Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Ok here goes, my first attempt at a blog! In our first tutorial for Participation in Occupation 1 we looked at information technology and ethical issues.
Information technology is the use of computers, TV, telecommunications and other forms of technology to store, process and manage information (Hanks, 1989). This form of technology is extremely prevalent in society today. Nearly everybody uses some form of technology to communicate with others, store information or just plain for fun. You would be hard pressed to find a person who didn't use a computer, cellphone or television frequently. Computers are used extensively for both personal and business uses.

I feel comfortable and confident using most IT items that are available to me such as computers, cell phones and digital cameras. Computers are an essential part of my life in order to communicate with others, type up and hand in assignments and find out information.

IT is used in occupational therapy constantly. These days, in many practices occupational therapists store client notes electronically. This allows ease when sharing information between team members. However, it also can cause difficulty when computer systems crash etc and these notes may become inaccessible for a period of time. OT's use cellphones to communicate with eachother and their clients. Sometimes OT's can use computers and other forms of technology in therapy with clients. They may have to teach a client to use a computer, type up a CV, or show them an informative website. Telephones are also commonly used to contact clients.

With the use of technology a whole new set of ethics comes into action. It is so easy to share information over the internet, however sometimes innappropriate things such as images are put on the net. Once put up these images can be spread worldwide rapidly. It is pretty much impossible to stop this sort of thing happening. The other issue with using technology is the possibility of hackers accessing private and personal information on computers. This creates problems for health professionals especially who may store confidential information on systems on the computer. There are programs that try and prevent this happening such as firewalls and virus protection etc which try to prevent damage to computers and prevent other people accessing private information.


Computer ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct.
Computer Ethics. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics


Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce.
Intellectual Property. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/

Social justice 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.
Socail Justice. Retreived May 13, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice

Reference List:

Hanks, P. (ed). (1989) Collins Concise Dictionary. Glasgow: Bath Press.