Searching for CI Information on the Internet Maze: Implications for Parents and Pros

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rockdrummer

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Link to full article: Searching for Cochlear Implant Information on the Internet Maze: Implications for Parents and Professionals -- Zaidman-Zait and Jamieson 9 (4): 413 -- The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education

Empirical Articles


Searching for Cochlear Implant Information on the Internet Maze: Implications for Parents and Professionals
Anat Zaidman-Zait and Janet R. Jamieson
University of British Columbia

The present study has three purposes: (a) to determine who disseminates information on cochlear implants on the Web; (b) to describe a representative sample of Web sites that disseminate information on cochlear implants, with a focus on the content topics and their relevance to parents of deaf children; and (c) to discuss the practical issues of Web-based information and its implications for professionals working with parents of deaf children. Using the terms "cochlear implants" and "children," the first 10 sites generated by the four most popular search engines (Google, Yahoo, Microsoft's MSN, and America Online) at two points in time were selected for analysis, resulting in a sample of 31 Web sites. The majority of Web sites represented medically oriented academic departments and government organizations, although a wide variety of other sources containing information about cochlear implants were also located. Qualitative analysis revealed that the content tended to fall into eight categories; however, the important issues of educational concerns, habilitation following surgery, and communication methods were either addressed minimally or neglected completely. Using analytical tools that had been developed to evaluate "user friendliness" in other domains, each Web site was assessed for its stability, service/design features and ease of use. In general, wide variability was noted across the Web sites for each of these factors. The strong recommendation is made that professionals understand and enhance their knowledge of both the advantages and limitations of incorporating the new technology into their work with parents.

Correspondence should be sent to Anat Zaidman-Zait, University of British Columbia, Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, and Special Education, 2125 Main Mall. Vancouver, B. C. Canada, V6T 1Z4 (e-mail: zaidman@interchange.ubc.ca).

Received January 12, 2004; revised April 10, 2004; accepted April 12, 2004
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I noticed that u posted several articles which all look very interesting to read but I am too tired to read lengthy articles after work. My mind is constantly racing for ideas/materials/concepts/presentation of the lesson plans/classroom management/many more nonstop at work so when I get home, I just cant comprehend lengthly posts or articles BUT maybe this weekend I will take the time to read them and post my opinions. Looking forward to reading them. :)
 
I know what you mean. Part of the reason for posting them is because I am interested in them and also I thought others might benefit from the information. I believe those Journals are pretty reliable sources. Also it's nice to have them catagorized for later reference. (i.e when I have time to read them)
 
rockdrummer said:
I know what you mean. Part of the reason for posting them is because I am interested in them and also I thought others might benefit from the information. I believe those Journals are pretty reliable sources. Also it's nice to have them catagorized for later reference. (i.e when I have time to read them)
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They are.. and one can actually "subscribe" to the Journals. In the sense that you can have the content sent to you when a new edition is published.
(I actually use RSS to get the latest update)

Thanks Rockdrummer for posting them.
 
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one thing I recall of over a decade ago was not feeling like I had much time to do research based on what the doctors told us about ossification and the window of opportunity for a CI. I wish I had access to such information back then but unfortunatly I felt like a deer in the headlights when all of this hit us so fast. Our 18 month old contracted menengitis and we almost lost him with the doctor telling us that we had a very limited window of opportunity to get a CI. As hearing parents we never knew about deaf life or deaf culture. I wish we had more time to investigate and didn't feel so pressured to make such a profound decision in such a short time. Hopefully this information will be helpful to parents faced with the decision.
 
rockdrummer said:
one thing I recall of over a decade ago was not feeling like I had much time to do research based on what the doctors told us about ossification and the window of opportunity for a CI. I wish I had access to such information back then but unfortunatly I felt like a deer in the headlights when all of this hit us so fast. Our 18 month old contracted menengitis and we almost lost him with the doctor telling us that we had a very limited window of opportunity to get a CI. As hearing parents we never knew about deaf life or deaf culture. I wish we had more time to investigate and didn't feel so pressured to make such a profound decision in such a short time. Hopefully this information will be helpful to parents faced with the decision.
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I understand the way you made your decision was not satisfactory to you. Especially regarding the course it took.
But with the information you have now regarding CI, and not taking into account the unfortunate experience you have, do you any idea how your decision would be now?
 
good question. Hindsight is always 20/20 but if I knew then what I know now and didn't have to worry about such a limited window I may have elected to wait a bit longer and see how things panned out. That's assuming that my wife and I agreed on that direction. How long would I wait? Probably not more than a couple of years and that is assuming that he was not progressing. During that time I would learn all I can about deafness and the options available much like I have been doing for several years now.
 
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