Hamilton, A. (2007). Enhancing links through the web: Using wikis, blogs and podcasts to enhance digital literacy for application in the health sector. Poster presentation at 7th National Allied Health Conference, Hobart, Tas., Australia.

1. Digital Technology and
Information Literacy for
Emerging Health Practitioners
ANITA HAMILTON, DEAKIN UNIVERSITy, AUSTRALIA
Health care professionals require advanced information and
technology literacy to be effective practitioners in the digital world 3
Digital Role of Higher
Technology Education
in Higher Development of ICT knowledge
and skill at University facilitates: 3
Education 1, 2
> Engagement in lifelong learning
> Computer/Email/Web in the online environment
> Library data-bases > Participation in online
professional forums for critical
> WebCT/ discussion reflection and professional
development
> Text/SMS
> Use of ICT as a therapeutic tool
> MP3/Podcasting
Universities have a crucial role in
enhancing learning through the
use of innovative technologies 2
Emerging
Technologies 2, 4
> Video-conferencing
> e-portfolios
> Social software
• Wiki’s
• Blogs/Vlogs
• Student podcasting
References ICT in practice 3, 6
> Mobile phone for SMS,
images & web access 1 Hollis, V., & Madill, H. (2006). Online learning: the potential for occupational ICT connects practitioners with
therapy education. Occupational Therapy International, 13(2), 61-78. each other to discuss:
> RSS feeds 2 Kennedy, G., Krause, K., Judd, T., Churchward, A., & Gray, K. (2006). First year
students experiences with technology: Are they really digital natives? Melbourne, > research, ethics, training, clinical
> Instant messaging Victoria: Centre for Higher Education, Melbourne University. practice issues
3 Sheppard, L., Mackintosh, S., & Sheppard, L. (1998). Technology in Education: > strategic planning, health
What is Appropriate for Rural and Remote Allied Health Professionals? Australian
Journal of Rural Health, 6(4), 189-193.
promotion, budgeting,
marketing and communication
4 Kirkpatrick, D. (2005). Why There’s no Escaping the Blog. Fortune Magazine.
money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2005/01/10/8230982/
index.htm - 49k – accessed 8 Dec 2006.
ICT connects practitioners
Social Software 5 O’Reilly, T. (2005). What Is Web 2.0 Design Patterns and Business Models for
the Next Generation of software. http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/
with clients through:
> therapeutic games (e.g.: Wii)
news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html?page=1 accessed 20 Nov 2006.
Social software facilitates > virtual therapies
social networking in the online 6 Chew-Graham, C., Alexander, H., & Rogers, A. (2005). The exceptional
potential of the Internet? Perceptions about the management of another > self-help and peer support
environment and enables set of communications: a qualitative study. Primary Health Care Research &
users to become contributors Development, 6(4), 311-319. services
to digital knowledge. Social 7 Candy, P. C. (2000). Preventing ‘information overdose’: Developing information > cyber-counselling
software harnesses a collective literate practitioners. The Journal of Continuing Education for the Health
intelligence 5 Professions, 20(4), 228-237. > knowledge transmission
The difference is Deakin University.