Welcome to the class blog of COM 315! This course adderssses the specific challenges involved in communicating complex, technical information to both lay and experienced audiences. Throughout the semester, we will be reading several journal articles relating to how presenters can communicate complex ideas in a clear and understanding way. Students are required to reflect on these articles in the blog, as well as apply the readings to real-world instances.
Calendar of Events
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Cell Phone unlocking
Attention getter: I’m sure that everyone here has heard about the Apple iPhone. Well if you wanted to get this phone you would have to sign a 2 year contract with AT&T Wireless. So if you already have contracts with other carrier companies? The answer is you would be out of luck. This is because the iPhone like others is locked so that it can only be used on AT&T’s network.
Intro: Hello everyone my name is Ben Kornmeier. Today I am here to tell you that mobile phones should be available to anyone regardless of the carrier that they are using. First I will explain what locking is, and why it is done. Next I will explain what unlocking is, and the measures being taken to stop people from unlocking their phones. After which I want to explain what other nations are doing in regards to the locking of phones. I will also explain why locking a phone is bad for consumers. Finally I will tell you what should be done instead, and why this way is better.
Body:
1. What is cell phone locking, and the reasons carriers do it.
a. Cell phone locking is disabling certain parts in the phone, and making the phone so that it only uses the mobile phones network.
b. Carriers do this for a few reasons.
i. Cell phone companies want to lock people in to contracts and need a way to enforce this contract
ii. Cell phone companies want to have exclusivity to certain phones, to make them look more enticing.
iii. Cell phone companies will disable certain parts of the phone, and charge extra to re-enable it.
2. What is cell phone un-locking, and what carriers do to stop it.
a. Cell phone unlocking enables any parts of the phone disabled by the carrier. It also allows the phone to be used on any network that uses the same network technology.
b. Cell phone manufactures and carriers have teamed up to stop unlocking. Apple is an example.
3. What other nations are doing in regards to cell phone locking.
a. Britain allows cell phones to be locked.
b. Belgium does not allow the sale of locked phones
c. The Netherlands and Spain allows locked phones, but unlocking codes must be provided to the customer.
d. Finland does not allow the sale of locked phones.
4. Cell phone locking is bad for consumers.
a. It forces you to make a decision based on what is available through the carriers, and not what you want.
b. It does not allow you to roam freely around the world. In some cases two phones are needed for different countries as a result.
c. Locked phones have worse reception, because they are bound to a specific carrier they will only used that carrier’s wireless network. Even when the reception is bad, and there is another network with better reception.
d. Locked phone have larger roaming bills because when they are forced on to another carriers network, they cannot use that network without getting charged by two different companies.
5. What should be done instead?
a. The US government should not allow the sale of locked phones.
b. All phones should be sold directly from the manufacture.
c. No phone should be part of a contract.
d. So what would this be like?
i. Like buying a computer. You internet service provider does not tell you what computer to run.
ii. Carrier companies would have to fight harder for your business, since you could easily switch carriers.
iii. Roaming would be a thing of the past since your phone could use different carriers without being charged double, you would just get different bills from different carrier companies.
Conclusion: In conclusion I have told you what cell phone locking is and why it is done. I have also told you about cell phone un-locking, and what is being done to prevent it. After which I told you what other nations were doing in regard to locking. I then told why it is bad for consumers to lock phones. And finally I hope I gave some resolution as to what should be done.
Closing: So the next time you have your eye on that new snazzy phone, but cannot buy it because it is locked, just remember that laws need to change to make phone buying more like computer buying. So people can get the phone they want regardless of carriers.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
CRT vs. LCD
By: Travis Carpenter
Attention Getter: How many of you use an older CRT monitor? You know, the kind that you sit on your desk that takes up the majority of your workspace?
Introduction: Today I will be talking to you about the importance of upgrading to an LCD monitor for your work environment. I will tell you why LCD screen are better than the older out of date CRT screens, citing health, financial, and energy reasons.
Preview Statement: Extensive research has been done on the subject, and it has been proven that LCD screens are all around better for not only the individual, but also the environment!
Establish Significance: Imagine the desk space that you could save! The eye-strain and headaches that you could avoid! The energy that you could conserve, just by switching to using an LCD screen.
