I've had a ball reading some of the blogs by others in the class and learning more about them and their activities. I've commented on blog posts by Alice, Merryn, Charlotte and Hannah.
This is honestly a very short posting because I've said what I wanted to say in the other blogs and I don't really want to end up flogging a dead horse.
My wonderful resources are as follows
Arendt, Hannah. (1958). The human condition. Chicago: Chicago University Press. (not quoted but I enjoyed reading)
Beeching, A. (2010) Beyond talent: Creating a successful career in music. 2Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Hargreaves, D.J., Macdonald, R. & Miell, D. (2005). Musical communication. Oxford University Press: UK
Hopkins, H.L., & Smith, H.D. (1983). Willard and Spackman’s occupational therapy. In Crepeau E. (2003). Analyzing occupation and activity: A way of thinking about occupational performance. In Crepeau, E., Cohn, E., & Schell, B. (Eds.),Willard and Spackman’s occupational therapy (10th ed., pp.189-198). Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
The Power of Music - I do not have a reference but here is a link to view it online...
Verbal communication/quotes from people
“Soothing the soul so you can become fit to be a human being.” – Mary Butler personal communications 2011 (I told you I would quote you on it and here you are...)
"Music should strike from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of women" - Ludwig van Beethoven
"Music, even in situations of the greatest horror, should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it, and thereby always remain music." - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
What all of this means to me...
It's been a really interesting process of trying to explore what music is to me over these past however many weeks... Sitting down with my guitar is something that seems impossible to define. "Music is a natural instinct in man" (The Power of Music) Music means different things to everyone and each person has different passions. Though we all have our own appreciations for music such as green day, record players, pink floyd and music-so-weird-I-have-no-idea-how-she-found-it there is a reason I'm the only one of my 5 flatmates to be found sitting in the sun on the balcony playing my guitar regularly or quietly strumming away on my bed singing to myself, there is an intrinsic bond between me and my music.
A paper last year drew me to thinking about the essence of humanity. I've come to the conclusion that my deep connection to music is because it is part of the essence of my humanity. Though it may be an isolating activity at times it allows me to ground and collect myself so that I can become fit to participate in society. As a teenager it was not acceptable for me to yell at my father or speak to him in a tone while angry or in the grips of a particularly feisty bout PMS, instead I would go to my piano and play for however long it took to sooth my soul and then I would be once again able to rejoin my family. I'm sure forensic testing would show traces of my tears on the keys from a number of occasions including after a breakup when all I could do was play and cry till it was out of my system.
Ambience, ergonomics, affordances and practical considerations all rolled into one only begin to scratch the surface of what engaging in music really means, to me at least. Some people are driven to draw, others to write articles and crave knowledge. Personally I am content so long as music is never far from my side. I'll never be a famous musician nor will my music soothe the hearts of millions as the only heart it is commissioned to soothe is my own.
A paper last year drew me to thinking about the essence of humanity. I've come to the conclusion that my deep connection to music is because it is part of the essence of my humanity. Though it may be an isolating activity at times it allows me to ground and collect myself so that I can become fit to participate in society. As a teenager it was not acceptable for me to yell at my father or speak to him in a tone while angry or in the grips of a particularly feisty bout PMS, instead I would go to my piano and play for however long it took to sooth my soul and then I would be once again able to rejoin my family. I'm sure forensic testing would show traces of my tears on the keys from a number of occasions including after a breakup when all I could do was play and cry till it was out of my system.
Ambience, ergonomics, affordances and practical considerations all rolled into one only begin to scratch the surface of what engaging in music really means, to me at least. Some people are driven to draw, others to write articles and crave knowledge. Personally I am content so long as music is never far from my side. I'll never be a famous musician nor will my music soothe the hearts of millions as the only heart it is commissioned to soothe is my own.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Aaaambience
Ambience is one of my favourite things about sitting down with some music. It's a feeling or mood associated with a thing. For me picking up my guitar reminds me of sitting in the sun on the balcony and I'm filled with a sense of peace an happiness. A lecturer described it as a potential process of “soothing the soul so you can become fit to be a human being."
Music fills a number of roles in society and in each scenario it evokes a different emotional response according to the mood of the listener. Though playing and listening differ greatly both have the power to provoke responses like tears from either joy or sorrow. "Many non-musicians experience music as aural wallpaper, the backdrop of their daily life, creating ambiance for commuting, shopping, dining, and at work." - Beeching (2010)
Music to fill silence – A classic example is the dreaded ‘elevator music’ or the catchy tunes you get to listen to while on hold with annoying companies that enjoy putting you on hold so much they provide irritating music just for your pleasure, interspersed of course with “your call is very important to us, please continue to hold". The music that simply makes you want to clench your fists
Music to accompany boring tasks – The soundtrack to life: iPods.... iPods have become accessories that accompany vast amounts of people in menial daily tasks, driving down the street it is uncommon to not see an adolescent filled with teenage angst, headphones in their ear’s and stuck in their own world of how unfair life is and how cruel their parents are. From listening to Mumford and Sons on my walk to polytech in the mornings, to listening to Hamish and Andy podcasts while driving long distances (or at the gym, however my tendency to burst into random laughter and the resulting weird looks from strangers has discouraged this specific use). Listening to music allows me to fill gaps of silence within my day, just like dancing to music and doing the dishes it makes the atmosphere more enjoyable.
