This presentation was part of a session run by Nicola Osborne, EDINA, for the University of Edinburgh Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice's Learning and Teaching Online module. Accompanying notes can be found here: http://nicolaosborne.blogs.edina.ac.uk/files/2010/10/SocMed-Notes.pdf.
Safe Community Partnership October 2013 Social Media & TechnologyScott Mills
Presented Oct 29, 2013 in Toronto, Ontario "Social Media And Technology: New Opportunities and Benefits, New Challenges" Faye Misha, Dean & Professor Factor-Inwentash Facutly of Social Work and Margaret & Wallace McCain Family Chair in Child & Family, University of Toronto
This presentation was part of a session run by Nicola Osborne, EDINA, for the University of Edinburgh Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice's Learning and Teaching Online module. Accompanying notes can be found here: http://nicolaosborne.blogs.edina.ac.uk/files/2010/10/SocMed-Notes.pdf.
Safe Community Partnership October 2013 Social Media & TechnologyScott Mills
Presented Oct 29, 2013 in Toronto, Ontario "Social Media And Technology: New Opportunities and Benefits, New Challenges" Faye Misha, Dean & Professor Factor-Inwentash Facutly of Social Work and Margaret & Wallace McCain Family Chair in Child & Family, University of Toronto
Brandtzæg, P.B., & Heim, J. (2009). Why people use social networking sites. Proceedings of the HCI International. (pp. 143–152). In A.A. Ozok and P. Zaphiris (Eds.): Online Communities, LNCS. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, San Diego, CA, USA, 19-24 July
Health Care Knowledge Transfer Using The Online EnvironmentAnita Hamilton PhD
I gave this presentation to a group of health care managers in Alberta Canada (February 2009). The goal of this presentation was to increase awareness around the possibilities that Web 2.0 tools offer the managers to enable their teams to network, collaborate and share knowledge. It was well received and I have been asked to present it again in December 2009.
A presentation about the process and outcome of creating a program for people with acquired brain injury to learn how to safely and effectively use a blog and Facebook.
Brandtzæg, P.B., & Heim, J. (2009). Why people use social networking sites. Proceedings of the HCI International. (pp. 143–152). In A.A. Ozok and P. Zaphiris (Eds.): Online Communities, LNCS. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, San Diego, CA, USA, 19-24 July
Health Care Knowledge Transfer Using The Online EnvironmentAnita Hamilton PhD
I gave this presentation to a group of health care managers in Alberta Canada (February 2009). The goal of this presentation was to increase awareness around the possibilities that Web 2.0 tools offer the managers to enable their teams to network, collaborate and share knowledge. It was well received and I have been asked to present it again in December 2009.
A presentation about the process and outcome of creating a program for people with acquired brain injury to learn how to safely and effectively use a blog and Facebook.
Social Media Unboxed Ii Best Practices For Kt In HealthcareAnita Hamilton PhD
This was an invited presentation by RTNA in Alberta. This is another one on the topic of using wikis in health care education. The findings from the focus groups was included in this presentation, and the recommendations for best practice in introducing a wiki in health care education.
Online technology for Occupational Therapy: Presentation for studentsAnita Hamilton PhD
This is similar to the presentation given at the WFOT congress. I used this presentation with my students who were learning about online technology with me in my 13 hour intensive "module".
Investigating the impact of curriculum on attitudes by first year occupationa...Anita Hamilton PhD
This was a presentation that I gave during the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education at Deakin University. This pilot study lead to a fourth year honours research study in 2007 by Alison Naughton.
Understanding learning styles to enhance the experience of being a first year...Anita Hamilton PhD
This is a presentation I gave at the Deakin University Festival of Teaching and Learning in 2006. The presentation is about enabling students to understand their own learning styles in order to work better in groups, and ultimately with clients after they graduate.
