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 microelectronics. Hanks, P. (ed) Collous 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? This phenomenon of IT has become common place indeed.... COMPUTERS......... memory sticks, i pod, 'grab a seat' search engines, printers/scanners, web cams, Trade m/ eBay, Landlines, Cellphones....text, email, pix, shop, Internet, photo |
| What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using? Ipod, cell phone, search engines, memory sticks, computers , digital camera |
| Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice? Digital cameras used to provided photos for house modifications/ adaptations TV/Video for tele-conferencing/ family conference/ capturing events and records. |
| What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. Internet) Confidentiality/ hackers & viruses in pursuit of destroying! |
| Provide a definition of Computer Ethics (APA reference required) 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.wikapedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics |
| Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required) Intellectual Property is an umbrella term for various legal entitlements which attach to certain types of information, ideas or other intangibles in their expressed forms. Retrieved February 14 2007 from http://en.wikapedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property |
| Provide a definition of Social Justice (APA reference required) Social Justice is 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. Retrieved February 14 2007 from http://en.wikapedia.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.wikapedia.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 will foresee society develop policies and practices that are more inclusive of all people who in the past had limited access to computers, e g the poor, disabled, older persons.From an OT point of view, understanding will help the therapist recognise what is appropriate ethically in relation to obtaining, accessing, recording and reporting information, while also clearly understanding considerations around privacy and safety relative to both Therapist and service users. |