Music for remembrance – Funerals are one place you would expect to hear and sing music. Where a special selection of songs are chosen to reflect a person’s life and allow you to feel a connection to them. Some songs are forever ingrained in your memory for being played at funerals, songs that you have been conditioned to associate with that event in time, that from now on provoke an emotional response. Just as SOOO many tv shows have managed to forever associate "how to save a life" with sad scenes evoking an emotional response from their viewers
Music for entertainment – By far one of the preferred forms of music is that which is used for entertainment. Attending an event to see a performance by someone who has dedicated many hours and days to mastering (or attempting to master) their specific skill. My father attended a Ten Tenor’s concert where, much to my delight, 10 strapping young lads sang specifically to me (fine... and entire auditorium) for a few hours. Perfect harmony mixed with just the right amount of melody, crescendo and pauses to build an atmosphere and sound of pure brilliance. Closing my eyes the ambience of the sound filled me and I could be anywhere I wanted to be
Ambience... The ability to alter and evoke mood responses through simply the atmosphere surrounding an activity....
"To ancient philosophers so apparent was the influence of music on mind and body, that education without its assistance seemed inconceivable"
Beeching, A. (2010) Beyond talent: Creating a successful career in music. 2Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press
The Power of Music - link to book online
"To ancient philosophers so apparent was the influence of music on mind and body, that education without its assistance seemed inconceivable"
Beeching, A. (2010) Beyond talent: Creating a successful career in music. 2Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press
The Power of Music - link to book online
Saturday, October 1, 2011
October 1 An insight into quiet time with my guitar
As a mood filled with melancholy sweeps over me and I feel myself sinking into a sense of sorrow, the next logical step is to reach behind me and collect the solid black case from the head of my bed. The touch of the plastic handle and familiar weight and balance are a reassuring reminder of times gone by. The solid silver clasps come undone with a flick and an audible thump thanks to the springs in them, revealing my baby in all her glory. The plus aqua lining of the case contrasts and caresses the dark rich polished wood inside. Easing my hands around the neck I bring my guitar out of her hibernation.
Before sitting down I collect my capo, just as fond of a friend as the guitar now nestled in my lap. Each string is tested to see it is perfectly pitched with the others so that each strum produces a magical combination of notes. My fingers move in familiar patterns over each string to exact the perfect note and to follow the tune playing in my mind. Each chord builds on the last and slowly creates a sense of peace within me. The empty house slowly fills with discarded notes and chords and I picture a jumble of animated notes laying at the bottom of the stairs as I continue to play and sing.
Mournful songs sate my sorrowful desires that give way to songs that follow a different tune, strumming elopes from slow and heavyhearted to carefree and upbeat. The music drips from my fingers as my soul embraces it, feeling the peace and happiness once again filling me from within. Sorrow is removed from my surroundings as I give myself as equally to the music as it gives itself to me. As I drift closer to reality once again I continue to play. Now I overlook the street and my gaze is first captured by unfamiliar faces passing by, soon they give way to the attention of the clouds changing in the sky.
My mind is clear and satisfied as I strum a closing chord before tenderly returning my guitar to the embrace of aqua velvet, closing the lid and setting the clasps in place to send her back to slumber. I'll wait until she calls to me once more to caress the smooth dark wood again and to feel the magic of the music consume my soul.
Before sitting down I collect my capo, just as fond of a friend as the guitar now nestled in my lap. Each string is tested to see it is perfectly pitched with the others so that each strum produces a magical combination of notes. My fingers move in familiar patterns over each string to exact the perfect note and to follow the tune playing in my mind. Each chord builds on the last and slowly creates a sense of peace within me. The empty house slowly fills with discarded notes and chords and I picture a jumble of animated notes laying at the bottom of the stairs as I continue to play and sing.
Mournful songs sate my sorrowful desires that give way to songs that follow a different tune, strumming elopes from slow and heavyhearted to carefree and upbeat. The music drips from my fingers as my soul embraces it, feeling the peace and happiness once again filling me from within. Sorrow is removed from my surroundings as I give myself as equally to the music as it gives itself to me. As I drift closer to reality once again I continue to play. Now I overlook the street and my gaze is first captured by unfamiliar faces passing by, soon they give way to the attention of the clouds changing in the sky.