The 411 on Facebook: An FYI for TeachersAPatterson79
This power point presentation provides a brief description of social networking, specifically focusing on Facebook. The reasons why children use it, the pros and cons of it, and how to keep kids safe on Facebook are all addressed in this presentation.
For this research paper we had to give our opinion about how Social Media is either helpful or hurtful for society. We were assigned to either research the helpful or hurtful side. The side I was given to research was the hurtful side.
Evaluation or Definition Argument A .docxSANSKAR20
Evaluation or Definition Argument
A B C
D
Very strong
Strong
Average
Somewhat Weak
Weak
Introduction: has a hook and is engaging? Sets up context? Has focus? Type of argument is clear?
Target audience awareness
Clear and direct thesis statement near the beginning? Has clearly-defined criteria attached to it? Follows template for definition or evaluation argument?
Structure/organization, focus/clarity: stays on topic and follows criteria?
Support/explanation: avoids summary? Depth and specific examples and details? Logical? Quotations sandwiched appropriately and cited properly using MLA format? Individual thinking is evident? Doesn’t rely on sources too much?4-6 sources, including popular?
Voice/tone: distinctive? Engaging? Consistent? Appropriate for audience?
Counterarguments: considers other viewpoints and handles them appropriately?
Conclusion: engaging? Wraps things up clearly? Shows how all points fit together?
Mechanics (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc.) are sound? Works cited page is done correctly?
Estimated Grade:
Boushahri 4
Reem Boushahri
Is Facebook Good Social Media for Older?
Facebook is an excellent social media network that offers engaging social services across generations including the older generations. Currently, Facebook has over one billion users worldwide across ages and the number continue to increase. Most people associate Facebook with the young generation. Because they are entirely comfortable with the use of Facebook. Some older people prefer using Facebook, in fact, from the year 2000 to the year 2009, the number of people who aged between 50 and 64 who use Facebook increased by 70%. Facebook is a good social network for older people because of the ability of sharing many things with family and friends, safety and security and it’s easy to use.
Facebook social media facilitate sharing of ideas, information, and connection of people with family and friends. As people age up, most of the social connections are cut. The link between colleagues, friends, and loved ones is reduced to a minimal or lost. This is because of the retirement and establishment of permanent places of dwellings different from the original residential places. The older people also get weak to get involved in traveling to catch up with old friends and families. Kate argue that, “The Facebook, therefore, provides an alternative form to connect with the friends and relatives” (3). The old people will find it easier to send direct messages to friends and families. This makes them convey their concerns and feeling directly to the intended audience. A feeling of social satisfaction and a connection is, therefore, achieved because they obtain responses from the friends and relatives as soon as possible if not instantly. The social events and proceedings in the surroundings can also be ...
Collaborative knowledge construction with wikisMichael Rowe
This is the presentation that I gave at the HELTASA conference in Johannesburg on 27 November, 2009.
I discuss social media in general, and wikis in particular, as well as their role and application in higher education.
I go on to discuss the results of a wiki-based assignment that I gave to a class of fourth year physiotherapy students, and their experiences with the wiki.
Similar to Using Facebook for Social Networking after Acquired Brain Injury (CAOT 2011) (20)
Innovative teaching strategies for student-centred learning: Utilising Honey...Anita Hamilton PhD
Hamilton, A. (2006). Innovative teaching strategies for student-centred learning: Utilising Honey & Mumford’s Learning Styles. Poster presentation at World Federation of Occupational Therapist International congress, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Virtual Therapists: teaching tomorrows health care practitioners how to use W...Anita Hamilton PhD
This presentation was given at the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education conference in Ottawa, ON, in June 2009. The key message was that with the right educators and right tools Wikis can enhance group learning activities.
This is the presentation I gave at the Knowledge Translation conference at Banff on September 30th. This presentation is about the wiki project we are currently undertaking at the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the UofA.
