Tutorial One

A definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology

IT (information technology) is a term that encompasses all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange, and use information in its various forms (business data, voice conversations, still images, motion pictures, multimedia presentations, and other forms, including those not yet conceived).
Berners-Lee, Tim. "The Founder's Message." 2001. "The Founder's Message." The Examined Life in the Digital Age. Forbes ASAP Big Issues Series. NY: John Wiley and Sons.


Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?

IT has become a common everyday activity for the majority of people and it is now become an necessity. We use so many different forms of technology even within our own New Zealand homes eg: laptops, computers, cellphones, home phones and internet.


What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?

Cellphones, digital camera, video camera, computer/laptop, ipod.

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?

Computers are a big one, these are used for emailing, looking up unknown knowledge, typing up client or staff forms and applications to other providers or support groups etc. Other technology used are things like cellphones, digital cameras, and pagers.

Ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet)

There needs to be consent, it can also be an invasion of privacy and confidentiality। Also if the information ends up in the wrong hands (sent to the wrong person by mistake) this can have some serious implications.

A definition of Computer Ethics

Computer ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social situations.
(Retrieved May 19th, 2008, from ।wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics">http://en।wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics).


A definition of Intellectual Property

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 May 19th , 2008, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property).

A definition of Social Justice

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 May 19th, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice).


A definition of Informed Consent

An agreement to do something or to allow something to happen, made with complete knowledge of all relevant facts, such as the risks involved or any available alternatives. For example, a patient may give informed consent to medical treatment only after the healthcare professional has disclosed all possible risks involved in accepting or rejecting the treatment.
Retrieved May 19th, 2008, from http://www.nolo.com/definition.cfm

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 has become part of our lives, As young children grow they are shown and taught many ways in which to use technology. Although technology is good it also has its bad as well it is import to remember people’s rights and ethical issues that can arise when dealing with patient notes.