My mind is clear and satisfied as I strum a closing chord before tenderly returning my guitar to the embrace of aqua velvet, closing the lid and setting the clasps in place to send her back to slumber. I'll wait until she calls to me once more to caress the smooth dark wood again and to feel the magic of the music consume my soul.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
September 17 Affordances
Music as a whole is something that lends itself to communication. Not verbal communication but instead on a spiritual or emotional level. It allows a communication between people who would otherwise never talk and transcends boundaries we experience on a daily basis. "[Music] provides a means by which people can share emotions, intentions, and meanings even though their spoken languages may be mutually incomprehensible" (Hargreaves, Macdonald & Miell, 2005)
Walking down the street one chilly afternoon I noticed Mathias Piano Man busking with a piano. He offered to let me play and since then we have become friends.
He recently sent me a link to the video Music, Universal Language showing a number of us busking on his piano. One song I played captured his attention and a number of months later I received a message saying "there you go.. the one you inspired me...is finally a complete song.. and... free to download :) Cheers, enjoy !!"
Music has a unique way of touching the hearts of those around us. It lends itself to solitude and company, listening to an iPod or attending a concert, it knows no bounds to how it communicates with the world around us. "It is through our activities that we…practice skills, express our feelings, experience pleasure…” (Hopkins & Smith, 1983)
From watching a Samoan RWC game at the pub with at least 80 samoan supporters all singing the anthem with harmony to attending a church service allowing you to open your soul as you blend with the voices around you, to simply sitting on a quiet balcony playing to yourself music knows no bounds. Why else would every nation have an anthem?
Hargreaves, D.J., Macdonald, R. & Miell, D. (2005). Musical communication. Oxford University Press: UK
Hopkins, H.L., & Smith, H.D. (1983). Willard and Spackman’s occupational therapy. In Crepeau E. (2003). Analyzing occupation and activity: A way of thinking about occupational performance. In Crepeau, E., Cohn, E., & Schell, B. (Eds.),Willard and Spackman’s occupational therapy (10th ed., pp.189-198). Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Walking down the street one chilly afternoon I noticed Mathias Piano Man busking with a piano. He offered to let me play and since then we have become friends.
He recently sent me a link to the video Music, Universal Language showing a number of us busking on his piano. One song I played captured his attention and a number of months later I received a message saying "there you go.. the one you inspired me...is finally a complete song.. and... free to download :) Cheers, enjoy !!"
Music has a unique way of touching the hearts of those around us. It lends itself to solitude and company, listening to an iPod or attending a concert, it knows no bounds to how it communicates with the world around us. "It is through our activities that we…practice skills, express our feelings, experience pleasure…” (Hopkins & Smith, 1983)
From watching a Samoan RWC game at the pub with at least 80 samoan supporters all singing the anthem with harmony to attending a church service allowing you to open your soul as you blend with the voices around you, to simply sitting on a quiet balcony playing to yourself music knows no bounds. Why else would every nation have an anthem?
Hargreaves, D.J., Macdonald, R. & Miell, D. (2005). Musical communication. Oxford University Press: UK
Hopkins, H.L., & Smith, H.D. (1983). Willard and Spackman’s occupational therapy. In Crepeau E. (2003). Analyzing occupation and activity: A way of thinking about occupational performance. In Crepeau, E., Cohn, E., & Schell, B. (Eds.),Willard and Spackman’s occupational therapy (10th ed., pp.189-198). Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Saturday, September 10, 2011
September 10 What the heck are ergonomics?
"Music should strike from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of women" - Ludwig van Beethoven
I was reading an excerpt from the book Performing Matters by Barry Gibson where he talks about the ergonomics of knowing an instrument, the developed familiarity that leads someone to name it, the acute knowledge of where each finger should go on this specific instrument and the size and weight that feel at home nestled in my lap...
Caulton and Dickson (2007) describe ergonomics as the ability to “constantly make slight invisible adjustments to an activity to adapt to the needs of those taking part and ensure that it continues to work for its intended purpose”.
To me ergonomics include the size of the body of my guitar, the thickness of the neck, nylon vs steel strings, having a pick or a capo, how I'm sitting when I play and all those other things that allow me to close my eyes and play with confidence, not having to look but having what seems to be an innate knowledge of the piece of equipment I'm holding. All that really remains is for me to find the appropriate name for my dear guitar.
I became acutely aware of these factors following a fight between myself, a kinfe and a potato during dinner preparation that led to a nice cut on the tip of the middle finger on my left hand (you should see the other two...). Anyway this incident has impacted on my ability to play the guitar comfortably. Until now I had not been this aware of how important my middle finger is (and not in the sense of a single finger salute). Chords previously played with ease are now played with irritation as my short term memory steps up in all its GLORY and I repeatedly cause myself pain by forgetting to not play with my injured finger!
