Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues
| Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required) Information Technology is the use of computers, telecomunications, etc in electronic processing, storing, retreiving, and sending information Allen, R. (consultant editor). (2004). The penguin english dictionary. |
| Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become? The use of computers and telecommunications has become common place in our society as technology has increased. It is now common place for every school, workplace and home to use computers as a way of storage (ie – photos), and most prominently as a way of sending and retrieving information in the form of email etc. |
| What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using? I feel competent using computers, most of the time. For example I am competent with the basics – word; internet; powerpoint etc. I am competent using video cameras and digital cameras. And of course cell phones. All these things are purely due to personal experiences. |
| Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice? My main encounters with IT in fieldwork are computer systems used for taking notes and entering assessment data. Also digital cameras which were used to document ward trips. These provided the ward with something memorable patients could take away with them on discharge. |
| What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet) For fieldwork there is the worry about just how private it is and who the information can be accessed by. The internet has proven many times not to be as secure as people often think. The information provided about clients on the internet systems is personal and would be detrimental in the wrong hands. |
| 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. Having an aweness of the ethical issues of ITC will help us as we will be able to make an informed judgement on what is appropriate to use the devices and systems for. This will minimise the risk of troubles arising in our practice and daily lives. |
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