Digital Imaging

Some ways digital images are stored, transferred and manipulated using information technology are through:

-Adobe photoshop

-Macromedia Dreamweaver
(software programmes)

-Laptops

-Webcams

-Cell phones

-Ipods/ Iphones
(hardware)

-Three examples of digital imaging to provide information and recording are:

-Google Maps: Images of Christchurch after the earthquake. Families and friends can see what areas have been badly affected by the Christchurch earthquake as a way to connect with loved ones and share their experiences of this tragedy. (Click here)

-Flickr is another website that allows you to connect with people all around the world through photos. This page (Click here) shows us how you can use flickr and just some of the things you can do on it.

-Facebook is another very well known internet site that is used by many people. It allows you to upload photos and share them with friends and family. You can tag people as a way of connecting with them and allowing them to have a copy of that same image in their profile. If you haven't already signed up to facebook, at facebook.com

Just some of the opportunities digital camera technology holds, (in relation to more traditional film based cameras) are:

-That you can take more photos of a much higher quality.

-You can see the pictures that you have taken, immediately. This enables you to then choose whether you want to keep them or delete them instantly.

However the downsides are that they are more expensive to run as you do need a lot of additional equipment to store and print photos, such as a computer, printer, a memory card and battery etc..

With older/traditional film based cameras there is that element of surprise when you go and get your photos developed. But these days it can be a real struggle to find a place that can develop film. 

Ethical issues that could arise due to the prevalence of image capturing and distribution are:

-     -People could display images that someone else may not want to be publically displayed.
      -Photos can be manipulated easily using software programmes such as photoshop, therefore photos could not be the original and could have people or things added in, or taken away.

 

Digital images that could be used in occupational therapy practice include things like:

-ACC building modifications for client notes. This could help as evidence or justification when the Occupational Therapist is applying for a grant or funding.

-Be a form of meaningful occupation. A client can use this as a form of play/ leisure and can be very creative.

-Check out this page (click here). An OT writes about the value of scrap booking where she says it can really help those who have mental and/or physical disability. The process of making a scrapbook as well as the memories photos hold make it so therapeutic.

-Memory aid: Can act as a visual guide to someone’s environment

-James gave a beautiful example in class where one OT he knew created a communication  board for someone who was wheelchair bound and non-verbal. When watching the rugby, the client was able to express himself by pointing at the photos: cheering for the rugby team when they scored a point, booing when they lost etc... This communication board meant that the client was included and could truly participate in the occupation of watching a rugby game.