This blog outlines the material covered in our first tutorial where we looked at defining Information Technology (IT) along with other related terms. We also considered how commonplace technology has become in our society, discussed the technologies we are familiar and comfortable using, and recalled the technologies used in the fieldwork placements we completed last year. Naturally, ethical issues are a major consideration within IT so we also spent some time discussing this aspect of IT.
Defintions of Information Tecnology and other related terms:
Information Technology: "A term that encompasses all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange and utilise information in its various forms including business data, conversations, still images, motion pictures and multi media presentations"(Entrepreneur, 2010).
Computer Ethics: "A branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct"(Wikipedia, 2010).
Intellectual Property: "Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works and symbols, names, images and designs used in commerce. Intellectual Property is divided into two categories:
Industrial property eg inventions (patents), trademarks, industrial designs.
Copyright: which includes literary and artistic works such as novels, poems and plays, films, musical works, artistic works such as drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures, and architectural designs"(World Intellectual Property Organisation, 2010)
Social Justice: "Fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion etc are to be treated equally and without prejudice" (Business Directory, 2010).
Informed Consent: "Informed consent is generally agreement to do something or to allow something to happen only after all the relevant facts are disclosed" (USLegal, 2010).
So, that completes the defintions...... when the above IT definition is considered it becomes very obvious how commonplace technology has become in our society. It encompasses most things we do in our daily lives, from preparing food(using the microwave) to studying (using the computer), to shopping (paying with my eftpos card), to relaxing (watching a DVD). On a personal level there are many IT devices I feel comfortable using for example cellphones, digital cameras, computers, tv, fax, photocopiers, having said that in each one there are functions that I don't know how to use, so I guess I feel competent in the limited capacity that I use some of the devices mentioned.
Within my fieldwork placement computers were used to write reports, access information, research, and communicate with others. Phones were used for communication with clients and cellphones were used for staff to keep in touch if necessary eg whilst on a home visit. There was also a fax machine and photocopier within the office. It was interesting to note that each computer was shared by several therapists. When the therapists were with clients some of the interventions used modern technology. In the room used for kitchen assessments there was an oven, and a microwave. Computers were used to assess return to work capabilities, typewriters to improve fine motor skills, however a large number of the interventions I witnessed didn't use the latest technologies.
Ethical issues that arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices or systems involve first and foremost privacy and confidentiality of the individual. When considering the internet, emails, photos it is necessary to be aware that these media all provide the ability to communicate truths, but also untruths, for example photos can easily be distorted and manipulated using software programs. Obviously as an OT it will be critical to ensure any interaction with clients is mindful of the ethical issues that arise when using any technology.
When thinking about the way in which we live today it is easy to see that technology is an integral part of our lives, and this will not change in the foreseeable future. With so many new technologies there are many reasons why it is important to keep up to date and have a good understanding of the technology as well as the ethical issues that surround the use of technology. When working as an Occupational Therapist in order to deliver best practice it will be imperative to keep up to date with technology in order to utilise all available resources and deliver appropriate information and practice. Technology is a powerful tool if used appropriately and ethical considerations such as privacy are not compromised.
References:
Business Directory. (2010). Search for a term. Retreived February 17, 2010, from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/social-justice.html
Entrepreneur. (2010). Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 17, 2010, from http://www.entrepreneur.com/encyclopedia/term/82268.html
USLegal. (2010). Informed Consent Law and Legal Definition. Retreived February 17, 2010, from http://definitions.uslegal.com/i/informed-consent/
Wikipedia. (2010). Computer Ethics. Retrieved February 17, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics
World Intellectual Property Organisation. (2010). What is Intellectual Property? Retrieved February 17, 2010, from http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en
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