Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Fare Thee Well NCT!!!!

Sitting here in my last ever New Comm. Tech. tutorial, a tear forms in the corner of my eye and then slips silently down my cheek. No more early mornings on a Thursday (yes 10 is too early), no more tutorial tasks that do my head in (i have no patience for technology...still) and no more blogs that really go nowhere (sorry about that).

Come to think of it though, this subject hasn't been nearly as daunting and damn right terrifying as i thought it would be. I've actually kinda enjoyed it. Friday morning lectures at 9:00 sometimes brought on a few long yawns, but apart from that, I've learnt heaps about something which is a huuuge part of today's society and the running of everyday life.


A few tips for those looking to take this subject in the future:

1. Doing the readings that are set before the lectures each week really helped me to understand exactly what it was that the lecturers were rambling on about. It offered an extended knowledge of the concepts they discussed and had me extra prepared for the end of semester exam.

2. Taking notes and highlighting anything that sounds remotely important (eg. definitions, names and dates and key concepts) has cut down the pre-exam stress that I would otherwise be battling right at this very moment (the day before the exam).

3. Complete blog entries weekly. I cannot imagine the stress of doing all those activities in one hit right before they are due. They really aren’t that hard and doing them in the tutorial time allocated each week has really cut down a work load that could have been horrendous.

And so that’s all I have for you! New Comm. Tech. has expanded my horizons and broadened my knowledge. Thanks guys, it’s been GREAT!

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Microsoft Excel

Much like last weeks tutorial task exploring advanced uses of Microsoft word, this weeks task was very simple. Though studying biology and other science subjects in high school, constructing graphs and tables was essential and hence an in depth understanding of excel was paramount. This knowledge, funnily enough, has actually stayed with me.

Nevertheless, there's no denying that Microsoft Excel is extremely useful! Before i knew how to use excel, i would create tacky tables in Word and even worse, completely inaccurate hand drawn graphs. Excel enables intricate accuracy, immaculate presentation and time saving techniques that have proven extremely useful to me this year in my psychology course which involves multiple applications where excel can be utilised.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Fun With Microsoft Word


Ahhh yes. Good ol' faithful, Microsoft Word. The one computer program that i CAN actually use. Woohoo!


To be completely honest, i think the last 20 minutes of my time were kinda a little tiny bit sorta WASTED. I don't mean to sound grossly conceited and just plain obnoxious but bolding, italicising and underlining words isn't the biggest mission i could possible have undertaken, nor did it herald the greatest results or achievements.


Moving on to mail merge may have upped the ante a tad...but not much. Completing an advanced computing course in my final year of High School taught me all i need to know about Mail Merging in a word document and, shock horror, the info actually stayed wit me!


So really thats about all i can say about this particular tutorial task. No confusing, no problems.


For once in my life, i actually feel kinda computer savvy...kinda a little tiny bit sorta

NCT Essay due 11/05

Push Button Care
By Emma Heron

The use of technology in the health care system is a dialectic topic of discussion. On one hand, discussion can centre on whether technology improves the quality of health care whilst on the other it can be argued that advances in technology are impacting negatively on the system, creating more qualitative and quantitative expenses. It is the opinion of this essay that new technologies within the health care system are impinging upon the availability and utilisation of health care services today through increasing costs, damaging ethical standards and wavering efficacy. Due to the separation of health care technologies into several categories: medical artefacts (equipment, devices, tools instruments, etc); biotechnological devices and procedures (prosthetic devices and organ transplantation); and information technologies (computers) (Custer, Kirk & Prince 1996:285), discussion of each category is needed.

In order to examine the advancement of medical artefacts through advances in technology the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) can be incorporated. Such a model purports that perceived ease of use contributes to the behavioural intention to use technology. In the adoption and use of technology by health care practitioners, previous studies show that TAM predictions have been incorrect. Specifically, the aforementioned perceived ease of use prediction is not repeatedly supported in health care environments (Blue 2006). One needs look no further than the displacement of the stethoscope by medical resonance imaging (MRI) to see truth in such a statement. Whilst such ‘new’ technologies may provide a higher quality of service, they certainly do not provide greater ease of use or quantity of practice with a single scan taking from 45 minutes- 2 hours to complete (Ped-Onc Resource Center 2005).