Integrating Ayurveda into Parkinson’s Management: A Holistic ApproachAyurveda ForAll
Explore the benefits of combining Ayurveda with conventional Parkinson's treatments. Learn how a holistic approach can manage symptoms, enhance well-being, and balance body energies. Discover the steps to safely integrate Ayurvedic practices into your Parkinson’s care plan, including expert guidance on diet, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications.
DISSERTATION on NEW DRUG DISCOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT STAGES OF DRUG DISCOVERYNEHA GUPTA
The process of drug discovery and development is a complex and multi-step endeavor aimed at bringing new pharmaceutical drugs to market. It begins with identifying and validating a biological target, such as a protein, gene, or RNA, that is associated with a disease. This step involves understanding the target's role in the disease and confirming that modulating it can have therapeutic effects. The next stage, hit identification, employs high-throughput screening (HTS) and other methods to find compounds that interact with the target. Computational techniques may also be used to identify potential hits from large compound libraries.
Following hit identification, the hits are optimized to improve their efficacy, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties, resulting in lead compounds. These leads undergo further refinement to enhance their potency, reduce toxicity, and improve drug-like characteristics, creating drug candidates suitable for preclinical testing. In the preclinical development phase, drug candidates are tested in vitro (in cell cultures) and in vivo (in animal models) to evaluate their safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Toxicology studies are conducted to assess potential risks.
Before clinical trials can begin, an Investigational New Drug (IND) application must be submitted to regulatory authorities. This application includes data from preclinical studies and plans for clinical trials. Clinical development involves human trials in three phases: Phase I tests the drug's safety and dosage in a small group of healthy volunteers, Phase II assesses the drug's efficacy and side effects in a larger group of patients with the target disease, and Phase III confirms the drug's efficacy and monitors adverse reactions in a large population, often compared to existing treatments.
After successful clinical trials, a New Drug Application (NDA) is submitted to regulatory authorities for approval, including all data from preclinical and clinical studies, as well as proposed labeling and manufacturing information. Regulatory authorities then review the NDA to ensure the drug is safe, effective, and of high quality, potentially requiring additional studies. Finally, after a drug is approved and marketed, it undergoes post-marketing surveillance, which includes continuous monitoring for long-term safety and effectiveness, pharmacovigilance, and reporting of any adverse effects.
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
Rasamanikya is a excellent preparation in the field of Rasashastra, it is used in various Kushtha Roga, Shwasa, Vicharchika, Bhagandara, Vatarakta, and Phiranga Roga. In this article Preparation& Comparative analytical profile for both Formulationon i.e Rasamanikya prepared by Kushmanda swarasa & Churnodhaka Shodita Haratala. The study aims to provide insights into the comparative efficacy and analytical aspects of these formulations for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Title: Sense of Smell
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the primary categories of smells and the concept of odor blindness.
Explain the structure and location of the olfactory membrane and mucosa, including the types and roles of cells involved in olfaction.
Describe the pathway and mechanisms of olfactory signal transmission from the olfactory receptors to the brain.
Illustrate the biochemical cascade triggered by odorant binding to olfactory receptors, including the role of G-proteins and second messengers in generating an action potential.
Identify different types of olfactory disorders such as anosmia, hyposmia, hyperosmia, and dysosmia, including their potential causes.
Key Topics:
Olfactory Genes:
3% of the human genome accounts for olfactory genes.
400 genes for odorant receptors.
Olfactory Membrane:
Located in the superior part of the nasal cavity.
Medially: Folds downward along the superior septum.
Laterally: Folds over the superior turbinate and upper surface of the middle turbinate.
Total surface area: 5-10 square centimeters.
Olfactory Mucosa:
Olfactory Cells: Bipolar nerve cells derived from the CNS (100 million), with 4-25 olfactory cilia per cell.
Sustentacular Cells: Produce mucus and maintain ionic and molecular environment.
Basal Cells: Replace worn-out olfactory cells with an average lifespan of 1-2 months.
