Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues
Definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology
Definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology
Information technology n. 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 is as available to members of society as they want it to be. Nearly everything one does can involve some form of computer based influence to aid in whatever someone is occupied in doing. It is so common that it is hard to avoid some form of technology in day to day tasks whether it be very up to date or more dated items.
What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?
I always think that I feel comfortable using technology but as the rate of evolution in this area is so faced paced I often find myself out of my depth! Although I like to believe that I am reasonably up with the play with computers and other devices such as music MP3 players.
Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?
To find the pressure areas of someone while sitting in their wheelchair, a cushion with senses was applied which then transferred comprehensive information to a computer. This enabled the client and therapist to easily work towards eliminating any problematic areas.
When client’s arrived at the spinal ward, they were given a DVD to watch called Spinal 101. This ran through what to expect from their rehabilitation and answers some questions which may be running through their heads.
What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices?
The internet is a somewhat public tool and can often mean that others can see what one may rather be kept private. Information disclosure should probably be kept as minimal as possible so not to encourage uninvited viewers. Also Bluetooth is another form of others being able to tap into whatever technological device being used such as a mobile phone. This also has the hazard of others being able to contact and obtain your personal information without your consent.
Provide a definition of Computer Ethics
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
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
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
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.
Occupational Therapy practice needs to be involved with technology as it will help others in an efficient and up to date manner. If technology did not exist within the profession then OT would most likely get left behind from the rest of the world. If a client or patient uses technology then the therapist will also need a knowledge in this field.
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 is as available to members of society as they want it to be. Nearly everything one does can involve some form of computer based influence to aid in whatever someone is occupied in doing. It is so common that it is hard to avoid some form of technology in day to day tasks whether it be very up to date or more dated items.
What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?
I always think that I feel comfortable using technology but as the rate of evolution in this area is so faced paced I often find myself out of my depth! Although I like to believe that I am reasonably up with the play with computers and other devices such as music MP3 players.
Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?
To find the pressure areas of someone while sitting in their wheelchair, a cushion with senses was applied which then transferred comprehensive information to a computer. This enabled the client and therapist to easily work towards eliminating any problematic areas.
When client’s arrived at the spinal ward, they were given a DVD to watch called Spinal 101. This ran through what to expect from their rehabilitation and answers some questions which may be running through their heads.
What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices?
The internet is a somewhat public tool and can often mean that others can see what one may rather be kept private. Information disclosure should probably be kept as minimal as possible so not to encourage uninvited viewers. Also Bluetooth is another form of others being able to tap into whatever technological device being used such as a mobile phone. This also has the hazard of others being able to contact and obtain your personal information without your consent.
Provide a definition of Computer Ethics
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
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
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
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.
Occupational Therapy practice needs to be involved with technology as it will help others in an efficient and up to date manner. If technology did not exist within the profession then OT would most likely get left behind from the rest of the world. If a client or patient uses technology then the therapist will also need a knowledge in this field.
1 comment:
Hi Elisa
great to see your thoughts coming through in response to the questions posed by James.
OT's have always used technologies - look at a definition in a text or perhaps what you did with Linda Wilson last year - when I trained we learnt technologies such as how to use a loom, or a wirebrush maker or a bicycle fretsaw. At that time (makes me feel a little bit older), people still made their own clothes, had a vegie garden to help feed the family etc - ie it was a time when you created with your hands much of what you used! With the introduction of computer technologies, much of what we create is created in a two dimensional way first - ie taking photos and editing them as you refer to in your second posting! Therefore as OT's we need to understand how we too can use everyday technologies therapeutically - the computer is just one of these everyday technologies and many people with access are using them to create amazing things!
Hope this helps!
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