tutorial 1 technical description

Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required) "Information Technology (IT), as defined by the 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." IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and securely retrieve information." Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology on 30 May 2008.

Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become? It has become a part of everyday life and is essential for a lot of things we do nowadays because the systems have become so integrated into our society and the benefits of not using it just cannot compete.

What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using? Cellphone Digital camera Hotmail/ msn Memory stick Basic computer tasks.

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice? Internet/ intranet to store data or notes and communicate information via email and search for information. Phones: there is a lot of phone contact to clients nowadays. Digital cameras: to record for example the client’s bathroom when looking to modify it or put in rails. A picture can be a powerful piece of evidence when applying for funding.

What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet) Confidentiality could be broken, you just need to be aware of who will have access to the information and that you get permission when appropriate. When using cellphones or email you need to be really accurate as to who you send information to and that you make sure you are sending your message to the right person.

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 term "computer ethics" was first coined by Walter Maner[1] in the mid-1970s, but only since the 1990s has it started being integrated into professional development programs in academic settings. 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 have called into question ethical behavior in technology.” Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics on 4 June 2008.

Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required) “Intellectual property (IP) is a legal field that refers to creations of the mind such as musical, literary, and artistic works; inventions; and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, and related rights. Under intellectual property law, the holder of one of these abstract "properties" has certain exclusive rights to the creative work, commercial symbol, or invention by which it is covered.” Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property on 4 June 2008.

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. It is generally thought of as a world which affords individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society. (Different proponents of social justice have developed different interpretations of what constitutes fair treatment and an impartial share.) It can also refer to the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within a society.” Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice on 4 June 2008.

Provide a definition of Informed Consent (APA reference required) “Informed consent is a legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon an appreciation and understanding of the facts and implications of an action. The individual needs to be in possession of relevant facts and also of his or her reasoning faculties, such as not being mentally retarded or mentally ill and without an impairment of judgment at the time of consenting. Such impairments might include illness, intoxication, insufficient sleep, and other health problems.” Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent on 4 June 2008.

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. If we are to use ITC we just need to be aware of the ethical issues that could arise and that we prevent those from happening. If we are good users of ITC then we can only benefit and confidentiality and rapport with clients will not be breached. If we can use ITC effectively this will help us in out interactions with others in making sure information is shared in an accurate and respectful way and not only will we benefit but we can enhance others’ knowledge about a subject.