Bowman’s Gland: Secretes mucus.
Stimulation of Olfactory Cells:
Odorant dissolves in mucus and attaches to receptors on olfactory cilia.
Involves a cascade effect through G-proteins and second messengers, leading to depolarization and action potential generation in the olfactory nerve.
Quality of a Good Odorant:
Small (3-20 Carbon atoms), volatile, water-soluble, and lipid-soluble.
Facilitated by odorant-binding proteins in mucus.
Membrane Potential and Action Potential:
Resting membrane potential: -55mV.
Action potential frequency in the olfactory nerve increases with odorant strength.
Adaptation Towards the Sense of Smell:
Rapid adaptation within the first second, with further slow adaptation.
Psychological adaptation greater than receptor adaptation, involving feedback inhibition from the central nervous system.
Primary Sensations of Smell:
Camphoraceous, Musky, Floral, Pepperminty, Ethereal, Pungent, Putrid.
Odor Detection Threshold:
Examples: Hydrogen sulfide (0.0005 ppm), Methyl-mercaptan (0.002 ppm).
Some toxic substances are odorless at lethal concentrations.
Characteristics of Smell:
Odor blindness for single substances due to lack of appropriate receptor protein.
Behavioral and emotional influences of smell.
Transmission of Olfactory Signals:
From olfactory cells to glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, involving lateral inhibition.
Primitive, less old, and new olfactory systems with different path
Title: Sense of Taste
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the structure and function of taste buds.
Describe the relationship between the taste threshold and taste index of common substances.
Explain the chemical basis and signal transduction of taste perception for each type of primary taste sensation.
Recognize different abnormalities of taste perception and their causes.
Key Topics:
Significance of Taste Sensation:
Differentiation between pleasant and harmful food
Influence on behavior
Selection of food based on metabolic needs
Receptors of Taste:
Taste buds on the tongue
Influence of sense of smell, texture of food, and pain stimulation (e.g., by pepper)
Primary and Secondary Taste Sensations:
Primary taste sensations: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Chemical basis and signal transduction mechanisms for each taste
Taste Threshold and Index:
Taste threshold values for Sweet (sucrose), Salty (NaCl), Sour (HCl), and Bitter (Quinine)
Taste index relationship: Inversely proportional to taste threshold
Taste Blindness:
Inability to taste certain substances, particularly thiourea compounds
Example: Phenylthiocarbamide
Structure and Function of Taste Buds:
Composition: Epithelial cells, Sustentacular/Supporting cells, Taste cells, Basal cells
Features: Taste pores, Taste hairs/microvilli, and Taste nerve fibers
Location of Taste Buds:
Found in papillae of the tongue (Fungiform, Circumvallate, Foliate)
Also present on the palate, tonsillar pillars, epiglottis, and proximal esophagus
Mechanism of Taste Stimulation:
Interaction of taste substances with receptors on microvilli
Signal transduction pathways for Umami, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, and Salty tastes
Taste Sensitivity and Adaptation:
Decrease in sensitivity with age
Rapid adaptation of taste sensation
Role of Saliva in Taste:
Dissolution of tastants to reach receptors
Washing away the stimulus
Taste Preferences and Aversions:
Mechanisms behind taste preference and aversion
Influence of receptors and neural pathways
Impact of Sensory Nerve Damage:
Degeneration of taste buds if the sensory nerve fiber is cut
Abnormalities of Taste Detection:
Conditions: Ageusia, Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia (parageusia)
Causes: Nerve damage, neurological disorders, infections, poor oral hygiene, adverse drug effects, deficiencies, aging, tobacco use, altered neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters and Taste Threshold:
Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) on taste sensitivity
Supertasters:
25% of the population with heightened sensitivity to taste, especially bitterness
Increased number of fungiform papillae
ABDOMINAL TRAUMA in pediatrics part one.drhasanrajab
Abdominal trauma in pediatrics refers to injuries or damage to the abdominal organs in children. It can occur due to various causes such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and physical abuse. Children are more vulnerable to abdominal trauma due to their unique anatomical and physiological characteristics. Signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, tenderness, distension, vomiting, and signs of shock. Diagnosis involves physical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Management depends on the severity and may involve conservative treatment or surgical intervention. Prevention is crucial in reducing the incidence of abdominal trauma in children.
Top Effective Soaps for Fungal Skin Infections in India
Using Facebook for Social Networking after Acquired Brain Injury (CAOT 2011)
1. Re-connecting: Using Facebook for Social Networking after an Acquired Brain Injury Judy Lin, Sarah Langenhoff, Anita Hamilton, Lily Ma , Erika Bannert,& Nicole Anstey.
2. Participatory Action Research Participatory Action Research is aligned with occupational therapy as it values participant collaboration for meaningful research outcomes. (Cockburn & Trentham, 2002)
40. Connections “ had connected [on Facebook] with some people that are family and friends, but I haven’t communicated with them” she further stated, “it will, it will, but it hasn’t yet”. (Hanna) “… then when I have this Facebook and I communicate with them I feel more happy and it's like satisfaction.“ (Sherry) “ Like I’ll put some comment and people will be like writing me things like ‘this doesn’t sound good, what’s wrong…it’s nice to know they care; they just want to know what is going on”. (Emily) ”… I see those people every day on my Facebook, because I look at my Facebook everyday and I see what their doing everyday”. (Maureen)
41. Disconnections “ It kind of made me realize how distant I am, like I’ll umm, because like I said, most people don’t want to talk to me on Facebook, so…” (Emily) “ I don’t have anything to talk to people about.” (Hanna) “ For me talking to people on the computer, typing to them is not the same as face to face.” (Emily)
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47. Questions and contact details Please feel free to contact us for further information, we will be happy to share our resources with you. Anita Hamilton: [email_address]
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Editor's Notes
We are occupational therapy students from the University of Alberta who participated in a Web 2.0 online technology module that continued into a volunteering role at the Edmonton Brain Injury Relearning Society.
This project is part of a larger participatory action research project for people with acquired brain injury (ABI). This method of study is used to empower people with ABI and help them realize their actions have influence in the social world thus situating them in the community (Cockburn & Trentham, 2002). The participants are partners with the researchers in the research process. Participatory Action Research is aligned with Occupational Therapy as it values participant collaboration for meaningful research outcomes. From the previous course on blogging, feedback from participants showed an interest in learning how to use Facebook to interact with their friends and family.
Many research studies have demonstrated the importance of social connections for everyone Social support: psychological benefits, discourage negative behaviours, encourage positive behaviours
- Define social network: social ties that allow individuals to associate with each other and become active participants - Do not have as many meaningful relationships with friends, acquaintances and co-workers
Smaller social networks means a risk of reduced social support and meaningful friendships. Persons with ABI have problems making new social connections They are at higher risk for developing anxiety or depression
Personality change, aggression, impulsivity, are all components of acquired brain injury that can impact their social relationships How other people respond to the injury may also affect their relationships The gradual change of social networks over time due to the loss of a job or completion of education
Define social network Maintain social support (e.g. online support groups) Personal connections (e.g. emailing family members), even if they are far away
The internet opens up new venues for social interaction. It allows for the opportunity to create new ties with individuals with similar interests or backgrounds, forming a sense of an on-line community Accessibility Not dependent Disability
Literature shows that there is a gap between those who use internet technology and those who do not, this is referred to as a digital divide. People who have disabilities, such as ABI, are less likely to be connected to the internet then those who are non-disabled. This emergence of this divide may occur because the internet is not necessarily inclusive, acceptable and/or available to people who have acquired brain injury.
