Tutorial One

Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues
The focus of this posting relates to ethical issues relative to Information Technology.
Information Technology (IT) has been defined in The Penguin English Dictionary (2004) as the use of computers, telecommunications, etc, in electronic processing, storing, retrieving, and sending information.
This means that people worldwide with access to IT can send, receive, store, and share information such as photos, videos and communicate in a variety of ways including e-mails, Skype, and online chat forums, social networking sites and blogs.

Consider the definition of IT you have provided. How is this form of technology prevalent in our society? How common place is it?
Information Technology is so widely used today that almost everyone has access to it in one form or another. IT allows people to share, connect and communicate in such a way that has not previously been possible or accessible for many people. Gone are the days when family photos are distributed via post – now everything digital and instant.

What IT devices or system do you feel comfortable and competent using?
I am comfortable using IT in the form of computers, laptops, digital cameras, cell phones, iPod’s, iPhones, the internet, social networking sites and e-mail. I began using computers in primary school as a method of word processing before it was common for families to own their own computers. I learnt to type on a typewriter at home.
Issues that may limit my use of IT include my own personal knowledge about a particular type of device, my experience with it, or personal injury or illness preventing me from using IT.
Opportunities to expand my use of IT include education and study for example setting up a blog for the first time.
Examples where I use OT to engage in purposeful occupations include using my iPod for a shopping list, to do internet banking, for work and recreation, making notes, recording, as an alarm, a timer, and calculator and many more. I also use computers, laptop and printers as part of my course, and blogs too!

Thinking about your own fieldwork experiences and referring to the tutorial readings and language of occupation answer the following questions.
I have seen Information Technology being used in Occupational Therapy (OT) practice on fieldwork placement by using Nintendo Wii during rehabilitation, computers to write up clinic notes, and Playstation Portable (PSP) during casting and orthotics, and computerized exercise equipment.
Issues that exist around the use of IT within OT settings surround clinical reasoning (Verdonck & Ryan, 2008). Occupational Therapists are encouraged to engage in IT because the use of IT is becoming everyday meaningful occupations for occupational therapy clients (Verdonck & Ryan, 2008).
I believe that an understanding and use of IT will assist OT’s in practice because it will enable us to connect with our clients on their level, and encourage the use of meaningful occupations as the use of IT is involved in the everyday lives of most people in one form or another within New Zealand. Even if it is just using a cell phone or e-mail.

What ethical implications arise from capturing, sharing and transferring of IT information via IT devices or systems?
Obviously there are ethical implications surrounding the privacy of IT users with regard to capturing, sharing and transferring information, and also cyber bullying. Luckily most IT devices and systems have privacy settings which users can adjust to suit them to prevent unwanted attention and privacy where required.

Allen, R. (consultant editor). (2004). The penguin english dictionary. London: Penguin Books.
Verdonck, M. C., & Ryan, S. (2008). Mainstream technology as an occupational therapy tool: Technophobe or technogeek. British Journal of Occupational Therapy , 253-256.