Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

1. Definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology:
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 February 14, 2007, 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.

Technology… information technology: technology that deals with the storage, processing and dessemination of information esp. using computers
Shorter oxford english dictionary: On historical principles. (2002). Auckland: Oxford Press

Information Technology noun the use of computers, telecomunications, etc in electronic processing, storing, retreiving, and sending information
Allen, R. (consultant editor). (2004). The penguin english dictionary. London: Penguin Books



2. How is this prevalant in our society? How common place has it become?
We can access technology easily within our society through emails, internet, phones, faxes etc. We are the age in which technology have become very well accessed through people connecting with each on facebook and bebo, we dont have to ring someone we can talk to them through the internet at no cost. These are all things we do which have become everyday things and very common place.

3.Its devices or systems I use:
Internet banking, emails, facebook, computers, digital cameras, cellphones, ipods. The list goes on. I feel I am of an age which we were brought up using these devices so have become very competent using them.

4. How would IT be used in Occupational Therapy practice?
It is used through electric wheelchairs, video conferences, laptops, cellphones, using things such as WII for rehabilitation.

5. Ethical Implications:
Who governs it, who owns it and who has access to it. Monitioring of chat room and content posted onto sites, is this controlled? Many issues around ownership rights.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. How will this help in our practice and daily lives?
IT has huge implications on our lives it is how we connect with others and friends around the world, or even in our own country. It is easy and accessible and very quick to use. In practice we are able to make use of the new age equipment such as WII to help with rebabilitation in the elderly and it makes it easy to interact with other staff members wherever they may be through a simple phone call. We can even talk to practitioners overseas via video links the benefits are endless.