Our world is full of wonderful and exciting things. Assistive technology is an amazing area of expertise thats aim is to facilitate learning and participation in every single person on this earth!
Provide a definition of Assistive technology (your Cook and Hussey reading may be helpful with this).
Cook & Hussey (1995) state that assisstive technology is the use of any item, piece of equipment or product system that promotes the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Cook. A., Hussey, S. (1995). Assisstive technologies principles & practice. Mosby: St Louis
Describe one piece of equipment introduced in the assistive technology tutorial. Provide information on size, cost and functions.
One piece of equipment that we were shown during the presentation was a cool, bright coloured button, with an awesome name. The Jelly Bean. It’s specifications are Diameter: 6.35cm (2.5”) an activating Pressure of 56.7g (2oz) and it is equipped with 2m (6 ft) cord using 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) monoplug. For the Jelly Bean Twist combo it will cost approximately $90 + GST. This option gives you a number of different coloured button covers.
The function of a switch can be defined into two possible uses:
It can act as a primary access switch.
Here the switch is used to operate a computer, communication aid, environmental control or a wheelchair. The user relies entirely on the switch, or combination of switches to control the device the switch is attached to.
They can be single switch – ideal for early users and those with significant cognitive difficulties, through to multiple switch, where the user is wanting to use the computer to write emails, documents, and web browse.
It can also act as a supplementary access switch.
The switch is used to accompany the use of another device. For example the mouse of a computer can be replaced with a Jelly bean switch to provide easier useability for someone who has difficulty using a normal mouse.
How does your chosen piece of equipment increased functional capacity for the user? Provide examples here from the tutorial and lecture.
Jelly bean switches can assist in developmental tasks, helping a child develop the understanding of cause and effect. It can increase participation in activities such as using a computer to access games and provide greater control over the computer. It can help to facilitate participation in cooking tasks when connected to an electric device via a switchboard. It can aid in promoting cognitive rehabilitation, and increase independence.
I would have never guessed how much opportunities are created just by being able to access a button. It just goes to show that sometimes what seems to be the simpliest concept, it the one thing that will get you the furtherest.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Tutorial seven: Blogging Part Deux
Task One: Explain the step by step process required to embed You Tube videos into your Blog. Consider using Youtube help or a tutorial from Youtube or Slideshare.
1. Have two tabs open in your explorer window, one with youtube.com opened, the other with your blogger page. This will allow you to quickly navigate between the two.
2. On the youtube page beneath your chosen video, left click the mouse on the button marked “Embed”.
3. Highlight the entire content of the box in the top left hand corner just underneath the “Embed” button, and copy.
4. Flick over to your blogger account, log in, and click on “new post”.
5. Create a title for you posting. In the body of the post “paste” the content that you copied from youtube. Click on “publish post”
Voila!....your very own embedded youtube video :D
Task Two: Explain the step by step process required to embed a Flickr Badge into your Blog . Consider using flickr help or a tutorial from Youtube or Slideshare.
1. Create an account following the prompts used on flikr.com, in another tab have your blogger page open.
2. Load your desired photos from your computer, memory card, or any portable device the holds photos.
3. In the web browser type in www.flickr.com/badge.gne, work through the badge wizard to create your badge. It is during the wizard task that you choose the layout, what photos to use, how you want them to be displayed, personalisation of text style, borders, background etc.
4. Copy the generated code and flick over to your blog page.
5. Enter the “dashboard”, under “manage blog” click on “design” and then click on “Add a new gadget”.
6. Scroll down the list till you reach “HTML/Javascript". Click on it.
7. Create a title, and paste the code from your flikr page into the body.
8. Click on “save”
Voila!! Flickr to your blog :D
1. Have two tabs open in your explorer window, one with youtube.com opened, the other with your blogger page. This will allow you to quickly navigate between the two.
