In this tutorial, we talked about our own experiences with technologies in our spare time and during placement. We also looked at information technology and the ethical issues that surrounds IT. Here are the terms we have to define:
*Information technology - It refers to anything related to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software, the internet or the people that work with these technologies. (Tech Terms Dictionary, 2006)
*Computer Ethics - is a set of moral principles that regulate the use of computer. (Tech Terms Dictionary, 2006)
*Intellectual Property - refers to the ownership of intangible & non-physical goods. This includes idea, names, designs, symbols, artwork, writings and other creations. It also refers to digital media such as audio and video clips that can be downloaded online. (Tech Terms, 2006)
*Social Justice - is the application of the concept of justice on a social scale. (Wikipedia the free Encyclopedia, 2010)
*Informed Consent - is a phrase often used in the law to indicate that the consent a person gives meets certain minimum standards. And informed consent can be said to have been given based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the facts, implications, and future consequences of an action. In order to give informed consent, the individual must have adequate reasoning faculties and be in possession of all relevant facts at the time consent is given. (Wikipedia the free Encyclopedia, 2010)
Today, technologies are everywhere, to an extent that we can not keep up. Because companies are just keep coming out with better, flashier gadgets. In a way, we simply cannot live without technologies. Personally, I consider myself very tech-savvy. i feel competent using a lot of devices e.g. computers, cellphones, cameras, mp3 players, gaming consoles and gps navigators.
Thinking back on my fieldwork experience, which was at a school setting. Hoist and Electric wheelchair were the devices I see regularly. On one occasion I was introduced to a "typewriter" which is designed for children with messy writing. The client i saw at the time had Dyspraxia. I was fortunate to see the progress with the client, just how much the client improved with her school work. Assisting clients with or without assisstive technologies, thats what OTs do best.
Apart from all the positive aspects of technologies, there are problems too. E.g. copyright (intellectual property), invasion of privacy and stress of learning and coping with change.
In conclusion, I personally think a great understanding of ITC and the ethical issues will help us in our practice and daily lives. Technology has become an important part of our practice and we certainly cannot live without it in our every day lives. Understanding the ethical issues will allow us to respect everyone around us. But most importantly we need to treat others how they want to be treated and I believe by understanding the ITC and the ethical issues will help us achieve this.
Reference
- Tech Terms Dictionary. IT (Information Technology).(2006).Retrieved March 1, 2010 from http://www.techterms.com/definition/it
- Tech Terms Dictionary. Computer Ethics.(2006).Retrieved March 1, 2010 from http://www.techterms.com/definition/computerethics
- Tech Terms Dictionary. Intellectual Property.(2006).Retrieved March 1, 2010 from http://www.techterms.com/definition/intellectualproperty
- Wikipedia the free Encyclopedia. Social Justice. (2010). Retrieved from March 1, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice
- Wikipedia the free Encyclopedia. Informed Consent. (2010). Retrieved from March 1, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent
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