Tute ONE

Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required)
“the production, storage, and communication of information using computers and electronic technology”
Retrieved from: www.collinslanguage.com

Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?
This form of technology can be found everywhere. Computers are used for security, health, research, data collection, information stores, math calculations, communication, hobbies, entertainment, work, for children and for elderly, to find love, to get to know people. Cell phones are used to communicate by most people in society, weather its work, family, friends, or getting to know someone. Digital cameras and videos are very prevalent, as visual records for memories or as an art form, for families or for work. Generally technology can be found every where, and nearly every person especially in western society uses some form of technology.

What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?
I feel competent using cell phones, digital cameras, video cameras, ipods, play station and internet.

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?
On my first placement in the community, IT was used in the hostel for physically disabled people. Most of the inhabitants had laptops, cell phones and cameras. These were aids that enabled people with speech dysfunction to communicate and helped others entertain themselves during the day. These people would get together and use the play station as a fun social event.

What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet)
Some ethical issues are:
privacy - being able to share other peoples information.
privacy - being contactable at all times; cell phone.
privacy – having other people have access to your information without asking.

Provide a definition of Computer Ethics (APA reference required)
Computer: “an electronic device that processes data according to a set of instructions”
Ethics: “a moral principle or set of moral values held by an individual or group”
Retrieved from: www.collinslanguage.com

Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required)

Intellectual property (IP) is a legal field that refers to creations of the mind such as musical, literary, and artistic works; inventions; and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, and related rights. Under intellectual property law, the holder of one of these abstract "properties" has certain exclusive rights to the creative work, commercial symbol, or invention by which it is covered.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property

Provide a definition of Social Justice (APA reference required)
“Social justice refers to the concept of a society in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law. It is generally thought of as a world which affords individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society.”
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. The individual needs to be in possession of relevant facts and also of his or her reasoning faculties, such as not being mentally retarded or mentally ill and without an impairment of judgment at the time of consenting. Such impairments might include illness, intoxication, insufficient sleep, and other health problems.”
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.
I believe an understanding technology has great advantages in this modern world. It allows one to be able to keep up with what is happening, and use the best technology for practice and benefits in daily life. Knowing the ethical issues related to the use of technology is very important especially when using the technology in practice. It is very important to keep patient confidentiality rights.