Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required)

Technology… information technology: technology that deals with the storage, processing and dessemination of information esp. using computers

Shorter oxford english dictionary: On historical principles. (2002). Auckland: Oxford Press


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 storage is really important in out society. Notes, emails, communications etc become legal documents and IT is used to hold that information. It is very commonplace today, computer skills are essential for many job situations. The internet is a constantly evolving source of information. Communication has moved from rooms of files and letters to fast and effective means of email, phone and computer files. This technology is quicker, more efficient and sometimes less intrapersonal than ever.

What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?

Computer
Phone
Fax
Email
Video
Camera

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?

Data bases for client information
Client files on computer rather than hard copy
Communication devises
Email, fax etc

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

The privacy and confidentiality of a person can be violated. We only have to open the latest gossip magazine to see a picture of a famous actor engaging in anything from eating to walking the dog! Mobile phones and the revolution of text messaging can be argued to lean towards an impersonal communication. The internet can hold a lot of accurate and useful information but at the same time holds a lot of inaccurate information.

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.

Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics

Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required)

In law, intellectual property (IP) is an umbrella term for various legal entitlements which attach to certain types of information, ideas, or other intangibles in their expressed form. The holder of this legal entitlement is generally entitled to exercise various exclusive rights in relation to the subject matter of the IP. The term intellectual property reflects the idea that this subject matter is the product of the mind or the intellect, and that IP rights may be protected at law in the same way as any other form of property. However, the use of the term and the concepts it is said to embody are the subject of some controversy

Retrieved February 14, 2007, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property

Provide a definition of Social Justice (APA reference required)

Social justice mostly refers to an ideal of society, where "justice" refers to economic status rather than to the administration of laws. It is based on the idea of a society which gives individuals and groups fair treatment and a just share of the benefits of society, although what is "fair treatment" and a "just share" must remain unclear or subject to interpretation.

Retreived Februry 14, 2007, 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 February 14, 2007, 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.

Understanding ITC and the encompassing ethical issues is essential in daily practice and our daily lives because there are boundaries to consider and legal implications for the sharing of knowledge. We need to be aware of what is out there in terms of the technology but proceed with caution, considering the implications of how it may impact on a person.