Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Tutorial One

Information technology (IT) or Information Communications Technology (ICT) refers to the use, gathering information and processing of data using computers and other telecommunications.

Information technology has become a part of one’s daily living either at home, work, study or for leisure purposes. It has become so attached to our society that the use of such modern tools has become a necessity to every individual.

Some of the IT devices that I find useful and confident to use are computers, mobile phones, fax machines, ipods and digital cameras.

One of the devices commonly used during my fieldwork placement was the computer because of its many purposes in presenting information and as a reference tool for collecting information via the web.

One of the ethical issues that can be found from capturing or sharing or transferring information using IT devices may include privacy issues as well as exploitation of contextual data or misuse of such tools like that of the internet or website.

Computer ethics is a branch of philosophy that looks at how working professionals use computer technology properly or ethically and how people value using computer ethically.

Intellectual property (IP) pertains to the legal side of things in relation to the topics of IP.

Social justice pertains to fair and equal treatment and benefits of each individual in our society.
Informed consent means that the person concerned has given consent - verbal or written upon accepting the terms and conditions and has a clear understanding of the actions being done.

By understanding the proper use and ethical considerations using Information Communications Technology will enable occupational therapists to carefully plan interventions and procedures as well as provide an awareness on privacy issues that may arise from using modern devices in the Occupational Therapy practice.


Wikipedia.(2010). Information technology. Retrieved March 1,2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org.wiki/wiki/information_technology

Wikipedia.(2010). Social justice. Retrieved March 1,2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org.wiki/wiki/social_justice

Wikipedia.(2010). Computer ethics. Retrieved March 1,2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org.wiki/wiki/computer_ethics