Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues
Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required)
Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware. Today, the term information technology has ballooned to encompass many aspects of computing and technology, and the term is more recognizable than ever before. The information technology umbrella can be quite large, covering many fields.
Retrieved May 20, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology
Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?
Information technology has become very common place. Now day’s people are just expected to have all the new technology that is around these days as it is used in our day to day lives frequently to help us communicate and gain information.
What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?
I find that it takes me a while to get familiar with the new technology that just comes out but after a while of seeing people use it more and getting the hang of it I get better with it. Things that I feel comfortable using at this stage are: Computers, bebo, msn, CD’s, DVD’s , video Cameras, Digital Cameras.
Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?
While on placement information technology can be very important. Things like computers for gathering information about a client or a piece of equipment. Sending e-mails to order equipment or to get in contact with a company. Another type of equipment that I have seen being used a lot of over all my placements is a fax machine. They used the fax to send through quotes and client notes if needed to receive equipment. Also the use of telephones to make appointment.
What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet)
While on placement there was a rule that you weren’t allowed to send client notes through the internet as they may have got lost. Confidentiality is very important while is a hospital setting or any other setting where other people are involved from the community
Provide a definition of Computer Ethics (APA reference required)
“Computer ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct.
The importance of computer ethics increased through the 1990s. With the growth of the Internet, privacy issues as well as concerns regarding computing technologies such as spyware and web browser cookies.”
Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/computer_ethics
Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required)
“Intellectual property is creations that the mind has come up with. These being the development of things such as what we recognise e.g. Images, names etc.
Intellectual property is divided into two categories: Industrial property, which includes inventions (patents), trademarks, industrial designs, and geographic indications of source; and Copyright, which includes literary and artistic works such as novels, poems and plays, films, musical works, artistic works such as drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures, and architectural designs.”
Retrieved May 16, 2008, from http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/
Provide a definition of Social Justice (APA reference required)
Social justice refers to the concept of a society in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law. The term can be amorphous and refer to sometimes self-contradictory values of justice. It is generally thought of as a world which affords individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society. It can also refer to the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within a society.
Retrieved May 16, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice
Provide a definition of Informed Consent (APA reference required)
Informed condition is where by a person can be said to have given consent based upon an appreciation and understanding of the facts and implications of an action.
Retrieved May 16, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent
In your own words briefly summarise why (or why not) a great understanding of ITC and the ethical issues it encompasses will help us in our practice and daily lives.
I think that information technology can have its advantages and its disadvantages with people. This is how much a person knows about the specific piece of technology that is being used. As years go on information technology is getting bigger and some things are getting more technical for people to understand how to use it. Although all of this is happening I do still think that it good that we have information technology to help make some things become easier and life better to some degree. Ethical issues is a big plays a big part in our practice as we have to consider and be aware of these when working with ITC. For example: When saving client notes into the computer and having it open for any other staff member to be able to get into it.