Transition to Body:
Why you should switch to an LCD monitor
1. Save desk space!
2. Go green!
3. Health benefits!
4. Bigger is better!
Body:
I. Save desk space!
1. Desk space is precious, especially for college students!
2. An Acer 19” CRT has a depth of 17”, and a weight of 46 pounds
3. An Acer 19” LCD has a depth of 7”, and a weight of 12 pounds
4. LCD monitors can be placed in spots that you would never even dream of putting a CRT monitor
II. Go Green!
1. LCD screens are for more efficient than CRT monitors!
2. A typical 19” CRT monitor can draw up to 160 Watts during use.
3. A typical 19” LCD monitor uses a mere 48 Watts, which is less than a typical light bulb
4. Imagine how much money you would save on your electricity bill by simply switching to an LCD monitor!
III. Health benefits!
1. Reduced eye strain with LCD!
2. As mentioned before, LCD screens are much lighter! Your back will appreciate this when it comes time to relocate!
3. LCD screens do not have the screen flicker so commonly associated with CRT screens. This screen flicker is related to headaches after prolonged use.
IV. Bigger is better!
1. LCD screens sizes are really what they claim to be
2. CRT screen sizes are deceiving
3. Not worth what you pay
Review Statement and Closing: As you can see, LCD screens are clearly the better choice when it comes to display types.
Works Cited
“CRT vs. LCD Monitors: Which is the Best to Buy?.” About.com. 30 October 2007
“Tech Tip #005.” BigBruin.com. 30 October 2007
“LCD vs. CRT.” PCreview.co.uk. 30 October 2007.
“CRT vs LC Monitor Comparison Guide.” Techimo.com. 30 October 2007
Hedge, Alan. “Ergonomics Considerations of LCD versus CRT Displays.” N/A. N/A (May 2003). 30 October 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Persuasive Outline
Persuasive Speech
Using Open Source Software
Mike Enders
Intro:
Attn Getter: “Computer Programmers are the only profession that stand on people's toes rather than their shoulders.” -James Coggins IEEE
PC vs Mac: Both are bloated.
Linux: Costs less, performs better, and has better office suite.
Body:
Customization
Why Customization is good
Why it is difficult
Kernel
What the kernel is
Why Proprietary kernels are bad
How Linux is better
Office Suite
Writer
Impress
Math
Draw
Calc
Base
Conclusion:
Supporting the open source community is supporting advancement in computer software technology.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Learning A Second Language!
Persuasive Speech I:
Learning A Second Language
Attention Getter: Have you ever been in a situation in which you were right next to other people who were speaking in different language but you did not comprehend any thing they were saying and you were disappointed because you wish you knew what they were talking about? Did it bother you to know that it was possible that they might have said something about you but you do not know what it was?
Introduction: Hello everyone, my name is Diego Estrada and today I will be talking about the importance of learning a second language, the advantages of knowing Spanish in the
Preview Statement: According to “Colorado Congress of Foreign Language Teachers”, a second language can improve your technical skills, grades in math and English, entrance exam scores, and can help you catch the eye of anyone reading your job, college, or graduate school application.
Establish Significance: Think about how many more newspapers and books you could read, movies and TV programs you could understand, websites you could visit, people and places you could really get to know with another language!
Transition to Body:
Why learning a second language is so important:
1. Top 5 Reasons why learning a second language is so important;
2. Top 5 Reasons why learning to speak Spanish in the
3. How to learn a second Lnaguage?
Body:
I. Top 5 Reasons why one should learn a second Language:
1. According to the “Colorado Congress of Foreign Language Teachers”, studying a second language improves your grades in math, science and English, and your exam scores!
2. Learning a second language is actually a medical device!
3. A second language will expand your universe!
4. Knowing a second language will transform your travel experience!
5. Knowing how to speak Spanish will enable you to help others!
II. Top 5 Reasons why one should Learn Spanish:
- Learning Spanish is necessary to keep pace with popular culture.
2. Learning Spanish is rapidly becoming a business necessity.
3. Spanish Everywhere:
4. Learning Spanish will allow you to appreciate Hispanic cultural contributions.
5. Learning Spanish is fun!
III. How to learn a second language:
• There are more than 100 Cultural and international Clubs and organizations that you can join here at Purdue, such as:
– Latino Cultural Center LCC
– Salsa Club
– French Club
– Spanish Club
– Japanese Club
– Asian American Association
– Latin Student Union…
• Take any of the 11 foreign language courses offered at Purdue:
1. Arabic 7. Japanese
2. Chinese 8. Latin
3. French 9. Portuguese
4. German 10. Russian
5. Greek 11. Spanish
6. Italian
• Study Abroad:
– Take advantage of all of the opportunities offered here at Purdue.
– The easiest way to learn a language is living in a country where everyone speaks that language!
Review Statement and Closing: In conclusion, learning a second language brings a world of opportunities, It helps you succeed in your school work, personal life, Technical Skills, and most important of all it makes you a more intelligent person!
Next time someone speaks in a different language next to you, you will be able to understand whatever it is that they are saying = )
Works Cited
CBS News. (October 28, 2007). Hispanics Now Largest U.S. Minority. Retrieved October 28, 2007 from: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/01/21/national/main537369.shtml
Modern Languages, Walla Walla College . (2007). Knowing Other Languages Brings Opportunities. Retrieved October 27, 2007 from: http://www.wwc.edu/academics/departments/modern-languages/why.htm
Rosenberg , M. (August 23, 2007). Most Popular Languages. Retrieved October 27,2007 from: http://geography.about.com/od/culturalgeography/a/10languages.htm
U.S. Census Bureau. (July 1, 2006). Hispanic Americans by Numbers. Retrieved October 27, 2001 from: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/hhmcensus1.html
Friday, October 26, 2007
Persuasive Speech Topics
John Dale
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Monroe's Article Relatable to Persuasive Speaking
Monday, October 22, 2007
Speech Idea
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Donohue's Article Review: The Hottest Skills for 2007 Part 2
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Midterm Outline Review
Rowan defines elucidating, transformative, and quasi-scientific. Know what these are and be able to write an elucidating/transformative explanation if provided an example.
Know the different kinds of technical audiences.
Be familiar with organization and coordination of subpoints.
Be familiar with organizational structure (topical, chronological, etc).
Know the different fallacies of logic discussed in your text and in class.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Donohue's Article Review: The Hottest Skills for 2007 Part 1
With fewer openings this year, expect these five premium skills to win the jobs ...
As agreed upon by many IT firms, there is a demand for IT personnel who are well-rounded in both technical and business applications. This requires employers to create a new and higher standard for the quality of employees they are hiring. Under these conditions, the quantity of hires in 2007 will take a slight cut. There will still be the same amount of applicants; however, there will no longer be the same number of openings. The competition for an IT staffing, whether for administrative or entry-level positions, is going to be higher than ever before. This signifies that only the true ‘Renaissance Men’ of IT will be the ones that will become the new IT professionals. IT professionals in the past have been more or less focused on programming only. It is stressed in this new age of competition and technology, that programmers widen their range of ‘know how’. Business and communication skills will benefit future applicants in the field of information technology, even to the extreme of whether or not they will be employed.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thoughts on Second Round of Speeches
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Vertical Farms Round 2
Attention Getter:
Over half of the human population lives vertically in cities. This means that, for the majority, we humans are protected against the elements, yet we subject our precious food-bearing plants to the rigors of the “great outdoors” and can do no more than hope for good weather. However, now more often than not, due to rapidly changing climates, that is not the case. Massive floods, protracted droughts, class 4-5 hurricanes, and severe monsoons take their toll each year, destroying millions of tons of valuable crops. Don’t our harvestable plants deserve the same level of comfort and protection that we now enjoy? (4) Well Dickson Despommier, an environmental science professor at Columbia University, believes so and has come up with a solution. He proposes a multi-story building with glass walls that generates fruits, vegetables, grains, clean energy, and purified water. In a June 19, 2007 article from BBC News, Despommier calls his vision of the future “Vertical Farming.” According to a September 11, 2007 article from CNNMoney.com, “Vertical Farming will do for agriculture what skyscrapers did for office space.”
