Information technology is defined as: “Information technology (IT) is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications” (Information technology…, n.d.). To me, this definition explains the process of using technological devices to aid in everyday life. For example, the modern information technology I use includes things such as internet banking, social networking, and digital photography.
It appears to me as though technology is becoming more and more prevalent throughout the world. In the past few years more and more technology has been included in the life of myself and those around me. We seem to be becoming more and more reliant on this technology to communicate with others, manage our finances etc. This YouTube clip provides a great example of the level of technology in our world today and how this had changed from the past.
There are some specific technological devices which I am comfortable and experienced using and others which I am not so comfortable and experienced using. Generally technology that is used by friends or peers expands my own use of information technology as I can learn from them how to use the devices. For example, cellphones, i pods, computers. However, with technological devices that are more uncommon or difficult to use I tend to make less effort learning how to use them.
With occupational therapy’s focus being involved with the manipulation of contexts in order for individuals to carry out their familiar everyday activities (Caulton, 2003) and with technology becoming more and more common in our everyday lives it is inevitable that the two are linked. Occupational therapists have begun to incorporate technology into their practice in two main ways. The first is to increase the independence of a client completing an activity and the second is as a therapeutic tool to improve occupational performance (Petty, 2003 as cited in Verdonck & Ryan, 2008). Issues have arisen with some occupational therapists embracing the incorporation of technology in intervention and others being more ‘stuck in their ways’ and less likely to use technology. When a client considers technology meaningful to their lives it can be difficult for the occupational therapist to include this in intervention if they have not been trained/ have no experience with technology. The cost of some technological devices can also provide an issue for occupational therapists as often funding is very limited. However, there are occupational therapists out their using more and more advanced technology to aid clients in some way. It seems that in the future there will be various ways for clients to drive their wheelchairs, do their cooking, use their computer and carry out many other daily tasks that were impossible for those with impairments in the past.
This link shows a technological device which allows those with visual impairments to enlarge text for reading. This is just one example of technology aiding in someone’s daily life.
I believe that it is important for occupational therapists to develop an understanding of available technologies, particularly for their practice as it is important they are able to acknowledge the role of technology in their client’s lives whether they consider technology important in their own lives or not.
When people capture, share and transfer information via technological devices, permission should always be sought from those who might be a part of the content. However, when photos are taken or information is posted on the internet often permission is not sought by those people and the content can be manipulated when on the World Wide Web. This poses an ethical implication.
Intellectual property is the recognition of one’s intellectual input into an intangible idea and the subsequent copyright or trademark of that idea (Intellectual property..., n.d.). For example an artist may copyright their artwork so that someone else cannot claim that the art is the work of their own intellect (What is intellectual..., n.d.). An example within the realm of occupational therapy may be an occupational therapist copyrighting their journal article so that someone else cannot claim it as their own work.
Social Justice is the idea of equal justice in all aspects of society. It is concerned with every person having equal rights and opportunities (What is social..., n.d.) For example from a political perspective anti-discrimination laws are a form of social justice (What is social...., n.d.). An example in relation to occupational therapy may be ensuring we treat each client in the same way despite their culture, religion, political views etc.
Informed consent is the concept of a client agreeing they have had adequate information to make an informed decision (What is informed..., n.d.). An example of this is a patient about to get surgery will sign an informed consent to say they understand the procedure and risks of the surgery (What is informed..., n.d.). This is similar for some treatments in occupational therapy the client may give informed consent to say they know all about what treatment is going to be administered on them.
References:
Caulton, R.F. (e.d). (2003). The best of occupation 1993-2003. Dunedin: Rogan McIndoe Print Ltd.
Retrieved March 25, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology
Retrieved March 25, 2011, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XXaZRHhmxY
Retrieved March 25, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property
Retrieved March 25, 2011, from http://www.wipo.int/freepublications/en/intproperty/450/wipo_pub_450.pdf
Retrieved March 25, 2011, from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-social-justice.htm
Retrieved March, 25, 2011, from http://psychology.about.com/od/iindex/g/def_informedcon.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment