Provide a definition of information technology/information communications technology.
Information technology has been defined by the Information Technology Association of America, or the ITAA as being the study, design, development, implementation support and/or management of any computer based information systems. This relates particularly to software applications and computer hardware. Information technology deals with using electronic computers and software to convert, store, protect, process, retrieve with security or transmit any information. Hill, S. (2008, April 14). Definition of Information Technology. Retrieved May 17, 2010, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Definition-of-Information-Technology&id=1109986
Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?
Information technology is very common in our society as we are surrounded by technology and is used all over the world. It allows us to carry out tasks in a quick and easy manner and therefore saves time and energy compared to doing the task manually. This includes computers, cameras, cell phones, ipods, etc.
What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?
Within my occupational therapy course, we are expected to use word processor for all our assignments, moodle, relevant websites for studying and keeping up to date with the work provided. Therefore, by being on my laptop daily, I am becoming competent with using the internet, finding websites and using moodle. I also feel competent using a digital camera, cell phone, ipod, television, stereo, and websites including facebook, trademe, youtube and hotmail.
Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences, consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?
On fieldwork placement one, the health professionals within the mental health setting used the computer in order to document client's progress notes, case studies, goals, and discharge planning. They would also the computer for communicating with other health professionals and organisations through emails, newsletters, and researching information relevant to the setting. They found this more efficient and effective compared to manually writing documentation.
What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices.
Privacy and security issues, copyright, informed consent, accessibility, property and accuracy.
Provide a definition of computer ethics
Computer ethics is set of moral principles that regulate the use of computers. Some common issues of computer ethics include intellectual property rights (such as copyrighted electronic content), privacy concerns, and how computers affect society. The Tech Terms Computer Dictionary. (2005-2010). Computer Ethics. Retrieved May 18, 2010, from http://www.techterms.com/definition/computerethics
Provide a definition of intellectual property
A product of the intellect that has commercial value, including copyrighted property such as literary or artistic works, and ideational property, such as patents, appellations of origin, business methods, and industrial processes. Houghton Mifflin Company. (2009). The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (4th Ed). Retrieved May 18, 2010, from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/intellectual+property
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. BussinessDictionary.com. (2010). Social Justice. Retrieved May 18, 2010, from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/social-justice.html
Provide a definition for informed consent
Informed consent is a legal procedure to ensure that a patient or client knows all of the risks and costs involved in a treatment. The elements of informed consents include informing the client of the nature of the treatment, possible alternative treatments, and the potential risks and benefits of the treatment. Cherry, K. (2010). What is social justice? Retrieved May 18, 2010, from http://psychology.about.com/od/iindex/g/def_informedcon.htm
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.
Yes, I believe a great understanding of ITC and its ethical issues will help occupational therapists in their practice and daily lives. This is because occupational therapists use information technology daily (such as websites, word processor, case studies and discharge planning) in their practice in order to find, explore, analyse, problem solve and present information. Therefore by obtaining a great understanding of ITC and its ethical issues, they can use their practice in an safe, ethical and effective manner. It is also a quick and easy tool for documentation, and communication with other health professionals and other relevant organisations therefore occupational therapists need to understand how to use these tools work in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness on the clients treatment. Occupational therapists also use technology to improve functional performance and occupational performance, so therefore it is important for the therapist to understand the technology to remain current and meaningful to the clients and therefore providing the best treatment they give can to the clients. In our daily lives, technology is becoming everyday meaningful occupations, therefore it is important to maintain a great understanding of the new technology. This is because technology is consistently improving, and therefore making life easier, and providing better ways of carrying out tasks.
Monday, May 17, 2010
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