Preview Statement:
Since vertical farming could be the future of agriculture, I think it’s important that you know about the design of the building, how the building works, and its potential effect on our environment.
BODY:
I. So first I’ll explain the design of the building.
a. Number one: The solar panel rotates to follow the sun and drives the interior cooling system, which is used most when the sun’s heat is greatest. (1)
b. Number two: The wind spire is an alternative to solar power. Conventional windmills are too large for cities so the wind spire uses smaller blades to turn air upward, like a screw. (1)
c. Number three: The glass panels have a clear coating of titanium oxide that collects pollutants and prevents rain from beading; the rain slides down the glass, maximizing light and cleaning the pollutants. Then the runoff is collected in troughs for filtration.(1)
d. Number four: The control room regulates the vertical farm environment allowing year-round, 24-hour crop cultivation. (1)
e. Number five: The architecture was inspired by the Capitol Records building in Hollywood. The circular design uses space most efficiently and allows maximum light into the center.(1)
f. Number six: The vertical farm could grow fruits, vegetables, grains, and even fish and poultry. (1)
Transition: Now that you know the general design of the building, let’s break it down even further to see how everything works by looking at the water systems, the fields, and the power system individually.
II. First we’ll look at the water systems.
a. Number one: The evapotranspiration system is located inside the ceiling of each floor, its pipes collect moisture, which can be bottled and sold. (1)
b. Number two: The pipes work like a cold bottle of Coke that sweats on a hot day: Super cool fluid attracts plant water vapors, which are then collected as they drip off. Despommier estimates that one vertical farm could capture 60 million gallons of water a year. (1)
c. Number three: The black-water treatment system takes wastewater from the city’s sewage system, desludges it, filters it through non-edible barrier plants, and again through a tower of zebra mussels, which according to a July 2007 article in Popular Science, are the best filtering organisms out there. This system yields gray water, which isn’t drinkable but can be used for irrigation. (3)
III. Now we’ll move on to the fields.
a. Number four: The crop picker monitors fruits and vegetables with an electronic eye. Current technology, called a Reflectometer, uses color detection to test ripeness. (1)
b. Number five: In the field, maximization of space is critical, so there are two layers of crops and some hanging tomatoes. If small crops are planted, there might be up to ten layers per floor. (1)
c. Number six: The pool collects runoff from irrigation and sends it through pipes to a filtration system. (1)
d. Number seven: The feeder is a dual-purpose mechanism that directs programmed amounts of water and light to individual crops. (1)
IV. The next slide shows the Pellet Power System.
a. Number eight: The Pellet Power System is another source of power for the vertical farm; it turns non-edible plant matter, like corn husks for example, into fuel. (1)
b. Number nine to eleven: Plant waste is processed into powder (9), and then condensed into clean-burning fuel pellets (10), which become steam power (11). (1)
c. As stated in an April 9, 2007 article in the New York Magazine, “A vertical farm could be self-sustaining and even produce a net output of clean water and energy.” (1)
Transition: So far we’ve looked at the design of the building and how everything inside it functions; now it’s time to see how vertical farms could affect our environment.
V. Vertical farming could help fight global warming. (1)
a. By the year 2050 our population is expected to grow by 3 billion people, bringing our global total to 9.2 billion. (6)
b. According to verticalfarm.com, if current farming practices are maintained, an additional 10 hectares of land (which is 20% larger than Brazil) would have to be cultivated in order to feed all of these people. (4)
i. That means cutting down even more trees!
ii. And that will only make global warming worse.
c. Despommier believes that only by allowing significant portions of Earth’s farmland to return to forest do we have a chance of stabilizing climate and weather patterns. (1)
i. He feels that Al Gore’s proposal to Congress to reduce energy consumption will only slow global warming. (1)
ii. But allowing forests to re-grow where crops are now cultivated would reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and help fight global warming at least as much as, if not more than, more-efficient energy consumption. (1)
iii. This is where vertical farming comes in: a single vertical farm could reforest thousands of acres of farmland. (1)
1. For example: After a strawberry farm in Florida was wiped out by Hurricane Andrew, the owners built a hydroponics farm, which is a technique of growing plants in just water containing dissolved nutrients, no soil is used. (1)
2. By growing their strawberries inside and stacking the layers, the owners now produce on one acre of land what used to require 30. (1)
3. This just proves that vertical farming could greatly reduce the amount of land used for farming and allow forests to re-grow and help fight global warming.