On the other hand time out from playing allows me time to write without the distraction of trying to fit a tune. Composition of lyrics and composition of melody are two very separate items. The environment surrounding me provides me with inspiration; someone unexpected walking past my window, rain when the sun is still shining bright, clouds lazily drifting by, blank walls, a poster I've had all my life, seeing a friend, receiving a txt or even checking up on facebook are all things that dare me to put them onto paper. Triggers for a physiological or emotional response just waiting to be translated to the language that is music.
"Music, even in situations of the greatest horror, should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it, and thereby always remain music." - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Guitar and my inner creativity
An introduction to the purpose behind this part of the blog is my passion for music. One of the activities that has played a big role in my life so far is music: listening, playing, writing, singing and pretty much any other 'ing' word imaginable. At home growing up teenage angst and the odd occasion of PMS helped develop my passion for music, whenever I was feeling angry or emotional the piano was my best friend. Leaving home and travelling to university was the beginning of a new friendship with a nylon strung guitar in a solid case sturdy enough to deal with any clumsiness I could throw it's way.
One of the goals in my two hours of guitar and (attempted) composition this week was to focus on something else at the same time. It sounds simple enough on the surface but attempting to craft and compose while not focusing on the task at hand is something that creates an internal war of sorts. To create music it needs care and attention, something that is difficult to offer while focusing on not focusing on the topic at hand. Playing absently can be done without focus however as soon as you want to capture what you have been playing your focus shifts.
As much as I enjoy playing for personal enjoyment and as a method of relaxation and stress relief, attempting to purposely compose a piece of music can become a significant cause of stress. The physical issues like the caluses developing on the tips of your fingers, tired fingers from plucking and a stiff back from hunching over. Emotional stresses include realising your lack of co-ordination, trying to find the right words and melodies, trying to capture the essence of a moment or a feeling in words and notes that never seem to match up quite right. However this is only week one and the weeks to follow will give a more complete picture of composition and if i have what it takes. Till next time...
One of the goals in my two hours of guitar and (attempted) composition this week was to focus on something else at the same time. It sounds simple enough on the surface but attempting to craft and compose while not focusing on the task at hand is something that creates an internal war of sorts. To create music it needs care and attention, something that is difficult to offer while focusing on not focusing on the topic at hand. Playing absently can be done without focus however as soon as you want to capture what you have been playing your focus shifts.
As much as I enjoy playing for personal enjoyment and as a method of relaxation and stress relief, attempting to purposely compose a piece of music can become a significant cause of stress. The physical issues like the caluses developing on the tips of your fingers, tired fingers from plucking and a stiff back from hunching over. Emotional stresses include realising your lack of co-ordination, trying to find the right words and melodies, trying to capture the essence of a moment or a feeling in words and notes that never seem to match up quite right. However this is only week one and the weeks to follow will give a more complete picture of composition and if i have what it takes. Till next time...
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Other OT Blogs
Well in linking to other OT blogs you get to see alot of cool videos made by other groups.
Here are the 5 i chose to link to
Janine's
Amazingly awesome Alice's
A cool blog with relevance to Sensory Processing Disorders
The OT Toolkit blog
And a cool blog on assistive technology
Theres some cool stuff on these and can be worth a look if you're interested
Here are the 5 i chose to link to
Janine's
Amazingly awesome Alice's
A cool blog with relevance to Sensory Processing Disorders
The OT Toolkit blog
And a cool blog on assistive technology
Theres some cool stuff on these and can be worth a look if you're interested
Tutorial Eight and the end is in sight
Assistive technology generally refers to “broad range of devices, services, strategies, and practices that are conceived and applied to ameliorate the problems faced by individuals who have disabilities” (Cook & Hussey, 1995). So in real persons talk it pretty much includes everything used to help overcome challenges that people with disabilities have, or anything that makes it easier to do 'stuff'.
Well I was lucky enough to be in a different city when Dave came to speak about assistive technology. So I apparently missed out on a lot, especially considering all these other blogs have mentioned he happens to be an ex-model... Ah but that is life.
So instead of writing about the technology everyone else mentioned... Im going to link straight back to a wonderful thing i mentioned right at the beginning..... Word Q. This is a program that gets loaded onto your computer and makes typing easier. It predicts words from you typing in the first letter and means for people with reduced hand function they are able to work faster than they can unassisted. Success!
So, scroll down to my earlier posts and you will see all sorts of information (mostly just a video but it sounds better if I talk it up) about Word Q.
So instead of writing about the technology everyone else mentioned... Im going to link straight back to a wonderful thing i mentioned right at the beginning..... Word Q. This is a program that gets loaded onto your computer and makes typing easier. It predicts words from you typing in the first letter and means for people with reduced hand function they are able to work faster than they can unassisted. Success!
