Ethics

Definition: computer ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct.

Retrieved on 26 May 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics

Cook, A.M, & Hussey, S. M. (in press). Assistive technologies: Principles and practice (2nd Ed.). St Louis. MO: Mosby YearBook.

Intellectual Property

Definition Intellectual property (IP) are legal property rights over creations of the mind, both artistic and commercial, and the corresponding fields of law.[1] Under intellectual property law, owners are granted certain exclusive rights to a variety of intangible assets, such as musical, literary, and artistic works; ideas, discoveries and inventions; and words, phrases, symbols, and designs. Common types of intellectual property include copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design rights and trade secrets.

Retrieved 26 May 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_Property

Social Justice

Definition: Social justice, sometimes called civil justice, refers to the concept of a society in which justice[citation needed] is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law. It is generally thought of as a world which affords individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society.

Retrieved 26 May 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Justice

Informed Consent

Definition: Informed consent is a legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the facts, implications and future consequences of an action. In order to give informed consent, the individual concerned must have adequate reasoning faculties and be in possession of all relevant facts at the time consent is given. Impairments to reasoning and judgment which would make it impossible for someone to give informed consent include such factors as severe mental retardation, severe mental illness, intoxication, severe sleep deprivation, Alzheimer's disease, or being in a coma.

Retrieved 26 May 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_Consent

I think it is important to have a great understanding of ITC and the ethical issues as IT is becoming more and more common place in our lives and in future practice. We are using many of these technologies and more regularly than we use to.




To me, it is important to understand that technology is pr

To me, it is important to understand that technology is practice, it is the way we do things around here. This definition takes machines and devices into account, as well as social structures, command, control, and infrastructures. It is helpful for me to remember that technology is practice. Technology, as a practice, means not only that new tools change, but also that we can change the practice. If we have the political will to do so, we can set certain tools aside, just as the world has set slavery and other tools aside. It is also the nature of modern technology that it is a system. One cannot change one thing without changing or affecting many others.”

Ursula Franklin, The Real World of Technology. 1989 Massey Lectures

actice, it i

To me, it is important to understand that technology is practice, it is the way we do things around here. This definition takes machines and devices into account, as well as social structures, command, control, and infrastructures. It is helpful for me to remember that technology is practice. Technology, as a practice, means not only that new tools change, but also that we can change the practice. If we have the political will to do so, we can set certain tools aside, just as the world has set slavery and other tools aside. It is also the nature of modern technology that it is a system. One cannot change one thing without changing or affecting many others.”

Ursula Franklin, The Real World of Technology. 1989 Massey Lectures

s the way we do things around here. This definition takes machines and devices into account, as well as social structures, command, control, and infrastructures. It is helpful for me to remember that technology is practice. Technology, as a practice, means not only that new tools change, but also that we can change the practice. If we have the political will to do so, we can set certain tools aside, just as the world has set slavery and other tools aside. It is also the nature of modern technology that it is a system. One cannot change one thing without changing or affecting many others.”

Ursula Franklin, The Real World of Technology. 1989 Massey Lectures

Friday, May 22, 2009

Tutorial Eight: Assistive technology

Assistive technology:

Assistive technology (AT) is a generic term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them. Assistive technology promotes greater independence by enabling people 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 suck tasks.

A piece of assistive technology i have chosen to talk about is called an 'Ergo Rest Arm Rest'.

An Ergo Rest Arm Rest is an ergonomically designed, adjustable forearm support rest which attaches to the front of the desk. Suitable for left and right-handed use. They cost $49.99 and can come in different size depending on the arm size.
The Ergo Rest comes in two clamp styles to fit desks of different thicknesses: the shallow clamp fits desks between 15-43mm from desk top to underside. The deep clamp option is for desks which have a thickness of between 34-64mm.

It is specially designed for either office and industrial use, such as data terminal and light factory assembling tasks. Ergo Rest is lightweight and easily moveable. The support is made of aluminum alloy and polyamide, and the mouse pad is upholstered with genuine leather.

Easy to install, the Ergo Rest Arm Rest just clamps onto the front of existing desk with a G clamp type fitting and adjusts it position to suit the user's ergonomic requirements. This Ergo Rest forearm support has a separate mouse pad platform for flexible wrist support beside the keyboard.

The Ergo Rest provides particular to mouse users and it can relieve repetitive strain disorders since support is provided away from the wrist to avoid any pressure points in sensitive areas. It also helps prevent muscle fatigue in the neck and shoulders. Additional height adjustment for specific tasks that require wrist support at unusual heights.


Monday, May 11, 2009

DSC00893


DSC00893
Originally uploaded by annalyons89

Tutorial Six: The internet and online communities

Facebook - www.facebook.com

Facebook helps and connect and share with the people in your life.

Facebook is a great way to meet friends and keep up on what they are doing. Once you add a friend to your Facebook friend list you will always know when they are adding things to their blog or updating their profile. Join Facebook groups to meet people like you, or browse the profiles to find new friends. Facebook's classmates and co-worker search is good for finding friends too.

The services that are provided are:

Photo Album:
Add photos and photo albums to your facebook profile.

Blog Merge:
Use the blog feature to create your own simple blog or you can merge your existing blog right into facebook's blog.

Excellent Search and browse:
Search and browse for people on facebook using just about any search features.

The reason why people want to contribute to this community is because it is a good reliable way for social networking. You can keep track of friends and family and seek long lost friends or family members from all around the world. Facebook tells you when your friends are updating their profiles, adding to their blogs or have some other news on their website.

The type of topics being discussed are everyday general events such as how are you? Discussions can however be formal by linking onto friends, family or even business private mail. If you have a competitive side - you can always challenge a keen participant who you can play games with!

The ethical issues that may arise in this community is that anyone who you choose to view your page can at any time. However, if you want to be private about what you have to say to a person you can always choose to private mail them!
You can put on as much information about yourself as you wish..so do not freak out about ex closing information you would rather people now knowing. Overall, the ethical issues behind the facebook community are relativity safe for whoever wants to use it! you have nothing to lose!

Consider Facebooks material there are lots of benefits that this online community holds such as;
* Facebook can provide large amounts of information.
* Facebook can provide connections over great distances instantly.
* Facebook has the ability to connect with people of similar interests/ needs and concerns.
* Facebook can foster understanding and unity.
* Facebok has great speed of information sharing

However, with the good there always has to be the bad. Compared to traditional communities Facebook lacks in digital divide ( who has access) meaning that anyone who you have picked to be your 'friend' can access your account at any time. Due to a rapid growth of the community there are always changes being made (format wise) and advertisements randomly popping up on your screen. There can be cases of misuse by community users. There have been reports of bullying mostly between teenagers, due to the validity of information being shared.

Overall the online community called facebook has a great deal to offer. It can, if used constructively, provide support, entertainment and identify as a supplement to our everyday lives.








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