Tutorial One

I understand Information Technology to be the communication and storage of information via electronic technology.
Hanks, P. (ed) (1989). Collins concise Dictionary. Glasglow: Bath Press.

During tutorial one, we had discussions around the issues around using information technology.

In the last 10 years this form of technology has become more and more prevelant in our society. Most forms of information technology have become common place. Do you know anyone that does not have a cellphone, digital camera or computer? You would probably have to rack your brain to think of somebody. These have become a part of our everyday lives.

I feel comfortable and competent using mobile phones, DVD players, email, the internet (ie.trademe and social networking sites), powerpoint as well as books. I believe that my confidence and ability around using these types of information technology has come from growing up with it as part of my everyday life. And because information technology is constantly changing and developing, I have learnt to problem solve when I am learning how to do something new.

Information technology is currently used in Occupational therapy to store and edit client medical notes, communication through email, and in practice research. In my fieldwork experience, the health professionals used pagers to stay in contact with each other. They also accessed an online programe that held full client medical notes.

There are ethical implications that arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices or systems. As more and more content becomes avaliable on the internet it becomes difficult to regulate and then unintended problems arise.


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

Retrieved February 21, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/computer_ethics


Intellectual Property is . . .

"legal property rights over creations of the mind, both artistic and commercial, and the corresponding fields of law. Under intellectual property law, owners are granted certain exclusive rights to a variety of intangible assets, such as musical, literary, and artistic works; ideas, discoveries and inventions; and words, phrases, symbols, and designs."

Retreived Februray 21, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/intellectual_property

Social Justice . . .

"Mostly refers to an ideal of society, where "justice" refers to economic status rather than to the admistration 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. (Different proponents of social justice have developed different interpretations of what constitutes fair treatment and an impartial share.)"

Retrieved February 21, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/social_justice


Informed consent is . . . When a person gives consent when and only when they are fully infomed about the facts and consequences of an action.

Retrieved February 21, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/informed_consent




I believe it is important to have a great understaning of ITC and its ethical decisions because when we choose to use information technology in our practice and daily lives we can make an informed choice. An imformed choice on whether using a form of information technology will be of benefit or will harm ourselves or our clients.