It cannot be denied, however, that technology has been a driving force in the development of exceptional goods and services that comprise the Australian health care market (Custer et al., 1996: 283). Figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) confirm this, showing that life expectancy has increased from 77 years in 1990 to 80.3 years today (OECD, cited in Woodruff 2006). One might conclude, therefore, that the Australian health care system’s utilisation of new technology is proving beneficial. In spite of this, statistics residing from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) show that health gains have not been equally shared across all sections of the population, suggesting that many are without basic health insurance and are unable to afford the use of the technologically-intensive procedures (Borders 2006).

Such a concept can be explored using again the example of the replacement of the stethoscope by MRI. An MRI machine can cost several million dollars per unit and a single scan, in some cases, can herald costs in the range of $400 to more than $2000 (Gihealth 2007). Compare this cost to a visit to you local GP and his stethoscope, and the positive correlation between advancing technology and health care costs is evident. According to economist D.P. Doessel, consumers must be wary of health care providers who promote the use of expensive equipment without adequately explaining the necessity of these high-tech services (Doessel 1992: 44).

In regards to biotechnological devices and procedures, the main area of debate is that of ethics (Doessel 1992:1). Procedures made possible by new technology including abortions, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and surrogacy, beget widespread animosity in regards to their practise. Focussing primarily on IVF, technology in this area of specialisation allows the collection of eggs from a female and sperm from a male to be placed together in a laboratory dish for fertilization. The microscopic embryos are then transferred into the uterus where implantation and pregnancy will hopefully occur (Community Medical Centers 2007). One use of this specialization, raising a genetically determined child for the purpose of aiding an ill sibling back to health, raises extreme ethical question as to its suitability in society. The first of these issues is whether it is wrong to create a child in the hope that it will be of some use to another child. The second, whether it is psychologically harmful to a child to know that it has been born for this purpose (Tizzard 2003). IVF represents a fundamental shift from traditional values (Custer et al. 1996). Clearly, medical technology (as well as being expensive, time consuming and unstable) is impinging upon human processes and in so doing, eliminating the need for nurture and nature.

The impact of information technologies on the health care systems can be discussed through changes in disability care. For example, recent advances in tagging and tracking technology have the potential to address issues of risk management and safety posed by caring for the handicapped.. In addition, 'smart' technology can reduce risks in the homes, through the use of sensors to turn off gas burners and running taps. Finally, memory and communication aids are being developed to support the social functioning of people with psychological disabilities (Astell 2006: 15).

However, such technology which is intended to support and empower, is frequently one step away from being controlling and dehumanizing. For example, the use of tagging, applying tracking devices to patients with disabilities, is fast becoming a benign alternative to medication or home care, cutting out the middle man and any human contact which plays a vital role in caring for such members of the community. This raises the question, are advances in medical technology addressing the needs and wishes on those with physical and mental disabilities, or do developments reflect the priorities of caregivers (Astell 2006: 15)? Advances in medical technology should do both. At present, the wellbeing of the patient is being overlooked.

The final contributor to this dialectic debate is the efficacy of information technologies (computers) within the health care industry. Defined as the tools, techniques and actions used to transform organizational inputs and outputs (Custer et al. 1996), information technology aids in the collection, storage or retrieval of patient information. Arguably, electronic health records (EHR) improve health care quality, prevent medical errors, reduce health care costs, improve administrative efficiencies and reduce paperwork (Bush 2004). In saying this, a simple power outage or computer crash can render the whole process of EHR useless. Integration of paper-based records and electronic storage would prove more beneficial to consumer and practitioners alike in allowing for sufficient back-up to be available in the light of the volatile nature of technology (Chhanabhai & Holt 2006).