So, scroll down to my earlier posts and you will see all sorts of information (mostly just a video but it sounds better if I talk it up) about Word Q.
Enjoy
Cook, A., & Hussey, S. (1995). Assistive technologies: Principles and practice. St. Louis: Mosby.
Tute Six – Online communities and the interweb
So communities come in a number of different shapes and forms. From the people within the area you live, your classmates, your bowling club or other groups you may be involved in, each forms a community with people who have similar interests. Another form of communities are virtual or online. I get to tell you about three online communities of my choice that are relevant to either me or to OT.
My first placement brought me into contact with a thing called Sensory Processing Disorder so I'm going to introduce three communities that are concerned with SPD. SPD is a disorder where sensory information is not 'normal' examples include being highly sensitive to touch or taste, bright lights may cause children pain that leads to tantrums, others need to feel pressure on their joints to be calm. It's such a broad classification that i advise looking through these communities and having a read to better understand what it is really like.
1. Firstly let me introduce you to www.sensory-processing-disorder.com
This is a website devoted to being a resource center for all things related to SPD from signs and symptoms to picky eaters pretty much everything is covered. Including a section for parents, stories about SPD experiences, a Q & A section and is choc-a-block full of information. This site is interactive and anyone can ask a question and be given feedback from others. This site is primarily to give help to desperate parents.
Heres an example of some of the input from people and it shows the importance of communities such as this, it is a place where other people understand and wont just tell you you're imagining things.
"My son has been diagnosed with Sensory processing Disorder and people are asking if the reason why he is acting like this is maybe it because of having tubes put in his ear is this possible or is it really SPD?"
with a response saying
"..People are constantly suggesting other diagnosis's or telling me he will grow out of it.. or telling me "we don't know yet and we should wait until he is older". Other people jump in to say, "my son does that... or my daughter does that.. why are you so worried". No one seems to get it..."
Ethics and all that
Site management state that they use tracking to moniter the movements and activity of users for the sake of analysing trends and gathering demographic data. There is a lack of identity and accountability but the nature of the site is primarily for the parents and provides information for them. Parents are going there to find other things that might work for their children and abuse of the resources are not overly likely.
2. Just as with everything else that exists today there is a Sensory Processing Disorder group on facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=51964841184&v=wall
So, facebook is a very useable resource for members of the community in general to get together and discuss things. This group is providing a platform for parents to discuss and get new ideas and support for their children and how to deal with SPD. The group page is open to the public and it is conveniently located within facebook so for many people who do use facebook it is more conveniet than going to an external site for support. It's a world wide community with input from people from a range of cultures and backgrounds, offering more assistance than one could normally find in their local community. Members give input about everything including products that are useful or camps and retreats.
Here's an example of some of the member content
"Does anyone else's child clear their throat every minute or two? My son has been doing this for 3 days now and it is driving us all insane! He does it more when he is about to put food into his mouth"
"Yes, our daughter does (she has had to do since she was little). Constantly telling her to take a big cough. It got better once we put her on the GFCF diet. Just found out this week that she is allergic to soy, peanuts, and egg whites. So hoping it will get better soon. Hang in there.... it does drive people insane."
Ethical issues with facebook include the fact that your full name will be displayed to other people on facebook and information can be viewed by anyone with a facebook account. There could potentially be cases of people abusing the system however knowledge of SPD is not overly common so it is less likely to be stumbled upon by opportunists.
3. Last but not least is the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation website www.spdfoundation.net
The SPDF's purpose is expanding knowledge, fostering awareness and promoting recognition of Sensory Processing Disorder. The website encourages members to participate in research and members gain a 10% discount on training programs with the foundation. As with the first community i discussed the is plenty of information but the first one had far more detailed and usable information. Membership costs $50 but does provide some added extras for members. There are newsletters and libraries of resources for both the public and for members. Member participation is hidden in the member only section of the website so i'm not entirely sure of what they have to offer but the site does seem seem to be well put together and has lots of useful information.
The ethics surrounding this website are not overly compromising. you have to be a registered member to access member only areas and it protects member information
Tada, this should be the end of a long post. Thankyou for bearing with me!
Tute Five... Videos!
Its really quite difficult to 'provide a brief summary of the services offered by youtube'... It's a place were people of varying levels of talent go and upload videos and some of them end up famous or famously hated. With a few mouse clicks you can see Justin Bieber before he got famous and you can see why most of the world seems to hate someone called Rebecca Black. Asides from 'music' youtube has a wide range of videos from clips off tv shows to people voicing their opinions on current affairs, tutorials on how to do things which i have used including how to hula-hoop and what on earth the newton rhapson method was for my statistics exam. The world is at your fingertips thanks to the worldwide user contribution from youtube.