Transition: So now you should have a better idea of the general design of the vertical farm, how everything inside it functions, and how vertical farms could affect global warming.
CONCLUSION: The credit goes to Dickson Despommier who began developing this concept 8 years ago. He estimates that it will take a group of agricultural economists, architects, engineers, agronomists, and urban planners five to ten years to figure out how to marry high-tech agricultural practices with the latest sustainable building technology.(1)
Memorable Statement: So hopefully within the next decade we will finally give our crops the comfort and protection they deserve.
Works Cited
Chamberlain, Lisa. "Skyfarming." New York News & Features. 9 Apr. 2007. 14 Sept. 2007
Cooke, Jeremy. "Vertical Farming in the Big Apple." BBC News. 19 June 2007. 14 Sept. 2007
"The Vertical Farmer." July 2007. 14 Sept. 2007
"The Vertical Farm Project." 2007. 14 Sept. 2007
"Vertical Farm Designs." 2007. 14 Sept. 2007
Woolley, Hillary. "Farming Goes Vertical." CNNMoney.Com. 11 Sept. 2007. 14 Sept. 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The New Hydrogen Economy: Round 2
Attention getter: As we all know, the prices for gasoline have been on the rise.
According to the Energy Information Administration’s statistics from 2005-2007, if we were to draw a trend line for regular grade gas prices during those years; that line would have a positive slope. We also know that fossil fuels are a major source of energy for this type of fuel. However, there is a limited supply of these fossil fuels on Earth. Since there is no way of recycling fossil fuels, it is only a matter of time before they are no longer available. Well, what are we going to do when we are running low on fossil fuels? We will need another source of energy. More than likely, that source will be hydrogen. Automotive engineers have been experimenting with hydrogen combustion engines already; but have had limited success, until today. Professor Jerry Woodall of Purdue University has come up with a way to created hydrogen with little risk factors while being “economically attractive”.
Preview: I will be discussing this new method by sharing two concepts. First, I will share about the new resource and how it will allow us to safely and instantly make hydrogen. Second, I will introduce ways to recycle this resource back to its high energy state.
BODY:
Transition: The disadvantages of creating hydrogen in the past were due to risks of storage and transportation. According to The Week Magazine on April 7, 2006, in an article called, “The Car of the Future”, “No one has yet figured out how to provide hydrogen to tens of millions of motorists without great risk.” Also, according to an interview with BMW’s Dr. Frank Ochmann at the LA auto show in 2006, “We have one challenge…which is working on hydrogen…is the storage concept.”
I. The advantages of using of a newly developed alloy take away those risks; and allows for more efficiency in safety and cost. This is made true due to the type of elements within this alloy; which are aluminum and gallium. Let’s take a look at why these elements are so great.
A. Aluminum is safe and stable at room temperature and in the air.
1. It obvious in its used for construction and commodity goods.
B. Used aluminum can be recycled, which will play a key role in its cost efficiency.
C. There is almost an unlimited supply of aluminum, which allows it to be a cheaper element to purchase.
1. This is unlike the use of platinum that was used in the hydrogen making process.
D. Essentially, aluminum is used to store energy and release the hydrogen in water into gas form.
1. Before this is allowed to happen, Woodall say that the aluminum needs to be dissolved into liquid gallium.
2. According to The Science Channel, what this does is it removes the aluminum’s protective shield. So now the oxygen in water can react with all the aluminum, freeing the hydrogen instantly.”
3. It is better explained this way. Naturally, when oxygen reacts with aluminum, a layer of aluminum oxide is created around its surface. This takes place as soon as aluminum is exposed to air. This outer layer protects the aluminum from any further corrosion. What gallium does is it removes this outer layer, and allows the oxygen in water to be attracted to the aluminum. This instantly frees the remaining hydrogen.
