Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethics

Ki ora and Welcome to my very first posting EVER.  Introducing Information Technology and Ethical Issues. Information Technology is ‘the technology involving the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, software, and networks for the processing and distribution of data’ (The Encyclopaedia Britannica Company. Merriam-Webster 2012). Whilst Information Communications Technology is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems (SearchCIO-midmarket. 2007-2012). My understanding is that information technology is all about the expansion and growth along with the protection for many computer systems when sharing the data around the globe.  Whilst Information Communication Technology is the tool in what we choose to use as our preferred communicator.

How common IT is in society. The generation we see around us are very much techno geeks in our society.  Walking down a busy street, you can observe, as young as seven with a cell phones, business people with I Phones and sales representatives with I pads.  This has become the norm of our society and is as widespread as you can get.  Booking flights online complete your petrol purchase with no human contact and using the self service at your grocery store is becoming the norm.

I am very comfortable in using a computer, cell phone and internet, as these are products I have grown up with and use regularly.  What I found uncomfortable is the constant update and renewal of technology, because if you don’t use it, you lose it. The most purposeful technology in my life would be the use of emails.  Between a busy lifestyle consisting of completing a degree in Occupational Therapy, working, coaching gymnastics, working with others and enjoying waterskiing, the use of email enables me to communicate with many people at any time and to help accomplish many of my tasks.  My mobile phone I would not leave home without it, but I could be without it.  My phone is a great tool as an alarm, but mainly texting and phone calls is what I use it for. What limits me with IT would be the lack of knowledge, which I feel I am going to gain a lot from this course.

Thinking from fieldwork. On my placement within youth in Mental Health, cell phones are attached to children’s hands.  We had a client place a positive and encouraging phase on the front page of the phone, to help pick up her mood when feeling low. Potential tools of practice in using IT in an Occupational therapy setting can be the use of internet for self-cares(Verdonck, & Ryan, 2008).  This enables a person to do internet banking or online shopping.  Other options with the internet can include web messaging or webcam phoning, like Skype.  There are many online communities such as blogs, chat rooms, online gaming which can provide a social support, a sense of being included and educational purposes.  The use of emails as a communicating tool is great, as this can be done at any time of the day (Verdonck, & Ryan, 2008). Portable devices such as mobile phones, cameras and hand-held games have many functions.  These may involve reminders, personal organisation and alarms.  Digital photos and auditory reminders can be useful as memory aids.  The use of hand-hand games and Nintendo wee, have useful tools in an individual using fine and gross motor skills for strengthening muscle tone, also the opportunity to play in group situation to establish social connections.  The use of physical computer games can teach an individual motivation, increase energy levels and enable a sense of achievement (Verdonck, & Ryan, 2008). Issues that may exist around adopting IT.  Occupation therapist need to use their clinical reasoning and be able to justify the need and use for technology.  Being aware of the risk associated with using IT is essential, as we are working with vulnerable clients.  Computer games can have negative effects such as addiction and aggression so using any form of technology should be used in moderation Griffiths, Davies and Chappell (as cited in Verdonck, Ryan 2008). I admit, I am a technophobe, but after participating in our class discussion, reading about what technology has to offer, I have absorbed that there are many tools and opportunities within technology.  I can see a huge need as a practitioner, to be educated in this area as IT will help to enable appropriate interventions for each individual so that they can feel a part of the community, improve their memory, enhance muscle strength and fulfil their everyday activities in achieving their hopes and dreams.

·         Ethical issues that arose through social communication were the breach of privacy. ·         Behaviours – As a professional, appropriate and proper language needs to be maintained, or can be detrimental to an individual’s profession. ·         Behaviour from an employer, to not be snooping around on employee’s personal life. ·         Employer’s looking on face book at a potential employee, to help in the process in cutting the number for job applications down. ·         Bullying on social networks. ·         Identity theft. ·         The age in which is appropriate for children to be on and using social networks.

References

The Encyclopaedia Britannica Company Merriam-Webster. (2012). Information technology. Retrieved from: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/information%20technology)

 SearchCIO-midmarket. (2007-2012).  ICT (information communication technology or technologies.  Retrieved from:http://searchcio-midmarket.techtarget.com/definition/ICT

Verdonck, M. C., Ryan, S. (2008). Mainstream technology as an occupational therapy tool: Technophobe or technogeek? British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(6), 253-256.