Information technology and ethical issues

Information technology
in·for·ma·tion tech·nol·o·gy
noun
Definition:
Processing of data via computer: the use of technologies from computing, electronics, and telecommunications to process and distribute information in digital and other forms.
Retrieved on May 26, 2009, from http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861692452/information_technology.html

I have grown up surrounded by technology and use it in my everyday life. I feel competent using most forms of technology, even if it can be frustrating when it breaks down or wont perform task it is meant to. Forms of technology I use everday include my laptop, cellphone, home phone, tv, mp3 and more. IT helps me keep on touch with friends, keep informed about the world around me and provides a form of entertainment.

On my recent fieldwork placement in was in a paediatric setting with high school level students. I used many forms of IT while there including computer/email, digital camera and phones. the computer was used to research, send/recieve emails, type up reports and applications, and for students education. The digital camera was used for educational purposes, as well as taking photos around school for funding for modifications. And phones were used as a secrurity measure when taking children out of school, and keeping in touch with other facilities.

'Computer Ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct. The term "computer ethics" was first coined by Walter Maner in the mid-1970s, but only since the 1990s has it started being integrated into professional development programs in academic settings. The conceptual foundations of computer ethics are investigated by information ethics, a branch of philosophical ethics established by Luciano Floridi. Computer ethics is a very important topic in computer applications.'

(Luciano Floridi (1999). Information Ethics: On the Theoretical Foundations of Computer Ethics. Ethics and Information Technology 1.1, 37-56.)


'Intellectual property (IP) are legal property rightsover creations of the mind, both artistic and commercial, and the corresponding fields of law. Under intellectual property law, owners are granted certain exclusive rights to a variety of intangible assets, such as musical, literary, and artistic works; ideas, discoveries and inventions; and words, phrases, symbols, and designs. Common types of intellectual property include copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design rights and trade secrets.
The majority of intellectual property rights provide creators of original works economic incentive to develop and share ideas through a form of temporary monopoly.
Although many of the legal principles governing intellectual property have evolved over centuries, it was not until the late 20th century that the term intellectual property began to be used as a unifying concept.'

(Raysman, R., Pisacreta, E., & Adler, K. (1999-2008). Intellectual Property Licensing: Forms and Analysis. Law Journal Press, ISBN 973-58852-086-9)

'Social justice, sometimes called civil justice, refers to the concept of a society in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law. It is generally thought of as a world which affords individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society. (Different proponents of social justice have developed different interpretations of what constitutes fair treatment and an impartial share.) It can also refer to the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within a society

(Retrieved on 26 May, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice)

Informed consent
in·formed con·sent
noun
Definition:
'Permission for operation or treatment: agreement by a patient to undergo an operation or medical treatment or take part in a clinical trial after being informed of and having understood the risks involved.'

(Retrievd on 26 May, 2009, from http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/informed%2520consent.html)

It is important to maintain an understanding of Information technologies and the ethical issues surrounding them, as they became more and more prevalent in our society and incorporting them in our future practice as OTs.