tutorial one

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required) 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? Information technology is all around us; our children are growing up using technology from pre school. It is normal for our school aged population to communicate via email, txt or through web sites such as my space or bebo. For those of us who went through the education system pre 1980 when computing was not so common, we have had to learn how to use this technology and this for some is a challenge. Using technology for storage of information is more common, our Doctors notes and personal information is stored on computers. We use digital cameras to take photos, then produce, print and circulate these via our computers. We use online banking and eftpos and can also shop online.

What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using? I am quite comfortable using my home computer and laptop, cell phone and digital camera; I can load and edit my photos using the programme on my computer but struggle to use other programmes. Other technology I use include ipods, mp3 players(although I sometimes require help),cd roms and dvds.

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice? In my first fieldwork placement we used digital cameras to record, draw and plan adaptations for steps and bathrooms. My most recent placement we wrote all of our reports on the computer but still used hard copy files for client notes and wrote progress notes by hand. Much of the departmental communication was done by email, even if the recipient was in the next room. Access to other Occupational Therapists and services nation wide is immediate so keeping in touch with colleagues is relatively easy but this also has its down side as much time is wasted reading unnecessary emails.

What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet) Because so much information is accessible by anyone we have to be extremely careful how much personal information we leave on internet sites and how secure these sites may be.

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 February 14, 2007, 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 February 14, 2007, 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 Februry 14, 2007, 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. 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. Retreived 8 May 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. Technology is a part of our lives now, we have to get used to that and learn to use it as best we can. However, technology is only as good as its operator and is subject to the occasional breakdown or crash or misuse. We must be prepared to return to the old way, however temporary this might be, pen and paper, snail mail and land lines.