Tutorial One: Ethics and InformationTechnology

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology

Information Technology is the use of computers, telecommunications, etc, in electronic processing, storing, retrieving and sending information.

Allen, R. (2004). The penguin English dictionary: London: Penguin Books

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 technology, such as computers and telecommunications are now widely used in today’s society. People use these technologies in their everyday lives to organise and implement the occupations that are meaningful to them.

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

As I have been brought up in the Technology age, I am comfortable using most technologies such as computers, cell phones, I-pods, email etc

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences, consider how Technology is being used in Occupational Therapy (OT) practice?

Modern day technology allows OT’s to communicate effectively with clients and other healthcare professionals, which allows greater efficiency in their practice. Computers are also helpful in storing and processing client data, such as reports. Additionally, OT’s can select and incorporate the use of technology, such as computers/videogame consoles, into a client’s intervention. This can be a great way of meeting a client’s therapeutic needs through purposeful occupation.

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 digital divide- people who have access to IT devices and systems are more advantaged that those who do not.
•Social Justice and Safety- Private Information that is leaked onto
the Internet cannot be taken back. Informed consent.

Define Computer Ethics

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

Wikipedia.(2010) Computer ethics.Retrieved March 9, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/computer_ethics

Define Intellectual Property

In law, Intellectual Technology (IP) is an umbrella term for various legal entitlements which attain to certain types of information, ideas, or other intangibles in their expressed form. The holder of this legal intitlement is generally entitled to exercise various exclusive rights in relation to the subject matter of the IP.

Wikipedia.(2010) Intellectual technology.Retrieved March 9, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/intellectual_technology


Define Social Justice

Social Injustice mostly refers to an ideal of society, where "Justice" refers to the economic status rather than 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.

Wikipedia.(2010) Social justice.Retrieved March 9, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/social_justice

Define Informed Consent

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.

Wikipedia.(2010) Informed consent.Retrieved March 9, 2010, 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.

By understanding ITC and the benfits and limitations it brings to peoples everyday lives, including the ethical issues faced, we can learn to use it safely within our practice as OT's, pretecting ourselves as therapists and our clients, whilst improving the efficency of our practice and using technology as meaningful occupation in Intervention.