IT Ethics - Tutorial One

We looked at the ethics and implications of using IT as an OT tool. Below are some of the thoughts I have on this.

A definition of IT is: The development, implementation, and maintenance of computer hardware and software systems to organize and communicate information electronically.

Dictionary.com (2010, March 4). dictionary.reference.com/browse/information+technology

IT has become a preferred means of communication in today's society. The access to large amounts of up to date infomation is at your fingertips.

I feel comfortable using a computer and cell phone but do I feel competent – not at all. My children have a play station, PSP, Wii, Nintendo DS and I Pod but I do not use them as I see these items as entertainment items. I do not see these devices as a preferred way of occupying my time therefore have not learnt how to use them.

In my previous fieldwork experience, IT was being used in educational settings as a learning tool (for example educational games for numeracy and literacy or 'drag and drop' programmes when writing may be difficult for a student). It was also used as a motivation tool in a circumstance where a tetraplegic was required to be in a standing frame for 15 minute periods and loved to watch Zumba vides on You Tube.

The ethical implications that can arise from capturing, sharing and transferring of information is that you may not have the permission of all the subjects in the images to publish in a public domain.

Computer ethics are how computing professionals make decisions into areas such as copyright, file sharing, information storage and the consequences of being able to access that information.

Wikipedia. (2010, March 7). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics#Identifying_issues

Intellectual property is having the exclusive rights of a variety of intangible assets, for example trade secrets or phrases.

Wikipedia. (2010, March 7). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property

Social justice is that all humans are entitled to the same human rights and equality in opportunities and outcomes.

Wikipedia. (2010, March 7). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice

Informed consent is where a person gives consent after being appraised of the facts, implications and future consequences of an action.

Wikipedia. (2010, March 7). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent

I believe having an understanding of IT conduct and the ethics it entails is vital. The assistance technology affords practitioners to share intervention information that will benefit future practices is invaluable. It must, however, be remembered at all times that client confidentiality must be protected and professional standards of reporting need to be maintained.