Information Technology : n. (Abbr. IT)
The development, installation, and implementation of computer systems and applications.
Information Communication Technology:
ICT consists of all technical means used to handle information and aid communication, including computer and network hardware, communication middleware as well as necessary software. (Hill, 2011)
IT and ICT are the ways in which we deal with information and communicate this information with others. These new means of information gathering and communication have completely transformed society and technology is continually improving to and developing to better our use of these tools. Our society completely revolves around computer systems and applications. Almost everything we use is a form of a computer system or the product of something as a result of a computer system. IT has enhanced the abilities of humans and allowed us to do things that we though were unimaginable. Although in saying that human kind had the ability to develop such a tool that would so positively impact society to improve production rates, communication systems, data management, networking, administration and monitoring of entire systems. IT is also increasingly becoming integrated with technologies such as cell phones, televisions and automobiles which is very significant in the workforce.The following video in my opinion gives a good idea of just how significant IT and ICT is in todays society so check it out. Security - it is becoming increasingly easy to hack into people's computers and websites. This needs to be stopped because hacking into someones computer is the equivalent to breaking into someones house - it shouldn't happen.Computer Crimes and Computer Related Crimes - like Security, more and more people are hacking into computers and programmes. A lot more crimes are being committed over and because of the Internet also. For example people can hack into bank accounts and steal money, or manipulate systems to cause destruction. A man in Australia hacked into a sewerage system and released millions of litres of raw waste into rivers and parks.(wiki.answers.com, 2011)(Ministry of Economic Development, 2010)There are a range of ethical implications that are associated with the use of IT devices and systems which people need to be aware of. These things need to be monitored closely and can be avoided when used correctly.
For me personally IT and ICT are crucial to me. They are my main means of communication not only between me and my circle of friends but also for my work, study, family, local community, general news and more! Through IT i am able to connect with almost everyone i want to at any given time in any given place at a simple click of a mouse. I feel pretty confident in using IT as it is something that i have been immersed in since a young age. It was used all though out school, in my home and now in my studies so i naturally have been required to be competent in using it. I feel there is nothing that could limit my use of IT these days as there is an unlimited amount of accessibility to it. Perhaps having a mac book pro would better my use of it! ....in my dreams.
How is IT being used in Occupational therapy practice?
As IT continues to develop it has become more and more appropriate as a means of treatment in Occupational Therapy practice. Computers and video game consoles are being used rather than weaving activities as a treatment tool. Th internet provides a virtual environment in which a client can engage in occupation. Self cares can be attended to though IT such as having the ability to do online shopping, online telephone to be in contact with people and online banking to manage finances etc. The internet can also cater to leisure activities by providing online music, movies, television, telephones and connect an individual to virtual communities. Social interaction is made very available due to IT through things such as chat rooms, video messaging, instant messaging, email, blogs etc all of which have the potential to provide peer support for a client. IT also allows an individual to be very productive as they can buy and sell items online, organize travel online and advertise.
What issues exist around OT's adoption of IT systems and tools?
Contrary to all the benefits the IT can provide, there are a range of issues that are also related to IT which OT's need to precautionary to. Addiction to gaming may become an issue for a client be it to a shooting game, gambling etc. Especially with the use of the internet it is very easy for a client to end up on pages that are not beneficial and could be potentially harmful to them such as illegal down loading sites, pornographic sites, giving out personal information, getting caught up in hacked systems (banking etc). It is important that the OT closely monitors the clients use of the internet and makes them aware of the potential dangers.
What are some of the ways you can envisage IT use becoming a potential tool of practice?
It is certain that as technology continues to develop it will become more and more adaptable. Within practice this will mean that IT is likely to become a much more common tool for treatment as it will be made more suitable to a much wider range of clients and be easier to use. Also todays generation are smothered in technology from a very young age so people are much more savvy in using it.
In your own words briefly critique why or why not a great understanding and use of IT will help us in our practice of daily lives.
It is important that Occupational Therapists have an understanding of IT and the use of it in order to effectively utilize it in practice and as treatment. When used properly it can be very beneficial in relation to storing, maintaining and updating client data, as a way of communication with clients, other professionals, client families etc. IT is used significantly in many sectors of work in society so there is no reason why occupational therapy should be any different. It is obviously a very effective tool when used properly so it would be very beneficial for Occupational Therapists to have a comprehensive understanding of it.
Privacy and Confidentiality - all web communications are subject to "eavesdropping". Browsers record your activities in history files. Cookies deposited by web sites collect information about you and your browsing. EG many online e-commerce sites use cookies to track buying habits. When these cookies are collected into a database, they may reveal identities of individuals. Some companies sell these databases.
Freedom and Censorship of Speech - people have to respect Copyright laws, and many of these laws are being violated, resulting in other laws being enforced banning people from downloading things like music off the Internet. It is good for musicians who don't want their music stolen, but bad for musicians who are wanting their music to be downloaded so they can become popular. There are also people who warp what other people say, or criticise it. This isn't fair because the Internet is open to anyone to say whatever they want.
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