Technical Description One

Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required) -concerned with the use of technology in managing and processing information, especially in large organizations Retrieved March 12, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/information_technology

It has become very common-place -used largely for socialising - online blogs, chatting, virtual networks -used for information gathering - less desire to go to library and look in books for information when it is all on the internet -used for organisation of businessess - less paper work, more storage -communication, via emails -general - computers,

What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using? computers to an extent/internet digital cameras cellphones mp3 players dvd players All only to some extent!

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice? to gain quick information about products, equipment etc to store information and notes communication i.e cellphones, emails between other wards, colleagues, services eg teleconferencing

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 -informed consent -technology dangers eg viruses

Provide a definition of Computer Ethics (APA reference required) A branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct. Retrieved 12 March, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics

Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required) -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 March 12, 2008, http://en. wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_Property

Provide a definition of Social Justice (APA reference required) -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 treament" and a "just share" must remain unclear or subject to interpretation. Retrieved 12 March, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice

Provide a definition of Informed Consent (APA reference required) - 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 12 March 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. Because ITC is a growing and growing fast, if we have an understanding of this and the pro's and con's, we can utilise the pro's and use technology to our advantage, in both practice and daily lives. Use of information technology can speed up processes, it can enable use to portray and share information more easily and more clearly, if used appropriately, and it can provide a medium for which to communicate more effectively and efficiently. Having a great understandin of the technicalities and practicalities, as well as the ethical issues encompassing the concept is of increased importance however, as with development of ITC, with it comes complications, much larger requirement for knowledge, and a greater opportunity for mishaps and mistakes, which ultimately could make life harder, or compromise practice as an OT.