4. So upon simply adding water to this alloy, the byproduct of this reaction will result in pure hydrogen gas.
5. This gas will give us the energy we need to power our vehicles.
Transition: Now that we have taken aluminum out of its high energy state and created aluminum oxide, we need to recycle it back to its high energy state once again.
II. The proposed process for recycling this element allows aluminum to be more resourceful.
A. According to Professor Woodall, long term aluminum recycling will be done by solar powered or wind generated farms.
1. This plant will need to be built next to a nuclear power plant for its on-site power cost.
2. With the use of these recycling plants, the price of hydrogen will match the price of gasoline.
B. Used aluminum will need to be transported back to these recycling plants.
C. With the use of these recycling plants, the price of hydrogen will match the price of gasoline.
1. The following calculations show how the prices are derived.
D. According to Mobile Magazine, “A pound of aluminum gives forth about two kilowatts of power, meaning that a 350-mile trip in a standard vehicle would require 350 pounds of aluminum and cost about $60. That dollar figure is fairly representative of current gasoline costs for the same distance.”
CONCLUSION:
Review Statement: So, in this speech, I have informed you about resource of aluminum-gallium, and how it is safer and faster in the hydrogen making process. I also told you about how the aluminum can be recycled to allow reuse of the energy source. By doing this, hydrogen will be able to replace fossil fuels while still maintaining an attractive price. Remember, the point of this is to make an economically viable way of creating fuel.
Memorable closing: Who knows, maybe someday your own children will be refueling with this new technology.
SOURCES:
Energy Information Administration. Official Energy Statistics from the U.S. Government. U.S. Retail Gas Prices. 14 March 2005. 14 September 2007.
Woodall, Jerry. Making of Hydrogen from Aluminum. 1 June 2007. 7 September 2007.
Ira, Flatow. Interview. Scientists Seek New Ways to Generate Hydrogen. Natl. Public Radio. Washington, D.C. 1 June 2007.
Turbo. Interview. L.A. Auto Show 2006: BMW Hydrogen 7. The Science Channel. Las Angeles. 2006.
Beck, Glenn. “T.B. Traveler Raises Security Concerns; Man Locked Up for Having T.B.; Is Hillary Pitching Socialism?; Who Will Replace Rosie on "The View?”. CNN.com. 21 May 2007
NewMax, SciIT News, and Mobile Magazine. Nukes news and views. 17 May 2007. 20 September 2007.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Gaming conference
You are all invited to the gaming conference that my professor is hosting at the Morgan Center, next Friday. You will need to register (there is no cost involved) and I may need to cancel class that day so that I can assist with running the conference.
The registration information is here:
REGISTRATION
Round 2 Speech
John Dale
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Round 2 Outline
COM 315 10:30am
10/2/07
Utilization of Picture Boards In Hospitals
INTRODUCTION:Imagine that you are vacationing in a foreign country with your family. You are having a good time when all of a sudden, something goes terribly wrong and someone needs medical attention. This can be pretty scary, especially when thinking about the conditions of the hospital and how you are going to communicate your injuries to non-English speaking medical personnel.In the United States, we are implementing picture boards. They have been implemented in more than 9 states so far and will bridge the gap between language barriers.
Preview Statement: Today we will be discussing the use of picture boards, need for picture boards, and also some of the problems associated with language barriers.
VISUAL AID= POWER POINT PRESENTATION, pictures from CNN.com/health
I. Use of picture boards
A. More than nine state hospital associations now utilize large double-sided panels known as picture boards.
1. Picture boards ease the gap in communication between non-English speakers and medical personnel in hospitals.
2. The patient picks out their language and the correct (federally mandated) translator is notified and brought to aid patient in the communication process.
3. According to CNN.com, pictures are shown on the board relating to patient problems "such as pain, a burn, breathing trouble or a fall-- as well as the part of the body that is affected" (“Picture Boards Bridge Hospital Language Gaps” 2007).
B. Origin/Distribution
1. They are being administered by US Department of Health and Human Services.
2. Originated 1992 in Florida after Hurricane Andrew, popularity and need grew more after September 11, 2001 attacks.
C. Laurie E. Hansen describes picture file cards and how they are used to
“Improve both academic English and conversational skills” and enables “them to communicate scientific knowledge they might have acquired in their native country” (38).
