Tutorial Two

Tutorial Two: Digital Camera use and applications

“A new technology is rarely superior to an old one in every feature”. Briefly discuss this statement in relation to digital camera technology. What would you consider to be some of the pluses and minuses digital camera technology holds in relation to more traditional film based cameras? Although new technology can make tasks quicker and more efficient, it does not replace the satisfaction felt with taking a roll of film into the chemist, going back a few days later and being able to look at your photos for the first time. You are able to see the photos just how you took them...this way all photos are developed and seen, where as with a digital camera, photos are often deleted for 'not being good enough' or are never printed off for future viewing. In addition, digital cameras are fantastic in the way we can quickly see what we have photographed and nearly as quickly we are able to print the photos out if we choose for use - ideal when making visual planners or communication aids for people.

List some of the ways that digital images can be stored transferred and manipulated using other communications technology. They can be stored on cds, on the computer, as a screen saver, they can also be emailed to other people, added to blogs. Digital photos can be edited, by cropping, removing red eye, enhancing colour, all via the computer.

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. Once photos are published on the web, they are able to be accessed and used by anyone for anything.

Briefly discuss some of the ways that digital images could, or are, being used in occupational therapy practice. To photograph equipment or environments which can then be emailed to other professionals if advice is required or parts are required from elsewhere. Photos may be taken to use as visual aides for clients.

Provide a brief summary of the services offered by Flickr.com Flickr is almost certainly the best online photo management and sharing application in the world. Let us show you why! Flickr is a way to get your photos to the people who matter to you. And since basic accounts are free, there's no reason not to explore further...

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

Explain what the difference is between a digital and an optical zoom Digital zooms in on one aspect of the picture but this decreases focus, where as optical zooms in while keeping focus.

Explain what is meant by the term mega pixel A mega pixel is the term used for the colour fragments within a camera.

Tutorial One

Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required) The technology used in information science. Readers Digest (1988). Universal Dictionary. Pg 790

Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become? It is used and relied upon continuously by most people - it has become so common place that computers and cellphones etc are in most homes.

What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using? None

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice? Data bases, research and communication. Networking with other agencies, informing co-workers about what is going on in a particular area, receiving advice/information from co-workers or other agencies. Developing resources.

What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet) Confidentiality is not guaranteed. Information can be altered by others. Information may be passed on to others it was originally intended for. Information may fail to 'send' or be received.

Provide a definition of Computer Ethics (APA reference required) Computer ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct. The term "computer ethics" was first coined by Walter Maner[1] in the mid-1970s, but only since the 1990s has it started being integrated into professional development programs in academic settings. The conceptual foundations of computer ethics are investigated by information ethics, a branch of philosophical ethics established by Luciano Floridi. Computer ethics is a very important topic in computer applications. The importance of computer ethics increased through the 1990s. With the growth of the Internet, privacy issues as well as concerns regarding computing technologies such as spyware and web browser cookies have called into question ethical behavior in technology. Retrieved May 28, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communication

Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required) Intellectual property (IP) is a legal field that refers to creations of the mind such as musical, literary, and artistic works; inventions; and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, and related rights. Under intellectual property law, the holder of one of these abstract "properties" has certain exclusive rights to the creative work, commercial symbol, or invention by which it is covered. Retrieved May 28, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property

Provide a definition of Social Justice (APA reference required) Social justice refers to the concept of a society in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law. The term can be amorphous and refer to sometimes self-contradictory values of justice. It is generally thought of as a world which affords individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society. (Different proponents of social justice have developed different interpretations of what constitutes fair treatment and an impartial share.) It can also refer to the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within a society. Retreived May 28, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice

Provide a definition of Informed Consent (APA reference required) Informed consent is a legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon an appreciation and understanding of the facts and implications of an action. The individual needs to be in possession of relevant facts and also of his or her reasoning faculties, such as not being mentally retarded or mentally ill and without an impairment of judgment at the time of consenting. Such impairments might include illness, intoxication, insufficient sleep, and other health problems. Some acts cannot legally take place because of a lack of informed consent. In cases where an individual is considered unable to give informed consent, another person is generally authorized to give consent on their behalf. Examples of this include the parents or legal guardians of a child and caregivers for the mentally ill. In cases where an individual is provided limited facts, serious ethical issues may arise. Examples of this in a clinical trial in medical research are anticipated and prevented by an ethics committee or Institutional Review Board. Retreived May 28, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice

In your own words briefly summarise why (or why not) a great understanding of ITC and the ethical issues it encompasses will help us in our practice and daily lives. It is used and relied upon continuously by most people - it has become so common place that computers and cell phones etc are in most homes. We will be aware of the risks involved in anything that is sent through ITC and therefore be careful as to what details we wish to send in this format or to publish.