Tutuorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

In recognition of the fact that information technology (IT) is used frequently in occupational therapy (OT) settings, I am posting my initial understandings of my learning and understanding of the topic. The purpose of this blog is to record the content in the paper Participation in Occupation 1. The postings on this blog will discuss and describe the diverse range of information technologies and how they could be used in Occupational Therapy.

A definition of Information Technology is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer based systems, particularly software application and computer hardware" (retrieved 4,3,2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology).

As a mature student I recognise the fact that I have a lot to learn, and that I am somewhat resistant to explore the benefits of IT devices and applications. I am confident when using mobile phone, email, pagers, websites and computers programmes, search engines, telephone,  and DVDs.

Understanding ITC and any ethical issues associated with its use will help us in our practice and daily lives. Our awareness of different technology can facilitate access to more resources and treatment options to the benefit the client. Examples of use within my first Fieldwork placement were:
Within common use where mobile phones, texting, digital diaries, and email, phone, fax. 
Also computerised assistive technology (computerised wheelchairs), Gameboy and computer programmes to test memory, attention span and reaction. this is an example of one

Lumosity Brain Games

Cognitive training/ retraining: Is using therapeutic strategies that seek to improve or restore a person's skills in the areas of paying attention, remembering, organizing, reasoning and understanding, problem-solving, decision making, and higher level cognitive abilities. These skills are all interrelated. Cognitive training/retraining is one aspect of cognitive rehabilitation. (Cognitive retraining, n.d).

Game example : Top Chimp - Attention, visual field, sequencing, reaction time

Aim: To reveal the numbers in ascending order.

Attention: According to Grieve & Gnanasekaran  (2008) it is active processing directed to particular sensory stimuli for perceptual and semantic analysis. Examples of different types of attention.

Divided: The ability to divide attention between two or more activities that are competing.

Selective: Processing in which a person selectively attends to certain high priority environmental stimuli in preference to others.

Sustained: Attention maintained over prolonged periods of time or in repetitive activity.

Focused: Specific stimulation being able to concentrate on one task.

Alternating: To be able to move between two tasks effectively.

Ethical implications arise, from capturing, sharing and transferring of information intellectual property (such as information being displayed on the internet for everyone to see).  IT devices like mobile phones and internet are so prevalent now that images and story’s can be conveyed to the other side of the world in seconds. A good example of this was when the British tabloid newspaper ran with the breaking news of the Christchurch earth quake as told via a cell phone from a reporter within the stricken Canterbury press building.

Computer Ethics can be defined as "a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct" (retrieved March 2, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics).

As trainee Occupational Therapists we are encouraged to recognise intellectual property using APA references.  Intellectual property can be defined as a "a term referring to a number of distinct types of legal monopolies over creations of the mind, both artistic and commercial, and the compensating fields of the law" (retrieved 3 March, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property).

References:

Brain Training (n.d). retrieved 1 April 2011 from http://www.lumosity.com/

Cognitive retraining (n.d). retrieved 6 April 2011 from http://www.minddisorders.com/Br-Del/Cognitive-retraining.html

Grieve, J. & Gnanasekaran, L. (2008). Neuropsychology for occupational therapists. Cognition in occupational performance. (3rd ed.). Victoria: Blackwell Publishing.