Tutorial 1 - Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology?Information Communication 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 on May, 28 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology)

Consider the definition on IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?

IT seems to be involved in every person's life these days. There is basically nobody who does not use some form of IT. Whether it is a normal phone or the new "I-phone" - we rely on IT as our communication system and we expect everyone to be availabe at anytime. IT is nowadays seen as a basic.

IT systems are required for our society to function and co-ordinate services, events, and it seems even life. IT is everywhere: At schools, in hospitals, in prisons, in kindergartens, at home...

Not only the hardware but also the software is relevant for us. IT is a big part of learning and business institutions .

What IT devices or systems do you feel comfortable and compentent using?

The phone! And I can turn a computer on and off. And now I can even create a blog without too much of a worry.I believe when you try to get into it, nothing is too hard. After all, everything has been developed by other people and there is always somebody that you can ask when you get stuck.

Thinking about your fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in occupational therapy practice.

• Computers as resource and communication system. A computer system was also used to write down client's notes. These were accessible for every member of the team. Computers were also used to write reports and fill in electronic forms.
• Cameras were used to take pictures of houses/areas that needed to be modified. Occasionally, for wheelchair adaptations, client's sitting postures were also photographed.
• Telephones are used for making appointments/cancelling appointments with clients/other staff or for teleconferences.
• Videocameras can be used to film events/assessments to draw on/review them later.

What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet)?

When capturing someone/information, informed consent should always be given, as there is always a chance, that the information can be seen my others. Communication can never be regarded as entirely safe. When sending a picture from one phone to another, there is always the chance, that others might intercept, intentionally or not.

Provide a definition of Computer Ethics (APA required)

"Computer ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct."

Retrieved on May, 28 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics.

Provide a defintion 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."

Retrieved on May, 28 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property.

Provide a defintion 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."

Retrieved on May, 28 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice.

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."

Retrieved on May, 28 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent.

In your own words briefly summarise why (or why not) a greater understanding of ITC and the ethical issues it encompasses will help us in our practice and daily lives.

To be able to practice safely and competently, we should be familiar with the legal rights of our patients/clients. To be able to provide the best possible intervention, we should be "up to date" with the very rich and popular resources of IT.