Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues
| Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required) Information Technology (IT), as defined by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware." IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and securely retrieve information. Today, the term information technology has ballooned to encompass many aspects of computing and technology, and the term is more recognizable than ever before. The information technology umbrella can be quite large, covering many fields. IT professionals perform a variety of duties that range from installing applications to designing complex computer networks and information databases. A few of the duties that IT professionals perform may include data management, networking, engineering computer hardware, database and software design, as well as the management and administration of entire systems. When computer and communications technologies are combined, the result is information technology, or "infotech". Information Technology (IT) is a general term that describes any technology that helps to produce, manipulate, store, communicate, and/or disseminate information. Presumably, when speaking of Information Technology (IT) as a whole, it is noted that the use of computers and information are associated. |
| 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 is becoming more and more prevalent in our society as it excels in all areas and each new gadget becomes a ‘must have’. Many New Zealanders feel they can’t live without their cell phones or the internet, using these as their only forms of communication, and can’t understand ‘how they lived without it before!’ |
| What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using? Cell phone, internet, usb, digital camera. |
| Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice? Resources from the internet. Phone/ Internet to contact clients. Notes/ Appointments kept on computer. |
| What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet) The lack of privacy, technology always has a way of finding information. Information is often interpreted wrong. Confidentiality is often a problem, and confidentiality form are often used. |
| 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. The term "computer ethics" was first coined by Walter Maner[1] in the mid-1970s, but only since the 1990s has it started being integrated into professional development programs in academic settings. The conceptual foundations of computer ethics are investigated by information ethics, a branch of philosophical ethics established by Luciano Floridi. Computer ethics is a very important topic in computer applications. The importance of computer ethics increased through the 1990s. With the growth of the Internet, privacy issues as well as concerns regarding computing technologies such as spyware and web browser cookies have called into question ethical behavior in technology. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics june 9th. |
| Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required) Intellectual property (IP) is a legal field that refers to creations of the mind such as musical, literary, and artistic works; inventions; and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, and related rights. Under intellectual property law, the holder of one of these abstract "properties" has certain exclusive rights to the creative work, commercial symbol, or invention by which it is covered. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property at 2.20 on the 11th of june. |
| Provide a definition of Social Justice (APA reference required) Social justice refers to the concept of a society in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law. It is generally thought of as a world which affords individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society. (Different proponents of social justice have developed different interpretations of what constitutes fair treatment and an impartial share.) It can also refer to the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within a society. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice at 2.45 on the 11th of june. |
| 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. The individual needs to be in possession of relevant facts and also of his or her reasoning faculties, such as not being mentally retarded or mentally ill and without an impairment of judgment at the time of consenting. Such impairments might include illness, intoxication, insufficient sleep, and other health problems. Some acts cannot legally take place because of a lack of informed consent. In cases where an individual is considered unable to give informed consent, another person is generally authorized to give consent on their behalf. Examples of this include the parents or legal guardians of a child and caregivers for the mentally ill. In cases where an individual is provided limited facts, serious ethical issues may arise. Examples of this in a clinical trial in medical research are anticipated and prevented by an ethics committee or Institutional Review Board Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent at 3.15 on the 11th of june |
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. Knowing how to use technology helps us to have contact with various people/groups all over the world, as it is so prominent in all areas of our lives. Also will help us in practice when recording client information and keeping confidentiality and privacy. |
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