One topic that is fairly close to my heart is music. I've chosen five different videos that are significant to me.
The first one is a song called Cinderella
Steven Curtis Chapman wrote this about his little daughters because one night he felt God whisper to savour the time he had with them after a stressful bath time one night. A few months after this song was written his youngest daughter was tragically killed in a car accident involving an older sibling. I've listened to this so many times and have played and sung it on piano and guitar. One of the truly special songs in life that holds extra meaning and reminders.
For the sake of saving space the other four videos are listed as links.
Hillsong Chapel - You'll Come
One of the most memorable songs I've sung at church. Can lead to some rather emotional moments...
On a lighter note... The Lazy Song - Bruno Mars I think this kind of video is pretty amazing and has had me spending a few hours giggling and i have forced all of my flatmates to watch it. If you haven't watched it... trust me its amazing!!
This next one is a little treat "Star Wars" preformed by a choir... I saw a choir sing this at the Big sing in my final year at high school and it reminds me of a road trip with some awesome friends and a crazy teacher.
Finally a dedication to two of the reasons i may or may not be in love with Gerard Butler - I am aware i said five videos but this really warrants two. a scene from P.s. I love you singing Galway Girl, and another from Phantom of the opera, Music of the night. Lets just say I love a man that can sing and my brother banned me from ever renting phantom again as the first time i rented it it may have been played about six times...
My five (six) videos are all indicators of important times in my life and memorable moments.
One topic that is fairly close to my heart is music. I've chosen five different videos that are significant to me.
The first one is a song called Cinderella
For the sake of saving space the other four videos are listed as links.
Hillsong Chapel - You'll Come
One of the most memorable songs I've sung at church. Can lead to some rather emotional moments...
On a lighter note... The Lazy Song - Bruno Mars I think this kind of video is pretty amazing and has had me spending a few hours giggling and i have forced all of my flatmates to watch it. If you haven't watched it... trust me its amazing!!
This next one is a little treat "Star Wars" preformed by a choir... I saw a choir sing this at the Big sing in my final year at high school and it reminds me of a road trip with some awesome friends and a crazy teacher.
Finally a dedication to two of the reasons i may or may not be in love with Gerard Butler - I am aware i said five videos but this really warrants two. a scene from P.s. I love you singing Galway Girl, and another from Phantom of the opera, Music of the night. Lets just say I love a man that can sing and my brother banned me from ever renting phantom again as the first time i rented it it may have been played about six times...
My five (six) videos are all indicators of important times in my life and memorable moments.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
"Overcoming Adversity"
We got to have fun and create videos with the theme of overcoming adversity. Watch and i hope you enjoy it.
As my blogger setup is refusing to allow me to post the video here is a link to the video on a classmates blog AnniesBlog: Our film "Displaced People"
So now that you (may have) seen our masterpiece its time for me to apparently go in depth about the process of making it.
First we started by trying to figure out what exactly we could do with out assigned topic. We were advised/instructed to do a story board though we used a slightly different and crazier method of deciding what we wanted to happen and to some extent making it up as we went although our main plans and ideas remained the same. It was really cool working in a group and bouncing ideas of each other and figuring out how crazy we could get and if we could involve lecturers.
As my blogger setup is refusing to allow me to post the video here is a link to the video on a classmates blog AnniesBlog: Our film "Displaced People"
So now that you (may have) seen our masterpiece its time for me to apparently go in depth about the process of making it.
First we started by trying to figure out what exactly we could do with out assigned topic. We were advised/instructed to do a story board though we used a slightly different and crazier method of deciding what we wanted to happen and to some extent making it up as we went although our main plans and ideas remained the same. It was really cool working in a group and bouncing ideas of each other and figuring out how crazy we could get and if we could involve lecturers.
Digital Imaging? Whats with all these complicated words?
So another set of words being thrown around are 'Digital Imaging'. This includes the photos we put up on facebook to show the awesome things we've been doing, Videos of friends doing silly things, and as I have personally discovered medical imaging of fractures and really gross pictures of inside your stomach if you're lucky enough to have had an endoscopy...
I talked in an earlier post about hardware and software a little bit and some cool examples of software that come in handy are movie maker and photoshop - click the link for an example of what can be done with Imaging software. Digital imaging use skyrocketed after the christchurch earthquake with cellphone videos and images being streamed to the news. CAT scans X-rays and MRI's are all ways of using digital imaging systems to see things that are inside without surgery.
