Tutuorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Information Technology can be defined as "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer based systems, particularly software application and computer hardware" (retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology).

Technology is very prevalant in society. It has a place in every aspect of our lives. It can be used in the workplace through email, phone, fax and socially though social networking sites such as facebook, bebo and chat rooms. We can be reaced instantly by anyone via mobile phone.

I feel comfortable using most IT devices but am definately not a pro! I am confident when using mobile phone, facebook, email, search engines, telephone, blog sites, DVDs.

IT is also used frequently in Occupational Therapy settings, for example assistive technology, phones, pagers, websites and computers programmes.

Ethical implications such as privacy issues for example, information being displayed on the internet for everyone to see, can arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devics (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet.

Computer Ethics can be defined as "a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct" (retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics).

Intellectual Property can be defined as a "a term referring to a number of distinct types of legal monopolies over creations of the mind, both artistic and commercial, and the compensating fields of the law" (retrieved may 26, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property).

Social justice can be defined as "the concept in which a subjective notion of justice and or equality is achieved in every aspect of society".

Informed consent can be defined as a "phase which is often used in the law to indicate that the consent a person gives meets certain minimum standards" (retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice).

An understanding of ITC and the ethical issues it emcompasses will help us in our practice and daily lives because being aware of different technology can allow for better range or resources and treatment options and other services that can benefit the client.