Tutorial One : Information Technology and Ethical issues

Information Technology can be defined by the Information Technology Association of America as "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware." (Retrieved June 23, 2010 from: http://www.answers.com/topic/information-technology)

Technology is very prevalent in our society, it is all around us, in computers,cellphones, televisions etc. The harsh reality is that most people barely go one day without using some form of technology. Our society is becoming more and more reliant on technology. 20 years ago people who had cell phones were the minority these days it is rare to find someone who doesn't have a cell phone. We have this need to be contactable 24/7.

I feel comfortable using lots of IT devices. I consider myself pretty competent in using the computer and all that surrounds that. I use facebook and twitter regularly. I also use digital cameras, cellphones, ipods daily!

IT is becoming more common in the role of an OT. The most common piece of equipment that I saw during placements was digital cameras. These can be used to provide proof when applying for housing modifications. I also saw regular use of computers, pagers, cell phones in the OT department.

A major ethical implication that may arise in the use of IT devices is privacy. IT devices tend to store information, whether that be, visual or written, and must be kept private. Only people who need to see this information must have access to it.
Another consideration is the effectiveness of IT. You cannot always guarantee that someone will check their emails or that your email will send.

Computer ethics can be defined as "a set of moral principles that regulate the use of computers” (Techterms, 2005). Many issues arise around computer ethics and one is particular is intellectual property rights. Intellectual property is “property that can be protected under federal law, including copyrightable works, ideas, discoveries, and inventions” (Lectric Law, 1995).

Techterms. (2005). Retrieved June 21, 2010, from: www.techterms.com/definition/computerethics)

(The Lectric Law Library. (1995). Intellectual property. Retrieved June 20, 2010 from: http://www.lectlaw.com/def/i051.htm)

Wikipedia defines "Social justice as the application of the concept of justice on a social scale. Social justice is also a concept that some use to describe the movement towards a socially just world."
(Retrieved June 23, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice)

"Informed consent is a phrase often used in the law to indicate that the consent a person gives meets certain minimum standards. An informed consent can be said to have been given based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the facts, implications, and future consequences of an action"
(Retrieved June 23, 2010, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent)

ITC is used in everyday life and we have become very reliant on it. Having some awareness around ITC and the ethical issues can only help our practicing skills. As OT's we need to incorporate ITC into our practice without becoming completely reliant on it.