Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required)

Information technology (IT), also known as Information and Communication(s) Technology (ICT) and Infocomm in Asia, is concerned with the use of technology in managing and processing information, especially in large organizations. Retrieved April 13, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_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?
Technology has a huge prevalence in our society today, particularly the western society. As humans we have become reliant on IT to carry out alot of everyday tasks.
We have become so reliant on information technology that if someone did not have modern gadgets it would be fair to say that their systems are not working to full capacity.
Personally speaking, IT is a means of communication and information gathering that is fast and efficient. But IT has also become prevalent on other levels – business, work etc.

What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?
Cell phones, Internet, Memory Sticks, Computers, digital camera, MP3 players, DVD players, CD/Stereo.
I am also slowly getting there with GPS and slowly on uploading and downloading information.
Please do not ask me how to tune a VCR player!

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?
Computers were largely being used to type up and present client notes. In Waikato Health Board there was a computer system in place that all records and weekly progress notes could be accessed on this database.
One supervisor had a mild form of dyslexia and illegible handwriting and found computer processed neater and easier to understand.
Emails, particularly internal email system was a common form of communication after phone calls.
Cellphones were used for safety issues away from the ward.
Security cameras and alarm systems were used for safety of staff on secure forensic ward.
Teleconferencing was used as a means of everyone being able to attend to the meeting without having to physically being there.

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 issues
Hackers
Risk of Viruses
System shutdown/failure
Privacy issues
Procedure in place to cope with system shutdown?

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 May 14, 2008, 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 May 18, 2008, 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 May 18, 2008, 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 May 18, 2008, 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.
Having understanding of ITC and the ethical issues it encompasses allows us to be aware of issues that we could face as professionals. Having this understanding also allows us to recognise the implications that information technology could present and also ways around how to combat this.

References
Information Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_Technology
Hanks, P. (ed). (1989) Collins Concise Dictionary. Glasgow: Bath Press.
Computer Ethics. (n.d.) Retrieved May 14, 2008, from, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics
Informed Consent. (n.d.) Retrieved May 18, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent