Tuesday, March 4, 2008

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION 1...

Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

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

· Information technology (IT), also known as Information and Communication(s) Technology (ICT) and Infocomm in Asia, is concerned with the use of technology in managing and processing information, especially in large organizations.

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

  • Information technology n. The production, storage and communication of information using computers and microelectronics.

Hanks, P. (ed). (1989) Collins Concise Dictionary. Glasgow: Bath 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?

Technology, in particular computers are very available in society today. Not only have PC’s in the home become a thing of the norm, lap tops are now becoming more in more common. Especially for students and business people. Technology is progressing fast, increasing the abilities of what they are able to do for us. Computers also have added equipment that act as a storage, e.g. USB chips, that are also very common in society.

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

I fell comfortable and competent using PC’s, laptops, digital camera’s, ipods, video camera’s, USB’s, CD’s. DVD’s.

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

Sometimes video recordings are used to video interviews with clients, with their consent, in order to use for assessment and observation.

Computers are used to type up clients notes, and store important information, files and documents. They are also used for communication via email.

Digital camera’s are used for taking pictures of equipment and clients homes in order to find suitable equipment. They are also used to document moments e.g. activity groups.

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

Implications with capturing, sharing and transferring information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet) include not having informed consent from the people you’ve capture and then using these images for your own use. The information is easily transferable and can be accessed by anyone if they have the skills and knowledge of how to do so.

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.

Retrieved February 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.

Having the knowledge and understanding allows you to do things as and when required. You are able to store information and documents which mean you do not need to take up physical space. It’s an easy way to communicate with fellow clinicians if you cannot see them in person. It allows you to access information globally and use as a research tool. For these reasons I feel it is important for OT to be apart of the changes in technology and to keep up with it, in order to reap the benefits.