Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

The focus of the first posting is defining what technology is and providing definitions around the different terminology around this term.

The focus of my first posting is defining what technology is. Below is an explaination of what it is using a definition I located online. Then below that I have defined what I think information technology is.  ·            Information technology/ information communications technology definition: “the science and activity of using computers and other electronic equipment to store and send information” Cambridge University. (2011). Cambridge Dictionaries Online. Retrieved from http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/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 ·            In my own words: Information technology/information communications technology is being able to use a computer, cellphone, telephone or any other communication device to be able to send messages or any information to another person.

Below I have explained how the form of technology that I have provided in the explaination above has become prevalent in our society. There is also a link to a youtube clip surrounding this topic.  This form of technology has become very prevalent in our society. We simply have become so dependant on this information technology that as a society we could not function without it. When the network system goes down we go into a frenzy as we are unable to communicate via cellphones to our peers. Writers on Information technology and everyday life

Below I have given a list on different types of technology that I feel competent using. I feel comfortable using a computer (both desktop and portable). E-mail, Internet, Intranet (moodle) Radio, Telephones which include hard-wired desk telephones, cordless telephones and of course mobile telephones. I am also comfortable using a USB drive which is a small, portable flash memory stick.

Below are some answers that relate to fieldwork. I reflected on information I gained during my four week placement option during my first year of occupation therapy training. When the Occupational Therapists go out into the community to do a home visit they take a company cellphone so that the other Occupational Therapists can contact them if needed. They also each have a computer on their desks to do research and type up information. They have a hard-wired desk phone in the office to call the main hospital instead of walking over there. Not everyone knows how to use the IT systems and tools and successful use of mainstream technology lies with the occupational therapists ability to select and structure technologies to meet his or her client’s therapeutic needs and does not necessarily rely on the inherent qualities of the technology chosen. For children with cognitive and also physical disabilities a great technology use for them is computer games. By connecting a joy-stick to a computer the child is able to work on hand movement and gaining strength in their hand muscles by using the joy-stick. By getting them involved in cognitive based learning games they are able to increase their cognitive abilites while enjoying a fun learning based game on the computer. I think that it is very important to have a good understanding of the use of IT as it will help us in our practice as OT’s and in daily lives. This is because IT opens so many more doors for our clients and us in the way we provide our service. We are able to formulate new ideas for intervention that we not avaliable to us before. For example computer games as mentioned above.

Below are some ethical implications that can arise from the capturing,  sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet) Plagerism can occur when you are sending information via IT devices. If you cut and paste an article, picture or any type of information via an IT device or you fail to properly cite a sources, this results in plagerism. Another implication is internet privacy. When you are sharing and transfering information or placing photos on the internet anyone can get ahold of that information and misuse it.

Below is an definition of what intellectual property is. It was sourced from wikipedia  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

This is a definition on social justice that I located online 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

Below is a definition that was sourced from wikipedia. It provides a indepth look about what informed consent is. 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 iimplications of an action. Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent