Tutorial One

Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required) Information technology. 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? Information technology has become common place in society because of the convenience and it is simple to use. It is now common place to communicate with a person instantly no matter where they are. For example over phone, email, fax. Being able to use technology is now a requirement for society as it is used in most work places and in most homes.

What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using? I feel comfortable using computers, cell phones, fax, email, cameras, and video cameras.

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice? On my fieldwork placement we used computer to type patient notes on. It was a system called JADE. Email was also commonly used and phone.

What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet) Privacy issues when using technology such as cell phone and emails can be considered impersonal because it is not face to face. Also the ethical issues with camera are that people might not consent to their picture being taken and the picture could be exploited e.g. a famous actors picture being published on the internet without their consent.

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. A greater understanding of ITC and ethical issues will help us in our practice and daily lives. It will widen our knowledge and understanding of how to use ITC. It will also make us aware of the ethical issues involved in using ITC.