"A new technology is rarely superior to an old one in every feature"
With respect to digital cameras this is an interesting quote. Digital cameras are becoming more high tech, my brother recently spent a ridiculous amount on a very fancy camera that comes in its own yellow hardcover waterproof (and possibly bombproof) case so that he can take really good pictures. This is an addition to his waterproof camera that goes kayaking with him and his other camera that got passed on to his girlfriend. The new camera is apparently the modern day equivalent of Dad's old film camera that is sitting in the cupboard collecting dust. Perhaps technology is like money, when dad was a child 20c would buy enough lollies to satisfy a child for a week, however now that is more like $5-10. Just as inflation is taken into account when calculating comparisons for money, technological inflation is relevant to things such as cameras. Digital today means usable, film means sitting on the shelf. However as my brother just informed me "The highest quality digital images come from film cameras developed on slides then scanned onto a computer" so really these fancy digital cameras are not superior to the quality of film.
But what about ethics?
Well bold and italic heading that is a very good point, with the wide distribution of photos the issue of ethics arises. Putting photos of a 'social gathering' on facebook may be all very well but what happens when some of the people in the photos are uncomfortable with them being visible to friends family and co-workers? And what happens about ownership of photos because as i said in my previous post, once its posted you can't take it back.
Digital Imaging and Occupational Therapy
I had a cool experience on placement of making a flip chart for a lovely wee girl about how to make a sandwich. It was a step by step guide using pictures of her making the sandwich. The fact that it was pictures of her meant that it was a personal reminder and would be easier for her to follow and remember.
Digital Imaging and me!
A picture is worth a thousand words and looking through my old pictures allows me to re-live fond memories, and just because you are such a special reader I've put 5 pictures of my exploits at the very top of this from Japan and the NZ falcon reserve Wingspan. Enjoy.
I talked in an earlier post about hardware and software a little bit and some cool examples of software that come in handy are movie maker and photoshop - click the link for an example of what can be done with Imaging software. Digital imaging use skyrocketed after the christchurch earthquake with cellphone videos and images being streamed to the news. CAT scans X-rays and MRI's are all ways of using digital imaging systems to see things that are inside without surgery.
"A new technology is rarely superior to an old one in every feature"
With respect to digital cameras this is an interesting quote. Digital cameras are becoming more high tech, my brother recently spent a ridiculous amount on a very fancy camera that comes in its own yellow hardcover waterproof (and possibly bombproof) case so that he can take really good pictures. This is an addition to his waterproof camera that goes kayaking with him and his other camera that got passed on to his girlfriend. The new camera is apparently the modern day equivalent of Dad's old film camera that is sitting in the cupboard collecting dust. Perhaps technology is like money, when dad was a child 20c would buy enough lollies to satisfy a child for a week, however now that is more like $5-10. Just as inflation is taken into account when calculating comparisons for money, technological inflation is relevant to things such as cameras. Digital today means usable, film means sitting on the shelf. However as my brother just informed me "The highest quality digital images come from film cameras developed on slides then scanned onto a computer" so really these fancy digital cameras are not superior to the quality of film.
But what about ethics?
Well bold and italic heading that is a very good point, with the wide distribution of photos the issue of ethics arises. Putting photos of a 'social gathering' on facebook may be all very well but what happens when some of the people in the photos are uncomfortable with them being visible to friends family and co-workers? And what happens about ownership of photos because as i said in my previous post, once its posted you can't take it back.
Digital Imaging and Occupational Therapy
I had a cool experience on placement of making a flip chart for a lovely wee girl about how to make a sandwich. It was a step by step guide using pictures of her making the sandwich. The fact that it was pictures of her meant that it was a personal reminder and would be easier for her to follow and remember.
Digital Imaging and me!
A picture is worth a thousand words and looking through my old pictures allows me to re-live fond memories, and just because you are such a special reader I've put 5 pictures of my exploits at the very top of this from Japan and the NZ falcon reserve Wingspan. Enjoy.
Friday, April 8, 2011
All this Technological Jargon
I.T?
Believe it o not technology is slowly overtaking our lives, typewriters have been phased out and Microsoft word has become the rule. A really cool definition of Information Technology comes from a website called www.if4it.com describing it as "technology used for the study, understanding, planning, design, construction, testing, distribution, support and operations of software, computers and computer related systems that exist for the purpose of Data, Information and Knowledge processing." so pretty much everything to do with computers that involves information, data and learning. So why am I going on about IT? because until someone weird like me starts ranting about it you don't realise that most of your life has been consumed by IT. All of the work you do is usually recorded on a hard drive or database of some sort, I know that when I'm either flatting or at home there is one computer per person, I have an Ipod, and external hard drive and a 4gb memory stick to compliment my laptop which can communicate with both my camera and cell phone with a simple cable.
IT and me
Dad is always surprised at how easily the younger generation picks up new technologies, I think this is because we aren't afraid to pick something up and see what happens when we push the big red button, and if you cant solve it "google it". Hence why I'm not really daunted by any new programs or devices that are put in front of me, though if I was dealing with a new program and had no access to google for help I dare say I might be in a little trouble.
