This week we were introduced to information technology. We looked at how and what it has been used for throughout history. We discussed its benefits and considered the potential problems we may (and have) faced when using it. We looked at ethical issues concerning its use and how information technology links into today’s society and Occupational Therapy practice.
1. Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology.
“Information technology deals with using electronic computers and software to convert, store, protect, process, retrieve with security or transmit any information.”
EzineArticles.com. (2010). Definition of information technology. Retrieved March 16, 2010, from http://www.ezinearticles.com/Definition-of-Information-Technology
2. Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?
Information technology has become immensely prevalent within today’s society. In fact it is utilised by many people all over the world to communicate, record, process, store and send vast amounts of information from one corner of the globe to another. It can provide up to date information and is used daily for purpose such as business, leisure and education.
3. What IT devices or systems do you feel comfortable and competent using?
One of the devices that Ii feel competent using is a mobile phone. I purchased my first phone at the age of 14 and have used a variety of mobile phones since. The features of these phones included text messaging, calling, photo and video recording and the internet. However I do not feel competent using newer versions as these have many applications such as video calling and multi- media messaging. I have used digital cameras for leisure and educational purposes. I have also used the internet and Microsoft Word, Power-point and publisher applications for leisure and educational purposes.
4. Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice.
Information technology has been apparent since my first day of my Fieldwork 1 placement and has been an important tool utilised by all staff members of the services I have worked with. Computer databases were used to store and process important information such as client records, company regulations and procedures and personal files.
Computers were used to research up to date information such as new equipment solutions and theory for intervention justification. Emails, mobile phones and fax machines were used to communicate to other services such as funding agencies and other members of the multi disciplinary team. Other communication devices such as the E-Talk were used by Clients who could not communicate verbally.
Digital cameras and video cameras were used during assessments to record information regarding the environment, the client’s physical and cognitive function and their occupations. These could be easily referred to at a later date to aid intervention and to determine client progress.
5. What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices (e.g. Mobile phones) or systems (e.g. internet)
As the web is in full view of vast amounts of users all over the globe its information can be misused by people who may violate privacy, confidentiality, copyright and plagiarism laws. Before contributing information to the internet it is important to gain consent from the source or sources who were involved in producing it. It is also important to acknowledge the source of any information taken from the internet.
6. Provide a definition of Computer Ethics
“Ethics are a set of moral principles that govern the behaviour of a group or individual. Therefore, computer ethics are a set of moral principles that regulate the use of computers”.
Techterms.com. (2010) Computer ethics. Retrieved March 16, 2010, from http://www.techterms.com/definition/computerethics
7. Provide a definition of Intellectual Property
“Any intangible asset that consists of human knowledge and ideas. Some examples are patents, copy, trademarks and software”.
Investorwords.com. (2010) Intellectual property. Retrieved March 16, 2010, from
http://investorwords.com/2526/intellectual_property.html
8. Provide a definition of 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”
Businessdictionary.com. (2010) Social justice. Retrieved March 16, 2010, from
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/social-justice.htm
9. Provide a definition of Informed Consent
“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.”
10. 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.
As range of IT devices are used in our practice it is important to have a good understanding of how we can use these resources to improve the efficiency of practice and provide new ideas and fun ways to engage clients during intervention. We need to protect our clients and ourselves by considering safety issues concerning IT such as privacy, confidentiality, copyright and plagiarism.