2. On the youtube page beneath your chosen video, left click the mouse on the button marked “Embed”.
3. Highlight the entire content of the box in the top left hand corner just underneath the “Embed” button, and copy.
4. Flick over to your blogger account, log in, and click on “new post”.
5. Create a title for you posting. In the body of the post “paste” the content that you copied from youtube. Click on “publish post”
Voila!....your very own embedded youtube video :D
Task Two: Explain the step by step process required to embed a Flickr Badge into your Blog . Consider using flickr help or a tutorial from Youtube or Slideshare.
1. Create an account following the prompts used on flikr.com, in another tab have your blogger page open.
2. Load your desired photos from your computer, memory card, or any portable device the holds photos.
3. In the web browser type in www.flickr.com/badge.gne, work through the badge wizard to create your badge. It is during the wizard task that you choose the layout, what photos to use, how you want them to be displayed, personalisation of text style, borders, background etc.
4. Copy the generated code and flick over to your blog page.
5. Enter the “dashboard”, under “manage blog” click on “design” and then click on “Add a new gadget”.
6. Scroll down the list till you reach “HTML/Javascript". Click on it.
7. Create a title, and paste the code from your flikr page into the body.
8. Click on “save”
Voila!! Flickr to your blog :D
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Tutorial six: The Internet and Online Community
Provide the web address and the name of the community you are investigating
www.sparkpeople.com
What is the brief or focus of this community
The purpose of Sparkpeople.com is to enable its members to reach their weight loss/fitness goals and lead healthier lives. By providing nutrition, health, and fitness tools, support, and resources that are 100% free.
What services are provided? How interactive is this site? How can people contribute?
This site truly has it all. It provides nutrition, health, fitness, exercise services. It is very interactive, members are able to engage in a wide range of tools on the site. Each member has their own page that they can write blogs, comments, add photos, track their weight loss etc. There are numerous forums and groups that members can join and comment in. There are various tasks that members can do (eg read a particular article, track water consumption, log in exercise minutes) that accumulate points for the member which they can redeem for different inspiration pictures that they can add on their own page or gift to another member of the site.
Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment on why people choose to contribute to this community. What is it they are seeking?
This online community is a fountain of knowledge. Millions of people all over the world are wanting to get healthier, to lose weight, to have more energy. This site provides information on nutrition, exercise, and addresses the emotional component that underlies many weight loss battles. It provides a sense of unity. You are able to connect with others around the world who are in the same boat as you, maybe they need to lose the same amount of weight, maybe they are a mother who finds it hard to get exercise in each day, no matter what your situation is you are bound to find someone in similar circumstances to yourself that you can relate to. Also it’s free. You get all the nutritional advice, exercise plans, social support as you would from the leading weight loss programmes, but without paying a cent!
Cut and paste an example of the type of topics being discussed (you may have to provide a context to your excerpt).
Sparkpeople.com has numerous forums in which members can contribute in. One main forum is called “Staying motivated” and below are a few of the thread topics that can be found there.
Are you feeling Positive or Negative today?
Real Women Have Curves...
Finish this sentence...Today I'm Thankful For....
Say one positive thing about yourself each day...
Today I will focus on...
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.
A major ethical issue in this online community would be the use of photos. Many members post progress photos of themselves, as well as photos of their family and friends. Being an open website means that there is the potential for members to abuse its services and take photos without the owner’s permission and using them for inappropriate reasons.
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
This community is used all over the world, which provides members with a wide array of like minded comrades, and a greater possibility of linking together with another member who is in the same kind of circumstance as yourself. Being a member of an online community such as Sparkpeople.com gives a sense of anonymity. By being removed from other members (eg being part of an online community instead of a face to face community) members may be able to better communicate their feelings and frustrations without fear of being judged. It is cost-effective. There are many people out there who would love to attend weight loss meetings but can not afford the weekly payments. This online community provides all the same benefits without the added costs.
Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment what this community lacks or can not provide which traditional communities can.
