Tutorial 1: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Information Technology (IT)/Information Communications Technology (ICT) is " The production, storage and communication of information using computers and microelectronics" Hanks. P. (ed). (1989) Collins Concise Dictionary. Glasgow: Bath Press.

Information Technology is very common within our society. More people are learning about the technology each day.

I feel comfortable and competent using the telephone, mobile phone, TV, ipod, digital camera and computer (email, search engine, downloads, social networking).

Within my Fieldwork experience mobile phone, email, websites, search engine, photocopiers and voice recorders were used in OT practice. These pieces of IT defintley helped the OT team to have faster and clearer communication within there practice.

The negative ethical implications of capturing, sharing and transferring information via IT is stalking, mis-used information and in-accurate information.

The positive ethical implications of capturing, sharing and transferring information via IT is communication between friends and fast response.


"Computer ethics is a branch of practical philosopher which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct" Retrieved February 14, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics

"... Intellectual property (IP) is an umbrella term for various legal entitlements which attach to certain types of information, ideas, or other intangibles in their express form..." Retrieved February 14, 2007, http://en.wikipedia.org/Intellectual_property

"Social Justice mostly refers to an ideal of society, where justice refers to economic status rather that to the administration of laws..." Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice

"Informed consent is a legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon an appreciation and understanding of the facts and implications of an action" Retrieved February 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informed_consent

Understanding ITC and the ethical issues will help us in our practice and daily lives to ensure there is always someone in reach for social or work communication and to make sure it won't harm anyone.