The internet presents some risks for persons with ABI. Sharing of personal information could result in loss of privacy, from photographs, phone numbers, to credit card data. With the use of Facebook, there is also a risk of contact with unknown persons. This could come in the form of an online predator or in the form of an individual who bears the same name as a friend that the user is seeking. Individuals with Acquired Brain Injury are more susceptible to these risks because of their personal difficulties that they have with general internet use Remembering passwords or leaving open pages unattended Forgetting procedures (how to login) Decision making Awareness of potential problem s Impulsive responding (ads or links)
That leads us to the question: "Given the risks involved with individuals with ABI when they access the internet, can a person with a ABI use online technology to enhance social connections?" - There are studies that teach persons with ABI how to use internet and email, and shows that this is indeed possible. - Participants who had never used the internet prior to the study reported that email became their primary mode of communication and significantly increased their sense of social connectedness. - We will draw on previous research to design our program
What does occupational therapy have to do with the use of computers? Computers are now part of every day life In order to ensure that people with disabilities are not getting left behind, occupational therapists are well-equipped to address the gap by using problem solving strategies that will allow the safe use of computers and the internet. Community internet courses are not enough. Instructors are not trained to teach persons with ABI to resolve difficulties and often misunderstandings & misconceptions about their disability
Important considerations: Does the need to use Facebook outweigh the risks that are involved with the use of Facebook with a vulnerable population? Can we identify and manage the risks? What role can occupational therapists play in this area? What barriers exist for successful learning for this population? How do we plan a program that will address the risks and barriers?
- Facebook provides the opportunity for communication by having access to pages created by friends and family, ability to instant chat with friends, share photos and play games
- Conducted a literature review, we found that there were several barriers present in the use of Facebook for persons with ABI. - We addressed the barriers in our course design and as they came up during the class.
A model developed by Martelli et al. (2008) to address learning and relearning problems for people with ABI Three components used in rehabilitation: Planning: Perform task analysis and break down tasks into simple steps, promote errorless learning Practice: provide practice opportunities, immediate feedback Positive attitude: negative emotions lead to anger and frustration, encourage meaningful tasks and promote positive environment for learning by supporting small successes
We worked together with EBIRS, which already has established computer courses for persons with ABI and a computer lab with which to teach the students. - Give time for hunt and peck typing
We worked together with EBIRS, which already has established computer courses for persons with ABI and a computer lab with which to teach the students. - Give time for hunt and peck typing
Classes are conducted with a projector so participants can follow along with each step and immediately get the feedback from trying out the steps. Tasks are broken down into smaller steps (e.g. press a button) so that the content is not overwhelming
We provided a manual with the task breakdown for each step that is involved with using Facebook. Steps are accompanied by screen shots so that participants will know where to click and type Summary sheets are provided for tasks used most often: e.g. how to sign on to Facebook Repetition and practice are often used in the course. There are often multiple ways of completing tasks on Facebook, but the same steps are used each practice time. - Participant feedback to find what they want to learn for the lessons to be personally relevant and meaningful - Made an EBIRS facebook profile for immediate feedback of adding a friend and writing on someone’s wall. Also encouraged participant interaction by adding other participants to their own Facebooks.
- Summary sheets are provided for tasks used most often: e.g. how to sign on to Facebook Repetition and practice are often used in the course. There are often multiple ways of completing tasks on Facebook, but the same steps are used each practice time. - Participant feedback to find what they want to learn for the lessons to be personally relevant and meaningful - Made an EBIRS facebook profile for immediate feedback of adding a friend and writing on someone’s wall. Also encouraged participant interaction by adding other participants to their own Facebooks.
We provided a manual with the task breakdown for each step that is involved with using Facebook. Steps are accompanied by screen shots so that participants will know where to click and type Summary sheets are provided for tasks used most often: e.g. how to sign on to Facebook Repetition and practice are often used in the course. There are often multiple ways of completing tasks on Facebook, but the same steps are used each practice time. - Participant feedback to find what they want to learn for the lessons to be personally relevant and meaningful - Made an EBIRS facebook profile for immediate feedback of adding a friend and writing on someone’s wall. Also encouraged participant interaction by adding other participants to their own Facebooks.