Accountability is a huge component which is missing from this online weight loss community. It is easy to become slack and not log onto the website, which in turn decreases your motivation to keep on track with improving your fitness, or losing weight. There is no one there checking up on your each week, where as in physical meetings there is someone you are accountable to, so you are more likely to stick to your fitness/weight loss plan.
www.sparkpeople.com
What is the brief or focus of this community
The purpose of Sparkpeople.com is to enable its members to reach their weight loss/fitness goals and lead healthier lives. By providing nutrition, health, and fitness tools, support, and resources that are 100% free.
What services are provided? How interactive is this site? How can people contribute?
This site truly has it all. It provides nutrition, health, fitness, exercise services. It is very interactive, members are able to engage in a wide range of tools on the site. Each member has their own page that they can write blogs, comments, add photos, track their weight loss etc. There are numerous forums and groups that members can join and comment in. There are various tasks that members can do (eg read a particular article, track water consumption, log in exercise minutes) that accumulate points for the member which they can redeem for different inspiration pictures that they can add on their own page or gift to another member of the site.
Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment on why people choose to contribute to this community. What is it they are seeking?
This online community is a fountain of knowledge. Millions of people all over the world are wanting to get healthier, to lose weight, to have more energy. This site provides information on nutrition, exercise, and addresses the emotional component that underlies many weight loss battles. It provides a sense of unity. You are able to connect with others around the world who are in the same boat as you, maybe they need to lose the same amount of weight, maybe they are a mother who finds it hard to get exercise in each day, no matter what your situation is you are bound to find someone in similar circumstances to yourself that you can relate to. Also it’s free. You get all the nutritional advice, exercise plans, social support as you would from the leading weight loss programmes, but without paying a cent!
Cut and paste an example of the type of topics being discussed (you may have to provide a context to your excerpt).
Sparkpeople.com has numerous forums in which members can contribute in. One main forum is called “Staying motivated” and below are a few of the thread topics that can be found there.
Are you feeling Positive or Negative today?
Real Women Have Curves...
Finish this sentence...Today I'm Thankful For....
Say one positive thing about yourself each day...
Today I will focus on...
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.
A major ethical issue in this online community would be the use of photos. Many members post progress photos of themselves, as well as photos of their family and friends. Being an open website means that there is the potential for members to abuse its services and take photos without the owner’s permission and using them for inappropriate reasons.
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
This community is used all over the world, which provides members with a wide array of like minded comrades, and a greater possibility of linking together with another member who is in the same kind of circumstance as yourself. Being a member of an online community such as Sparkpeople.com gives a sense of anonymity. By being removed from other members (eg being part of an online community instead of a face to face community) members may be able to better communicate their feelings and frustrations without fear of being judged. It is cost-effective. There are many people out there who would love to attend weight loss meetings but can not afford the weekly payments. This online community provides all the same benefits without the added costs.
Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment what this community lacks or can not provide which traditional communities can.
Accountability is a huge component which is missing from this online weight loss community. It is easy to become slack and not log onto the website, which in turn decreases your motivation to keep on track with improving your fitness, or losing weight. There is no one there checking up on your each week, where as in physical meetings there is someone you are accountable to, so you are more likely to stick to your fitness/weight loss plan.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
They try to make me go to WiiHab I said No No No.........
Just kidding!.
I've recently (like 2 days ago!) given in the the rage that is the Nintendo Wii. All I can say is that it is one AWESOME piece of machinery.
1.Why do you think Wii gaming has appeal to people who are not traditional video game players?
Wii gaming is able to be used by people of all ages (my 3 year old can use it!) and all physical abilities. Games range in their difficulty and the amount of interaction required by the participant, so they are able to moderate how much interaction they feel comfortable with. You don't have to be a cybergeek to work out how to use the controls. It really is a device that can be used by anyone.
2.What is the relevance here to occupational therapy?
The Nintendo Wii can be used as both an assessment and intervention tool. Observations can be made whilst a client is participating in a task. As an intervention it provides various activities that mimic real life occupations. There is a wide variety of games for player to engage in, ranging from Tennis, archery, golf, canoeing, through to karaoke and fitness programmes. So there is a massive appeal across ages, genders, and interests.
3.Investigate the other applications offered by the Wii gaming consol, how else could it be used as an OT tool?
The Wii software that is available is endless. One software that could be useful in mimicing kitchen assessments, preparing meals, and sequencing is Cooking Mama. This software allows the user to follow recipes, use the Wii wand to mimic the use of cooking utensils (chopping, slicing, mashing, stirring etc) providing a real sensation of cooking, it also shows visible changes in the look at texture of the recipes being created. Use of a Nintendo Wii could help to assess and improve balance, fine and gross motor skills, cognition, muscle tone and strength. The benefits of the Wii on OT is endless.
Here is a link to a blog specifically looking at WiiHab in OT http://wiihabtherapy.blogspot.com/
I've recently (like 2 days ago!) given in the the rage that is the Nintendo Wii. All I can say is that it is one AWESOME piece of machinery.
1.Why do you think Wii gaming has appeal to people who are not traditional video game players?
Wii gaming is able to be used by people of all ages (my 3 year old can use it!) and all physical abilities. Games range in their difficulty and the amount of interaction required by the participant, so they are able to moderate how much interaction they feel comfortable with. You don't have to be a cybergeek to work out how to use the controls. It really is a device that can be used by anyone.
2.What is the relevance here to occupational therapy?
The Nintendo Wii can be used as both an assessment and intervention tool. Observations can be made whilst a client is participating in a task. As an intervention it provides various activities that mimic real life occupations. There is a wide variety of games for player to engage in, ranging from Tennis, archery, golf, canoeing, through to karaoke and fitness programmes. So there is a massive appeal across ages, genders, and interests.
3.Investigate the other applications offered by the Wii gaming consol, how else could it be used as an OT tool?
The Wii software that is available is endless. One software that could be useful in mimicing kitchen assessments, preparing meals, and sequencing is Cooking Mama. This software allows the user to follow recipes, use the Wii wand to mimic the use of cooking utensils (chopping, slicing, mashing, stirring etc) providing a real sensation of cooking, it also shows visible changes in the look at texture of the recipes being created. Use of a Nintendo Wii could help to assess and improve balance, fine and gross motor skills, cognition, muscle tone and strength. The benefits of the Wii on OT is endless.
Here is a link to a blog specifically looking at WiiHab in OT http://wiihabtherapy.blogspot.com/
Tutorial Four and Five - Task Five
Scripting was not much of a feature in our movie as we had no audio. Planning of our scenes where done through the use of story boards.
Storyboarding allowed our group to come up with various scenarios we wanted to put into our movie. It gave a visual representation of how our movie was to progress before we went out and searched for our scenery. Each cell had the main image of our shot drawn in, so it also worked as a type of timeline for the movie. Storyboarding definitely helped in the planning of our movie. The drawings were straight to the point, were put into an easy sequence to follow, and made it easy to understand the overall setting for each scene.
Storyboarding allowed our group to come up with various scenarios we wanted to put into our movie. It gave a visual representation of how our movie was to progress before we went out and searched for our scenery. Each cell had the main image of our shot drawn in, so it also worked as a type of timeline for the movie. Storyboarding definitely helped in the planning of our movie. The drawings were straight to the point, were put into an easy sequence to follow, and made it easy to understand the overall setting for each scene.
Tutorial Four and Five - Task Four
What is youtube??????
Youtube is a video hosting and sharing service run by google. Youtube allows you to view and upload videos. Viewers can rate videos, make comments, and subscribe to their favourite video producer. Viewing videos is free, however some features require you to be registered. You can search for videos via the search bar, or browse through the different catergories.
Youtube is a video hosting and sharing service run by google. Youtube allows you to view and upload videos. Viewers can rate videos, make comments, and subscribe to their favourite video producer. Viewing videos is free, however some features require you to be registered. You can search for videos via the search bar, or browse through the different catergories.
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