Information Technology and Ethical Issues Tut 1

Definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology:

The production, storage and communication of information using computers and microelectronics.
Hanks,P.(ed).(1989)Collins Concise Dictionary:Glasgow:Bath Press

Consider the defintion of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?
Technology has become apart of everyday life. It is very common abd prevalent in our society and will continue to evolve in the future.

What IT devices or systems do you feel comfortable and competent using?
Cellphones, computers, tvs, camera, gaming machines, photocopiers, fax, phones, facebook, google, wordprocessors.

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?
Digital cameras are used to take photos of patients homes in order to be used to show, justify any adaptations they may need to occur. Wii console is now being used in a variey of settings especially in rehabilitation to encourage participation and being active. Cellphones, photocopiers, computers, pagers and fax machines are now common plase amongst all settings.

Ethical Implications: The safety of information becomes an issue as you cant comtrol who may see or use information.

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

Intellectual Property: 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 IP.
Retrieved February 14,2007, htttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/intellectual_property

Social Justice: mostly refers to an ideal of society, where justice refers to economic status rather than to the adminstration 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.

Informed Consent: Is a legal condition where by 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

Understanding ITC and the ethical issues it encompasses will be a huge help in both practice and daily lives as it is becoming common place and is expected of you to understand. Information, pictures can be quickly exchanged due to technology which will enhance performance in practice and cut time.