Academic Analysis

Tracheostomy

Mayo Staff Clinic. (2010). Tracheotomy. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tracheostomy/MY00261

Academic Analysis Article

Madan, G., Stadier, M.E., Uhrich, K., Reilly, C.,&  Drake, A.F. (2011). Adolescents with Tracheostomies-Communication Cyberspace. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 75(5), 678-680. Retrieved from http://journals.ohiolink.edu.proxy.lib.ohio-state.edu/ejc/article.cgi?issn=01655876&issue=v75i0005&article=678_awtic.

 

Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure in which an airway is made within the trachea by means of an incision.  The airway then becomes the position for the tracheotomy tube which enables breathing for those patients with disabilities and or serious neck/mouth injuries (Tracheostomy).  Many patients with a tracheostomy have a very difficult time with speech and communication (Tracheostomy).  Yet, new media technology has allowed for adolescents with this procedure and other speech and communication obstacles to not only communicate, but generate relationships and support groups with each other via Facebook (Academic Analysis Article).  I believe Social Networking Sites, such as Facebook, are becoming great portals for health-centered support groups for young adults, such as tracheostomy patients (Academic Analysis Article) because this technology breaks down the speech barrier multiple patients could have while also bringing them closer to other patients with diseases such as their own for support and friendship. 

Research was conducted in order to verify if Facebook was a good networking environment for patients with tracheostomies and the results indicated that it was (Academic Analysis Article).   Adolescents between the ages of 11-18 were used in the study (Academic Analysis Article).  Of the ones utilizing Facebook, and with the ability and opportunity to, results found that Social Networking Sites, like Facebook, offered an appropriate way for them to network and communicate with other adolescents with tracheostomies (Academic Analysis Article).  They were able to post pictures of their tracheostomy and gain friends and support with people they otherwise would have never come in contact with.  Facebook and other sites which allow networking are very relevant and popular today.  The majority of adolescents are on some form of a SNS and most are using Facebook to communicate.  Therefore, these sites do provide a good window for people with more rare diseases to find someone to network with who has their diagnosis as well.  The ability for patients to be able to communicate when disorders prevent them from doing so and also to find other patients globally via a Social Networking site, in order to gain support and friendship are reasons why Social Networking Sites are great portals for health-centered support groups.    

 

Tech Diary Day

Technological Convergence

McGuigan, Brendan.   (2011) What is Technological Convergence.   Wise Geek.  Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-technological-convergence.htm.

Tech Diary Day 11/20

Tech Diary Numbers 11/20
Task	Technology	# of Uses	Total Time Spent within a Day
Text Message	Cell Phone	52 received text messages + 56 sent = 108 Total text messages	Based on an average of 30 seconds spent either receiving or sending a text message = 54 minutes Total
Face book	Computer	2	32 minutes total
Twitter	Computer	1	10 minutes total
Listen to Music	Computer	1	1 hour
Email	Computer	2	8 minutes
Watch TV	Television	2	1 hour and 30 minutes
Homework	Computer	4	2 hours
Skype	Computer	1	35 minutes

    

     On Sunday, 11/20/2011, I had spent approximately 409 total minutes having mediated/technological interactions and the basis for this excessive amount stems from communication convergence technology and the need for increased efficiency in our society today.  Western society, in general, is fast paced and deadlines being met both on time and correctly are very critical in business, school, etc.   I believe that the culture and set of values in the society in which I live, has created a greater need for communication technology convergence and therefore the amount of time spent utilizing technology. “Technological communication occurs as technologies merge into new technologies that bring together numerous media, where previously, devices handled one medium or task at a time (McGuigan, 2011)".  Therefore, the ability for me to utilize a limited number of devices that each work to aid me in meeting deadlines and needs quickly and proficiently is essential.  The convergence of technologies into one has eliminated extra work for me, and therefore greatly increased the amount of time I use technology.  My media/technological interactions were efficient and mainly used as multitasking tools to conduct social interacting, multitasking, homework, emails, and relaxation.      

    

My time spent with these technologies was efficient.  The main source of my technological use was with my lap top computer, 265 minutes out of 409 minutes used.  The reason was due to the fact that I was able to multitask on one devise.  Technology convergence has resulted in devices, such as my lap top, which interact with the media they are primarily supposed to handle, but now also with a number of other formats (McGuigan, 2011).   While only using my lap top I was able to listen to music on iTunes to relax while conducting research for a marketing paper due the next day.  I typed my paper using Microsoft software which saved me the time of writing out my paper by hand and looking up words from a dictionary.  I didn’t need to flip through numerous research articles or books, but quickly used the internet to access exactly what I needed.  I also answered emails with co-workers and class group members. This enabled me to avoid physically visiting them, ultimately allowing for more time to get my work done.  Socially, I messaged friends on Face book as well to keep up with friends who were from high school and attending other colleges.  Later, I was able to Skype with a good friend living n Cincinnati while I am in Columbus, therefore providing me more time because I did not have to drive to visit him.  Text messaging on my cell phone was another way for me to contact people in about 30 seconds per text message.      

                                                                                

Ultimately, my technological use was excessive for one day, but also very efficient because it allowed me the opportunity to work quickly and proficiently.  In Western society, where I live, the technology advances rapidly and the convergence of these technologies is always increasing.  There is a growing need to meet deadlines faster and eliminate as much error as possible along the way.  Therefore, in order for me to “keep up” with these deadlines and with society as a whole, my use of technology is also among a limited number of devices but my heavy use is efficient.