Tutorial One

Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology (APA reference required)


Information Technology (IT), as defined by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware." IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and securely retrieve information.


Retrieved May 23th, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_Technology



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 world wide based way to communicate between people and place. Computers and hand held electronics have become away of life and is considered as a necessity when it use to be a luxury. The internet is seen as a way to gather and send useful information. Computers are found in homes, schools, workplaces. The internet can be picked up through wireless hotspots and internets cafes. Programmes have been introduced like skype that let you communicate via voice and camera operated through the internet for free. This becomes useful when you are contacting people from over the world. Telecommunications are used in workplaces for meetings and in schools to communicate with others who are long distance learners.

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

Memory Sticks Landlines Grabaseat Cellphones Emailing Trademe/Ebay Social networking sites IPOD


Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?
Pagers Using the internet to order equipment Client notes

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



Breaching patient confidentiality (a person walking past you could hear your conversation)
Whenever the Computer at work is not in use it is to be logged out or lock so only persons with access can use the computer


Provide a definition of Computer Ethics (APA reference required)

Computer ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct. Computer ethics is a very important topic in computer applications. the growth of the Internet, privacy issues as well as concerns regarding computing technologies such as spyware and web browser cookies have called into question ethical behavior in technology.

Retrieved May 14th, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics

Provide a definition of Intellectual Property (APA reference required)

Intellectual property (IP) is a legal field that refers to creations of the mind such as musical, literary, and artistic works; inventions; and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, and related rights. Under intellectual property law, the holder of one of these abstract "properties" has certain exclusive rights to the creative work, commercial symbol, or invention which is covered by it.
Intellectual property is a bundle of exclusive rights over creations of the mind, both artistic and commercial. The former is covered by copyright laws, which protect creative works such as books, movies, music, paintings, photographs, and software and gives the copyright holder exclusive right to control reproduction or adaptation of such works for a certain period of time.

Retrieved May 14, 2008 From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property

Provide a definition of Social Justice (APA reference required
Social justice refers to the concept of a society in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law. The term can be amorphous and refer to sometimes self-contradictory values of justice. It is generally thought of as a world which affords individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society. (Different proponents of social justice have developed different interpretations of what constitutes fair treatment and an impartial share.) It can also refer to the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within a society.

Retrieved May 14, 2008 From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Justice



Provide a definition of Informed Consent (APA reference required)

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 implication of an action


In your own words briefly summarise why (or why not) a great understanding of ITC and the ethical issues it encompasses will help us in our practice and daily lives.
ITC is the way of the future therefore keeping up with the internet and computer programmers is vital especially at work as this may result in you not being able to retrieve patient’s files. The ethical issues that come along with this are that you may find yourself having to liaise with another college about a certain patient and someone else could here your conversation breaching patient confidentiality.