Information Technology, noun, the use of computers, telecommunications, etc in electronic processing, storing, retrieving, and sending information.
Allen, R. (consultant editor). (2004). The penguin english dictionary. London: Penguin Books
With each generation information technology is becoming more and more common place. Computer and cellphones have become items that most of us cant live without. We use information technologies in schools, workplaces and in our homes. We use it to network, socialize and keep in touch with our families and friends.
Cellphones and computers are devices I feel comfortable and competent using. Part of this confidence is growing up with it and learning to use computers at school, to having to master certain applications and computer programs to be able to complete and hand in assignments and search data bases for articles.
IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice by therapists to write, store and retrieve clinical notes, medical histories of clients and for researching. It is also used as assistive technology for clients, often as a means of communication or education. It is also becoming a more accepted means of interaction to keep in touch with clients. And digital photography is becoming a way of illustrating clients homes or postural positions etc.
Ethical implications which can arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices or systems include:
- Privacy and anonymity - With the ease and efficiency of computers anyone is able to gather, store, search, compare, retrieve and share personal information. Privacy and anonymity needs to be protected and measure put in place to allow limited access to personal information.
- Intellectual property and ownership - regarding who owns and controls information recorded or stored via information technology.
- Work - issues of unemployment for computer replaced humans. A "deskilling" of workers who now just push buttons, the stress of keeping up with machinery, repetitive motion injuries, magnetism and radiation.
- Social justice - in relation to information technology is concerned with the who is entitled to access it. People with little or no access to information technology miss out on the benefits and opportunities it offers in business, education, medical services, employment, and leisure time activities.
Bynum, T.W. & Rogerson, S. (2004). Computer ethics and professional responsibility. Oxford:Blackwell Publishing.
Computer Ethics
Computer ethics is 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
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.
Social Justice
Social justice most commonly 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.
Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/social_justice
Informed Consent
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 an understanding of information technology communication and the ethical issues it encompasses is essential for our future practice as occupational therapists because it is becoming and more and more common use of communication that will continue to develop and as occupational therapists we have a responsibility to protect our clients privacy, provide them with information to give informed consent and allow them to have equal access to the opportunities provided through this technology.
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