first technical description.

Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required)
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.
(Information retrieved. 29 May, 2008, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information _Technology)

Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?
Information Technology is very prevalent in modern society. Every business now days big or small has interaction with this technology. Our society has come to that. To survive and do better in a business sense, there needs to be someone in the mix that has a comprehensive grip on I.T matters. While being an I.T genius is not yet commonplace, they are well sought after.

What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?
 not a lot. I’m as baffled as my Grandmother when it comes to complicated things involving computers. I can find stuff on the internet sometimes but I tend to get lost, then frustrated, then leave.

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?
I think it is very useful in that professional setting. I.T enables the person at the computer to literally access E V E R Y T H I N G they may be interested in whether it be researching a condition, doing their competencies, checking emails or anything in between. Time keeping was another use, looking up patients historic clinical notes, recent admissions and so on, instead of screeds upon screeds of documents and book and files hanging around the office, everything’s at your fingertips in a wee box in front of you. Its pretty nuts really…


What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet)
Many. Not talking about in the workplace, just in general. I.T is amazing and awfully impressive, but there’s defiantly a lot of ethical dilemmas. People anywhere in the world can potentially access you. Eeeevil people. Anyone can tell anyone anything. Footage, notes, documents, music everything has the potential to be sent anywhere with the current abilities of I.T.






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.
( Information retieved. 29 May, 2008, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics)

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.
( Information retrieved. 29 May, 2008, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Intellectual_ property)

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 i.e, ethics.
( Information retrieved. 29 May, 2008, 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. 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.
( Information retrieved. 29 May, 2008, 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.
Avoid being sued… nah but actually. Whether it be intentional or not and you cross an ethical line, your responsible for that action. So, it is best to have an understanding of what information is ok and what information shouldn’t be written or shared to protect yourself, and the client.