In facebook there are multiple and often overlapping steps for many activites (such as adding friends or uploading photos) Participants can become frustrated due to the number of steps. Could be overwhelming and result in negative emotions that hinder learning. Small class size allowed us to teach and interact, provide one on one feedback that is specific to each participant Step by step instruction and guided demonstration is helpful here too in addressing this problem, following the HHR model. -The majority of other difficulties include technical difficulties - slow internet connections, problem browsers. Address them as they came up, difficult to control for.
- Teach participants how to change privacy settings Reminders of logging out of Facebook after class is done Reminders not to share personal information such as addresses and phone numbers online - Reminders to log-out of Facebook
- Persons with ABI experience physical and mental fatigue - Planned breaks for mental rest and washroom Upgrade web browsers so that Facebook can be viewed full screen, adjusted font sizes so that the visual strain is not too much Allowed participants to proceed at their own pace and request breaks when needed
Each class involves a review. The class is structured with a projector while signed in to the instructor and a virtual student Facebook account, so participants can follow along on the screen exactly what buttons to click and what links to follow.
- Older group of participants who may not have grown up using computers. (William does not have an e-mail account, but was keen on learning more about computers) - The younger participants Emily and Sherry appear to be more comfortable and confident in their use of online technology than the older participants. Example: Maureen wanted to know how to transfer photos from her phone to her Facebook and states that "her son can do it" and called her son for help. - Introduce Sarah: Discuss outcomes of program, which we have now completed.
During the evaluation two separate students, not involved in the teaching of the course conducted Pre and post interviews, then a follow up interview 10 weeks after the course.
Data analysis was completed by our team of researchers. The transcribed interviews were coded to the identified pre-determined themes and information that did not fit into the existing themes was categorized as an emerging theme.
Participants were motivated for a variety of personal reasons, all participants wanted to increase social connections either with friends, family or other people that they were able to meet. Another motivation was to learn new skills – Sherry commented that she wanted to take this course to learn more about security and online safety. Another motivation was to help combat boredom, or to “kill time” as Emily stated, another participant also commented on wanting to “kill time” Throughout teaching the course, Judy and I did notice that the participants were highly motivated to learn how to share YouTube videos on their Facebook pages. Everyone in the class shared their favorite type of music.
Through out the course, participants increased their Facebook skills which included: writing on walls, finding friends, sending and posting messages and uploading photos. Participants also became more aware of the safety features that are available to Facebook users – such as blocking friends and hiding your profile. Previous computer use and comfort was an asset in learning these new skills. *All participants had previously taken additional computer course offered through EBIRS prior to taking the Facebook course. During the course it was also apparent that Brain Injury presented with many barriers to learning and maintaining these new skills, learning difficulties and memory problems made it challenging for participants to remember more complex tasks – such as uploading photo’s and remembering their passwords to access online accounts.
Participants reported that the teaching style helped increase confidence and learn new skills I think the most important lesson I learned is to not pretend that you know everything or have all the correct answers. Now I would consider myself pretty skilled at using all the functions of Facebook – but I will tell you the truth, I have never uploading a picture using my cell phone. It happened one class a participants wanted to learn how to take photos from her cell phone and upload them. I had no idea how to do that, and neither did Judy. I tried to work with the participant one-on-one to figure it out – but we were not having the best of luck – so I facebooked one of my friends who has uploaded photos and asked her is she would kindly guide us through the process. It was also apparent that reviewing the concepts learned in the previous class, one-to-one tutoring, time to practice and flexibility were very important aspects of the course. Reviewing and time to practice allowed for increased repetition and structured practice to learn the new skills. Flexibility allowed us to teach that participants what they wanted to learn and made the course more personally relevant. Some participants in the class worked best with one-to-one guidance through a new task to ensure that proper learning could occur. Throughout the teaching we tried too positively reinforce these skills!
Some participants were not as concerned about the risks of using online technologies as others – participants learned to how to block people from their accounts, how to check or send a message to someone who requested to be there friend, and how to always “sign out” following the class. Exposure to additional risks identified included how to handle spam, pop-ups, and remembering passwords to access accounts.
Using Facebook participants made connections to friends and family. For example Sherry communicated with family from her home country and has used facebook to plan reunions; another participant, Maureen, connected with a past friend who now lives in Germany. Hanna has used Facebook to connect with family in a more passive manner. She has connected with them through observation of their pictures and ongoing posts – but has not yet communicated with any of them, similarly Maureen states that she is able to stay connected with people everyday because she is able to see what they are doing on facebook. But it is important to recognize that seeing other peoples lives can be upsetting. You may realize that you are missing out on certain events or that you may not have has much to do in a day compared the next person.
Through reviewing the transcripts we noticed that sometimes looking at other peoples lives could be a little “in your face” and we called that “in your face-book”. (pause). Some participants felt less connected when they were able to see what all their friends and family were doing. Emily shared, “It kind of made me realize how distant I am, Like I’ll ummm, because I said, most people don’t want to talk to me on Facebook” Hanna also shared, “I don’t have anything to talk to people about” The emergent theme of “disconnections” became apparent.
Additional emergent themes included having essential starting points, including basic computer skills, basic social skills – conversation appropriateness, computer and internet access, and an online social network – even if it is just 5 people. EBIRS runs introduction to computer skills, typing skills, e-mail and internet browsing courses. Prior to taking the Facebook course, most participants took part in the aforementioned courses that provided them with the essential starting points for participation in the Facebook course. All the participants in the class at home computers and access to the internet, which is different from the general brain injury population – In a consumer survey completed by Vaccaro et al, found that only 2/3 have computers and half have internet access. EBIRS has done an incredible job overcoming the access barrier faced by those with brain injury in edmonton.
During the course we followed the Holistic Habit Retraining principles that Judy mentioned in the introduction to this presentation - we tried to incorporate the elements of planning, practise, and positive attitudes. However we could not control for how the participants home and community supports could impact their learning. For example – Sherry’s son has helped her with using Facebook but does not provide the appropriate guidance that’s she needs to learn to the new skills. She also stated in class that her son is impatient and would end up doing it for her.
Secondly, Holistic Habit Retraining model states that one can facilitate positive experiences and reinforce small changes by combating negative attitudes and self-talk. Throughout teaching the course and within the transcripts we noticed that negative self-talk was apparent in some of the participants. As exemplified by Emily quotes as seen above, Maureen also stated that she was fearful that nobody would respond to messages if she sent them. This concept is further discussed in the manuscript written for publication.
In Summary - We reconfirmed that those living in ABI have specific barriers and challenges to using online social networks – such as access, cognitive deficits, physical challenges, and social skills. We identified that some essential started points are needed for success while using online social networking sites – such as computer skills, access, social skills and an online social community. Education and support for family is needed to increase understanding of the Holistic Habit Retraining principles of Planning, Practice and positive attitudes. This would allow participants to practice these principles at home and continue to solidify the skills learned in class in hopes that using Facebook would become “habit” Finally, the concept described as “IN YOUR FACEBOOK” illustrated that their could be potential negative aspects of using online social networks to connect with family and friends. ****We believe that these identified key messages can be applied to other populations such as seniors, at risk youth, and those with mental illness – which also have their own barriers and challenges to using online technologies. ***Anita or Judy – do you have a really good summary statement??????
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Zencius, A.H, & Wesolowski, M.D. (1999). Is the social network analysis necessary in the rehabilitation of individuals with head injury? Brain Injury, 13 (9), 723-727.