Tutorial One

In the first Participation in Occupation Lecture we covered Information Technology (IT) and Ethical Issues.

Information Technology is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as the study or use of systems such as computers and telecomunications for storing, retrieving and sending information. In the society in which i live, IT is common place. This form of technology is very prevalent.

Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?

in todays society, technology such as computers and telecommunications are used daily by most people. Occupations are beginning to be based around these new technologies. these may be both meaningful and necessary.

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

I am comfortable using most technologies such as computers, cell phones, I-pods and other devices as i have grown up with these being part of every day life. (I am not as flash and up to date as a lot of people but i can do the basics)

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences, consider how Technology is being used in Occupational Therapy (OT) practice?

New technology allows OT’s to communicate effectively with clients and other healthcare professionals they need to make contact with. A lot of settings now have clinical notes stored on computers rather in the traditional files. OT’s can incorporate the technology, such as computers and videogames, into a client’s intervention. This can allow the therapist to meet client needs through meaningful occupation.

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

•The digital divide- people who have access to IT devices and systems are more advantaged that those who do not.
•Social Justice and Safety- Private Information that is leaked onto
the Internet cannot be taken back. Informed consent.

Define Computer Ethics

Computer Ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct.

Wikipedia.(2010) Computer ethics.Retrieved March 9, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/computer_ethics

Define Intellectual Property

In law, Intellectual Technology (IP) is an umbrella term for various legal entitlements which attain to certain types of information, ideas, or other intangibles in their expressed form. The holder of this legal intitlement is generally entitled to exercise various exclusive rights in relation to the subject matter of the IP.

Wikipedia.(2010) Intellectual technology.Retrieved March 9, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/intellectual_technology


Define Social Justice

Social Injustice mostly refers to an ideal of society, where "Justice" refers to the economic status rather than 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.

Wikipedia.(2010) Social justice.Retrieved March 9, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/social_justice

Define 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.

Wikipedia.(2010) Informed consent.Retrieved March 9, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/informed_consent

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.

By having an understanding of ITC and the possible benfits and limitations it may bring to peoples everyday lives, we can learn to use it safely within practice as OT's, protecting ourselves and our clients, whilst improving the efficency of our practice and using technology as a tool for meaningful occupation.