II. Relevance/Need
A. Scientific Facts/Study
1. According to the Knight Ridder Tribune Business News:
“At Truman Medical Center on Hospital Hill last year, there were about 40,000 "interpretive encounters," occasions when an interpreter was used to communicate with a patient. In 2000, the number was just under
15,000” (Eveld 2006).
2. “48% of hospitals encounter patients with limited English skills daily” (CNN.com/health 2007).
3. Blanca Angelica Gonzalez, RN of the American Public Health Association wrote of a scientific study in which 68 people were given a survey to determine "sources of social support and barriers to healthcare in a convenience sample of community dwelling older Latinos" (2007).
a. Obstacles
1. Obstacles included cost (73.6%).
2. Transportation (51.5%) was another issue.
3. Unfamiliarity with providers (41.3%) was noted.
4. Language barriers (64.7%) were listed as second to cost.
b. Metro areas highest in demand
1. Spanish-English is the language that most utilizes translators.
2. Arabic and Somalian translators are also requested.
3. Less frequent languages require the use of
outside translating companies (Eveld 2006).
B. Language Cards being used by Deployed Troops
1. Helpful in foreign countries to communicate
2. Size= Index Card
-Body chart to help ID bad guys
- rank insignias
-cultural references
3. According to Anne Clark of the Knight Ridder Tribune Business News the picture cards “Eliminate “cultural static” such as dialect” and are “universally understood” (2006).
III. Problems associated with language barriers
A. According to Edward Eveld of the Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, “An article in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that language barriers persist in U.S. health care, putting patients at risk for poor care and medical mistakes” (2006).
B. Yolanda Partida of Virtual Mentor also says that doctors are not prepared for "Rapid growth of the population with limited English proficiency (LEP)…." (566-571).
C. Greenbaum and Flores used the example that family to Doctor translations create privacy issues because people are hesitant to reveal personal information to their doctor through a family member translating (21).
D. Also, culture is linked into the language and can cause problems.
1. There are problems associated with patient-healthcare relations.
a. English-Spanish translations have different meanings, which can be difficult for translators to relay correct meanings as well.
b. Partida also makes reference to medical misunderstandings: “For example, the newly diagnosed diabetes patient may encounter familiar words such as blood, sugar, diet, and exercise but in a context that may be unfamiliar and possibly confusing” (566-571).
E. “Health outcomes, patient satisfaction, efficient use of resources and quality of care” are three factors that are negatively affected by language barriers (Greenbaum, Flores 21).
IV. Summary
A. Uses
B. Needs for Picture Boards
C. Problems Associated with Language Barriers
V. Conclusion
A. Today, we have discussed the uses, needs, and problems associated with picture boards being implemented in hospitals in the United States. Utilizing these boards will help to bridge the gap between patients and their doctors and healthcare professionals.
B. Jessica Foster of the Knight Ridder Tribune Business News concurs that:
“Communication is key in the medical field to understanding the patient’s needs and providing instruction about follow-up care” (2006).
Works Cited
Clark, Anne. "Cards help deployed troops bridge language gap. " Knight Ridder Tribune Business News 13 February 2006 1. ABI/INFORM Dateline. ProQuest. Purdue University Libraries, West Lafayette, IN. 12 Sept. 2007
Eveld, Edward M. "Communication is key: Translators are bridging the language gaps
that exist between patients and hospital staffs." Knight Ridder Tribune Business News 26 July 2006 1. ABI/INFORM Dateline. ProQuest. Purdue University Libraries, West Lafayette, Indiana. 26 Sep. 2007 http://www2.lib.purdue.edu:2464/.
Foster, Jessica (29 September). A bridge forged of words: HGTC teaches Spanish skills to foster customer interaction. Knight Ridder Tribune Business News,1. Retrieved September 13, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Dateline database. (Document ID: 1137389311).
Gonzalez, Blanca Angelica BA, RN. “Social support and barriers to healthcare among older Latinos in a rural community.” Social Support and CaregivingThe 135th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 3-7, 2007) of American Public Health Association. 7 September 2007.
Greenbaum, Michael, Flores, Glenn. "Lost in translation. " Modern Healthcare
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