Tutorial one: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

In this tutorial we looked at what information technology means, the systems that are used to communicate this technology, the ethical implications that arise from the use of technology and how we can use it in the occupational therapy setting.
Information technology can be defined as "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." Retrieved May 14, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology.
Today people have come to rely on technology to do every day things. Without it people would not be able to function as they normally would. For example the IT devices that I use include social networking sights, books, mobile, telephone, ipod, DVD, search engines and email. IT is also used frequently in the occupational setting, for example computers for date and emails, assistive technology, laptops, web sights and pagers/ phones.
Because there is so much information being transferred using IT there are ethical implications that can arise such as not knowing who can see the information you’ve sent or put on the internet. Computer ethics can be defined as “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.
Intellectual Property can be defined as 'an umbrella term for various legal entitlements which attach to certain types of information, ideas or other intangibles in their expressed form.' Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property
A definition of Social Justice is ' a society giving individuals and groups fair treatment and a share of the benefits of society.' Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Justice
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
Having a good understanding of IT and the ethical issues it encompasses will benefit us in our practice and daily lives. This is because IT has the opportunity to make practice easier and more beneficial, for example ease of transferring information to others. Understanding ethical issues means that IT can be used without offending others or against their will.