Advances in technology within the health care system are increasing expenditure in time and money, fuelling ethical debate, replacing the human need for nurture and creating a highly volatile practice. Whilst it cannot be denied that some degree of technological advancement and utilization is paramount to the welfare of consumers now and in the future, a reassessment of priorities and prevention of unnecessary interventionist practice is in order. Already we are experiencing the tension between the technological roles in our daily lives as health care consumers and providers. More of the same is certainly in store for the future.






Reference List:

BOOKS/JOURNALS

Astell, A.J (2006). ‘Technology and Personhood in Dementia Care’ Quality in Ageing 7(1): 15

Blue, J.T., (2006) ‘Rebuilding Theories of Technology Acceptance: A qualitative case study of physicians’ acceptance of technology’. Case study: Virginia Commonwealth University

Borders, M. (2006). ‘Technology Will Improve the Quality of Health Care’. Irish Medical Times 40(36): 30

Custer, M., Kirk, J., and Prince, J,. (1996) Technology and the Health Care System. Glencoe: New York.

Doessel. P.D (1992). The Economics of Medical Diagnosis: Technological Change and Health Expenditure. Avebury: Sydney.


INTERNET

Bush, G (2002). Transforming Health Care: The President’s Health Information Technology Plan [Internet] http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/technology/economic_policy200404/chap3.html (accessed 11/04/07)

Chhanabhai, P., and Holt, A (2006). Health Care Consumers, Security and Electronic Health Records [Internet] http://hcro.enigma.co.nz/website/index.cfm?fuseaction=articledisplay&FeatureI%20D=010306 (accessed 16/04/07)

Community Medical Centers (2007). What is IVF? [Internet] http://www.communitymedical.org/144.htm (accessed 25/04/07)

Gihealth(2007). Medical Resonance Imaging [Internet] http://www.gihealth.com/html/education/mri.html (accessed 10/05/07)

Ped-Onc Resource Center (2005). MRI Scans [Internet] http://www.acor.org/pedonc/treatment/MRI%20/MRI.html (accessed 10/05/07)

Tizzard, J (2003). Ethics and Safety in the ‘Saviour Child’ Debate [Internet] http://www.ivf.net/content/index.%20php?page=out&id=156 (accessed 10/05/07)


Woodruff, T (2006). An Iron Clad Guarantee Rusts Quickly [Internet] http://www.drs.org.au/articles/2006/Woodruff2.htm (accessed 05/04/07)

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

3D worlds!!!

Mmmm ten minutes in class and already another gigantic example of why i love *cough cough* computers so much.

Instruction: download Active Worlds and explore.
My computers response: Successful download...and then error 139. ERROR 139!!! Who would have known there'd be more then say 20 errors! So, restart computer and try again


Attempt 2: Successful download...of a black, motionless, totally pointless black screen. Yay for technology!


Attempt 3: Woohoo standalone mode. Once again, nothing, nothing and more nothing.





I give up on Active Worlds...straight on to HabboHotel. Definitely sounds promising *cough*



HobboHotel is really confusing. I'm stuck in some hotel lobby where a million people and all talking about who knows what and I'm some poor little character (that looks absolutely nothing like me) in the corner. I can say things, but they are ignored. I really cant work out what I'm supposed to be doing lol, wow I'm computer illiterate.


Well the whole 3d chat room thing isn't really getting me far so i might as well just start answering the tutorial questions for this week. Here goes:

Not only am I a user of MSN...i am an addict! Those little blue and green men and as much friends to me as the living and breathing kids who i hang with. Without msn, organising outings would take forever, sharing photos would take yonks and basic chit chat would be a never. With everyone at uni or working nowadays, a quick catch up session on MSN is a must!


After 5 minutes in Habbo Hotel's virtual world, Ive already decided it simply isn't for me. The conversations taking place are all 'your mumma jokes' and virtual punch ups. Apart from that there were frequent confessions of undying love and a heap of sex talk. I suppose this is a result of the lack of closeness between the people who are using such 3d chat rooms. Because you cannot choose who you will be socialising with and you cannot block those who u do not wish to converse with, the conversation just happens with everyone trying to "out cool" each other.


Before entering the virtual world i was a little excited about being able to create a little Emma replica whose life i could control through the screen. BUT my character was the furthermost thing from a look alike. VERY disappointed! Aside from that, there were very few available instruction to help my navigation around the site. I pretty much spent the whole time going from room to room reading the conversation and looking at the backdrops, not my idea of excitement though i suppose if i actually knew what i was doing it would be a little more enjoyable.


The Internet is a scary place. I place very little trust in chat rooms in which i do not know personally know who i am talking to. This cartoon explains my standpoint better than i could with words All of the 3d chat rooms i managed to visit today heralded the opportunity for this cartoon to take place. Personally, i could have lied about my age, gender and bascially anyithng about my identity. Who's to say the the 16 year old girl i was chatting with hadn't done the same?
All in all i think i'll be sticking to my good old MSN and never ever venturing into the world of 3d chat rooms again. But thats just me, you might be better with this whole computer thing than i am haha.








Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Photoshop

** All photos taken with: Olympus Cr-V3X2 **


~ F R I E N D S ~

The best of friends, Can change a frown, Into a smile, when you feel down.

The best of friends, Will understand, Your little trials, And lend a hand.

The best of friends, Will always share, Your secret dreams, Because they care.

The best of friends, Worth more than gold, Give all the love, A heart can hold.


Friendship enables us to abandon all false pretences. To smile when we are happy. Laugh when we find something funny. Cry when we are upset or scream when we are petrified ~~All with the knowledge that we are accepted as we are. We are loved as ourselves.



"true friendship is never serene..."







SUMMER



Cloudless blue sky and clear blue water, this photo epitomises SUMMER on our very own idilic Surfers Paradise beach. Forming a utopian backdrop for the obviously care-free subject of the photo, this, is Summer at its best!




Oh, to be lying,
On a beach,
Somewhere,
With sand in my toes,






HIGH-TECH



This photo depicts the set from the high-tech movie The Matrix. It shows technology that forms an alternative to that which we know and accept to be real.







My magical gray box;
That sits by the window;
it brings me new information;
Unless my memory is low.
I diligently watch over;
My translucent motherboard;
Keeping out dangerous viruses;
So it does not overload.





uNCONVENTIONAL


iT's a ToPsY-tUrVy wOrLd

VERY differnt


Odd

Defying ConVenTion



UNsual



non-CONFORMist






NEWS



News is centred around deliberate emphasis. Small events are made big deals while newsworthy events are overlooked. We are shown what they want us to see, how they want us to see it.








UNIVERSITY LIFE

This photo is a true representation of university life... for some.

Not much study... very few brain cells!
Weekend study?...weekend drinks!
Exam Revision?...party!
Library between classes? ...Uni Bar!












Friday, March 23, 2007

La Jetee

La Jetee...I LOVED it. Unlike anything i've ever seen before, this French new wave film was fascinating to watch, delicious to listen to (mmm French accent) and mind-boggling to comprehend. Composed almost entirely of black and white still frame photographs the film enveloped and entranced me from the beginning up until the inclusion of one slow moving frame of 'the woman' laying in bed. To be completely honest, i was so engrossed in the story by now that i wasn't sure whether i had imagined the movement or actually seen it!


Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket


But, enough of the girly, flowery stuff and on to the boggling of the mind. I was immediately drawn into the film with the concept of World War 3. What would prompt a third world war? What would fuel it? What weapons, technology, nations and people would be involved? No sooner had theses questions begun to intrigue me then the answer was presented. All encompassing nuclear holocaust. With minimal resources, scientists entombed beneath the ruins of Paris are searching for salvation through the single avenue left open – Time. (http://www.film.u-net.com/Movies/Reviews/Jetee.html). Released in 1962, this film epitomizes a society’s cries of: What if? What would we do with the threat of nuclear holocaust and how would we utilise the “tools of our time” for survival? Perhaps La Jetee is presented as a preview into future technological genius.



Such time travel seems to us 21st centurians to be unfathomable. But let’s think about it, how unfathomable must a motor vehicle, a TV or the all knowing internet have been way back when? It’s all so space age now, but “space age” may soon be “the age”!