Tutorial one

Provide a definition of Information Technology/Information Communications Technology.
Information Technology or (IT) as otherwise known is the "study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware"
Retrieved from (http://www.wikipedia.org.wiki/Information_technology)%2005/05/08


Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place has it become?
Within our society today we have become reliant on IT. Because of increasing new development of technology our society finds it easier to communicate and share information. For example text messaging and email webcams and skype are all devices that lead to the information being shared to many individuals receiving the a message from person to person.
The improving communication and information technology is prevalent in our society. I feel that it has a positive effect on our society .We can now be contacted anytime and anywhere through the use of cell phones and emails. Instead of pigeon post, or to go back even further in time the Morse code.
IT has defiantly developed for the best it is so commonly used by all ages. Although my mother still doesn’t know how to email. The IT world of Internet exploring, booking online, emailing, texting, skype phone calls and list goes on everyone is getting more and more familiar with it and making life a little bit easier.

What IT devices or systems do you feel comfortable and competent using?
I feel most comfortable using my cell phone to txt people. Although I find emailing very easy too, cell phones are much easier to access and use, there are turn on and log off buttons all the time and no log in details required. Cell phones are by your side in your pocket all the time.

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences consider how IT is being used in Occupational Therapy practice?
The staff intranet was used for all staff to communicate for example meeting, party's, items for sale. Tele conferencing was used with medical staff throughout the country and overseas.
IT was also used as a means of safety, cell phones were taken out by each staff member who went on Home Visits and if they had not returned before there estimated time they were phoned to ensure they were ok.
More advanced IT that was used on my placement setting was a driving assessment. It would teach a client how to drive. This was used to assess their ability safely before putting them on the open road.

What ethical implications arise from the capturing, sharing and transferring of information via IT devices?
Confidentiality is a huge ethnical issue causing ethical problems because every on and everyone can access information about anyone by simply just typing in a person name into a Google search.
Text message bullying has also raised many concerns between young individuals. Social networking sites such as face book, blogs and bebo are increasing individuals vulnerability and making it far more easier for people to be tracked down and abuseonline.

Provide a definition of Computer Ethics.
Computer ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct.
Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics

Provide a definiton of Intellectual Property.
In law, intellectual property (IP) is an umbrella term for various legal entitlements which attach to certain types of information, ideas, or other intangibles in their expressed form. The holder of this legal entitlement is generally entitled to exercise various exclusive rights in relation to the subject matter of the IP. The term intellectual property reflects the idea that this subject matter is the product of the mind or the intellect, and that IP rights may be protected at law in the same way as any other form of property. However, the use of the term and the concepts it is said to embody are the subject of some controversy
Retrieved February 14, 2007, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property

Provide a definiton of Social Justice.
Social justice mostly 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.
Retreived Februry 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice

Provide a definiton of 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.
Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent

In your own words briefly summarise why or why not a greater understanding of ITC and the ethical issues it encompasses will help us in our pratice and daily lives?
I know realise the importance of confidentiality and how easy it is with the use of ITC for individuals to obtain information wither it be for good or bad means.Being aware of the implications of information technology/communications has shown me not to put ourselves in vunerable situations.I need to be careful what i say and what things go on line to reduce harm to ourselves or another individual.