Information Technology

Information Technology. It seems to be what our world and daily life amounts to and revolves around. It assists us, limits us, causes stress and frustration but with out it many things in today's society would not operate like usual . And so the saying goes we can't live it but we can't live without it. 

 
This blog will look more closely at the term information technology  and some of the ethical issues that arise when we use technology to transport our ideas.

According to Techterms (2012) Information Technology or IT as it is commonly known refers to "anything related to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software, the Internet, or the people that work with these technologies."

Each individual will have their own interpretation of what IT is depending of their use and experience of it but to me I see Information technology as a broad term in which many subcategories can branch from and as technology develops and changes this term can only become even broader. Technology constantly comes into my daily life, whether it is accessing course work, social networking through the means of Facebook and other such like networks or for leisure; watching mindless and entertaining videos on youtube. Whatever it may be for and whether we agree with it or not, IT constantly seeps into our lives.

It is due to its convenient, functional and accessible nature that makes technology a very dominant part of our society. Society is slowly but surely becoming more reliant on technology for socialising, education, involvement and to move 'with the times'.

Facebook is one of the new developments information technology has to offer in the socialising department that has taken the world by storm. It has become almost socially unacceptable to not have joined at least some form on online social networking. It has become common practice for many individuals, namely myself, to pop on to 'the book' to catch up on an old friends new adventures or to check with mum what is making for tea. This form of technology slots into my daily life almost subconsciously and for many others this is also the case. It also become the worlds greatest form of distraction! Facebook engulfs you into its easily accessible and functional world and before you know it hours of precious study time are lost..whoops! 

Due to how easy Facebook has become to operate i feel competent in communicating and socialising on this network which is a very important part of my everyday life and what I would class as a  meaningful occupation. However change is something that not everyone accommodates to well, particularly myself, and in true technology style change is inevitable and happens rapidly. This change and the process it takes to get used to it sometimes limits my use of the network and how much i enjoy it.

Technology is becoming more common in Occupational Therapy practice and due to the practicalities it possess it is becoming more useful and relied on too. It is not only used to enhance a clients functional ability in many areas but also as a communication tool, educational tool and as an important tool in many other areas. 

Devices such like interactive video games such as the technology gaming device known as "Wii" can be used in many practices to improve an individuals functional ability. It can be useful to help with both motor and process skills (doing the move/ task and mentally preparing and processing the task) and also social skills with other clients or members of the community. The beauty in this form of technology is that the individual playing it and having fun doesn't always realise that they are improving their abilities, which for some clients can be a straining and tedious task. Wii is just one of the many different forms of technology which can be used to aid Occupational Therapists in their practice and I'm sure that with the growing increase in technology advances there will be plenty more to offer in future.

This video below demonstrates how this technology is already advancing and what is in store for it in future that will potentially help many Occupational Therapists in practice.

However, technology in practice does have some limitations and these include lack of resources and financial limitations in practice and also copy right, publication and also privacy concerns. These can influence not only the way in which technology is used but what type of technology is used in practice also.

An understanding of information technology is paramount to any practice in today's modern world. Many of our daily activities relay or are linked to technology such as work, education and communication and therefore we must grasp an understanding of how this technology operates and how individuals operate it in their daily lives.

References:

Techterms. (2012). IT. Retrieved on 16 April, 2012 from  http://www.techterms.com /definition/it

Youtube. (2012). Wii games may help children with cerebral palsy: Daytona beach child injury attorney. Retrieved on 16 April, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl7erAJFoIc