OT and IT
Ok that heading is mostly there because it looks cool, but as a second year Occupational Therapy (OT) student I am becoming more and more aware of how IT can be used therapeutically. On my first placement I was working mostly with children with Cerebral Palsy (Click the link if you aren't familiar with CP). Some of these children didn't have much delicate movement of their hands so many of them were using laptops with programs like WordQ that predicts the word as you type so that less keys have to be pushed.
Hopefully you can see at least a potential benefit of technologies like these for people with difficulty typing. Other interesting programs allow you to speak into a microphone and it types on the screen, very useful for a paraplegic friend of mine with minimal use of his hands. This is all very well to write about but its the practical use that is important. Programs like this could mean the difference between paid employment and being on the benefit, or independence and relying on a scribe.
Ethics and IT
All this technology is wonderful, you can read anything, write anything and go crazy. However the thing with the internet is that once it's out there you can't get it back. Once it is posted you can delete something but you have no way of knowing if anyone has copied it. Just as when you say something you cant retract it the same happens with txt, e-mail, or facebook. Intellectual property as defined by iponz.govt.nz "is an umbrella term used for human innovations and creativity that are capable of being protected under national law and international treaties. IP includes a diverse range of commercial assets from patents for new inventions through to copyright protected artworks" so it's all of the things that people make and the copyrights covering them. Wisegeek describe Social Justice as a desire for equal justice for everyone in society, not just in a court room of course the link goes into far more depth than how I've described it. Another key term is Informed Consent and I've gone to yet another Wisegeek page, informed consent is generally thought of in reference to medical procedures where it is important for people to be fully informed of everything that is going on.
Hope you've learnt a little. Enjoy
Believe it o not technology is slowly overtaking our lives, typewriters have been phased out and Microsoft word has become the rule. A really cool definition of Information Technology comes from a website called www.if4it.com describing it as "technology used for the study, understanding, planning, design, construction, testing, distribution, support and operations of software, computers and computer related systems that exist for the purpose of Data, Information and Knowledge processing." so pretty much everything to do with computers that involves information, data and learning. So why am I going on about IT? because until someone weird like me starts ranting about it you don't realise that most of your life has been consumed by IT. All of the work you do is usually recorded on a hard drive or database of some sort, I know that when I'm either flatting or at home there is one computer per person, I have an Ipod, and external hard drive and a 4gb memory stick to compliment my laptop which can communicate with both my camera and cell phone with a simple cable.
IT and me
Dad is always surprised at how easily the younger generation picks up new technologies, I think this is because we aren't afraid to pick something up and see what happens when we push the big red button, and if you cant solve it "google it". Hence why I'm not really daunted by any new programs or devices that are put in front of me, though if I was dealing with a new program and had no access to google for help I dare say I might be in a little trouble.
OT and IT
Ok that heading is mostly there because it looks cool, but as a second year Occupational Therapy (OT) student I am becoming more and more aware of how IT can be used therapeutically. On my first placement I was working mostly with children with Cerebral Palsy (Click the link if you aren't familiar with CP). Some of these children didn't have much delicate movement of their hands so many of them were using laptops with programs like WordQ that predicts the word as you type so that less keys have to be pushed.
Hopefully you can see at least a potential benefit of technologies like these for people with difficulty typing. Other interesting programs allow you to speak into a microphone and it types on the screen, very useful for a paraplegic friend of mine with minimal use of his hands. This is all very well to write about but its the practical use that is important. Programs like this could mean the difference between paid employment and being on the benefit, or independence and relying on a scribe.
Ethics and IT
All this technology is wonderful, you can read anything, write anything and go crazy. However the thing with the internet is that once it's out there you can't get it back. Once it is posted you can delete something but you have no way of knowing if anyone has copied it. Just as when you say something you cant retract it the same happens with txt, e-mail, or facebook. Intellectual property as defined by iponz.govt.nz "is an umbrella term used for human innovations and creativity that are capable of being protected under national law and international treaties. IP includes a diverse range of commercial assets from patents for new inventions through to copyright protected artworks" so it's all of the things that people make and the copyrights covering them. Wisegeek describe Social Justice as a desire for equal justice for everyone in society, not just in a court room of course the link goes into far more depth than how I've described it. Another key term is Informed Consent and I've gone to yet another Wisegeek page, informed consent is generally thought of in reference to medical procedures where it is important for people to be fully informed of everything that is going on.
Hope you've learnt a little. Enjoy
Friday, March 4, 2011
Teens and Technology
Teenagers commonly use a number of forms of technology in daily life. This video shows some general communication between a father and son (put to music of course) and the occupations the son seems to most commonly engage in.
I'm not this bad but the IT tools are familiar
I'm not this bad but the IT tools are familiar
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