Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Introduction:

The focus of my first posting is about the Information Technology: to define and explain, the use of technology over history; the problems and benefits and to discuss its role in the common place and the domain of occupational therapy. The Ethical Issues of using I.T will be briefly discuss too.

Definition:

Information Technology according to Tech Terms.com The Tech Terms Computer Dictionary (2011) states " It refers to anything related to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software, the Internet, or the people that work with these technologies. Many companies now have IT departments for managing the computers, networks, and other technical areas of their businesses. IT jobs include computer programming, network administration, computer engineering, Web development, technical support, and many other related occupations. Since we live in the "information age," information technology has become a part of our everyday lives. That means the term "IT," already highly overused, is here to stay.
http://www.techterms.com/definition/it

My definition of I.T:
For me, Information Technology refers to anything related to computer technology, such as networking, hardware and software. Especially the Internet and its capabilities of communication, both visual and auditory. 


History: 
Technology has and always will develop, it is forever changing. When you think of just a decade or so ago it was not a common sight to see everyone with a mobile phone. Do you recall your first phone? I can and it could not do anything but make a call. My current phone can send & recieve txts, calls & emails, access the internet, take photos and possible has more functions that I havn't discovered. All forms of I.T have altered and there will always be something new!

In the May 1970 issue of Popular Science magazine Arthur C. Clarke was reported to have predicted that satellites would one day "bring the accumulated knowledge of the world to your fingertips" using a console that would combine the functionality of the Xerox, telephone, television and a small computer, allowing data transfer and video conferencing around the globe.

My experience with I.T ranges from emailing, typing up assignments, accessing the internet for the O.T papers, researching, uploading photos, social networking, using a camera on a mobile phone, purchasing items/tickets and helping my children to find information they need for school homework. I have experienced some infuriating moments when using many forms of I.T and this blogger site has been one of them too.



Problems and Benefits:
All types of Information Technology relies on a source of electricity or battery power. To access the internet there must be a service provider attached to the device and the user must know how to operate it, even if just in the simplist of ways. 
The benefits of I.T can mean the world of difference for many people. Communicating with others, online shopping, education, paying bills & banking etc etc. Occupational Therapy can assist a person using I.T if it suits the goal of the individual.

Common Place:
is described by Dictionary.com as

ordinary; undistinguished or uninteresting; without individuality: a commonplace person.

I feel that I.T has become a common place occupation. People of all ages access and utilise I.T for numerous reasons. I.T does not only occur within businesses, shops, banks etc but nowdays it is commonly used within the home.

Domain of O.T: 

The Occupational Therapists domain of concern is Occupation and I can see that I.T can be a very useful tool for Occupational Therapist to use. It can give the OT many different methods  to assist a client to reach their goals. There are a variety of social sites on the internet like Facebook and for a young client it is important that the OT knows how it could  be of benefit to them, just like an educational site or emailing could be too.The use of these sites and this ype of I.T could be a useful Therapuetic Tool giving a client an opportunity to engage in an occupation that has meaningful purpose to them.

Ethical Implications:
Is described by dictionary.com as

1.	in accordance with principles of conduct that are considered correct, esp those of a given profession or group
2.	of or relating to ethics
3.	(of a medicinal agent) available legally only with a doctor's prescription or consent.

When using information technology ethical issues and intellectual property needs to be considered as well. 

Informed Consent:
Is described by dictionary.com as

a patient's consent to a Medical or surgical procedure or to participation in a clinical study after being properly advised of the relevant medical facts and the risks involved.

Ethical issues can arise  when people who use the Digital Technology do not ask for peoples consent or and/or use the images inappropraitely. 

Intellectual property:
is the property of someone mind or intellect. This can be someone’s good idea, invention, original design or trade mark. In other words this is the representation of someone’s proprietary knowledge.   http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/ip/index.shtml

Social justice: 
Is described by dictionary.com as 
the equal application of laws following the natural law that all individuals, regardless of differences in ethnicity, gender, possession, religion, race, etc., are to be treated in the same way and without discrimination.



References:

http://www.techterms.com/definition/ithttp://www.slideshare.net/anitahamilton/online-technology-for-occupational-therapy-presentation
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/social-justice.html  
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ethical

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_wide_web