Monday 26 March 2012

Tutorial One: Information Technology and Ethical Issues

My first posting is on Information Technology and Ethical Issues that may arise.
"Information technology is the relationship between people, the information they need and use, and the computertechnology that processes the information." (Kerr & Byrt, 1996). I believe that we have become an age of "sporatic identities" in an attempt to challenge the discernible labels that make up our day to day life. For who we are takes form in our home lives and working environment, and now we have a space to create a new persona using technology. Information technology has provided a new, constantly improving version of ourselves.
 "... there are many technologies required to make living convenient - technology that makes you secure, technology that keeps you comfortable, technology that entertains and educates, and technology that multitasks for you. Automatic coffee makers, digital alarm clocks, microwave ovens, plasma and HDT home theaters, and video games have become required items for a modern home. Most of this stuff didn't exist 25 to 30 years ago!" (McLaughlin, 2007).
“Information Technology” (noun) is the use of computers, telecommunications, etc., in electronic processing, storing, retrieving, and sending information (Allen, 2004). Computers in particular have become the way for gathering, storing, manipulating, and communicating data. Information can be transmitted around the world at the click of a button. Although, with this incredible tool evolving so too are ethical dilemmas. “The speed and efficiency of electronic information systems, which include local and global networks, databases, and programs for processing information, force people to confront entirely new rights and responsibilities in their use of information and to reconsider standards of conduct shaped before the advent of computers.” (Lynch, 1994).

I believe that information is powerful. I am not a technophobe, nor a technogeek. In other words, I am not afraid of technology or shy away from it, and I am not attracted to technology, buying or gaining new, improved, up-to-date gadgets. I lie somewhere in-between. I love using technology to research information because of the amount of relevant, more experienced and talented data that is accessible from one place. I enjoy the specifics of technology, by this I mean “cheat keys” on computer programs which makes word processing easier, or removing the back board from a laptop and soldering on a new power jack. Although, ask me about specifics such as the name of program or the data specifics of a computer and I have no idea. I just get in there and do it. My employer calls me “one of those people”, because I have an intrinsic knowledge about technology.

I feel comfortable with most technology. I am addicted to Youtube. I watch concerts, learn how to make balloon animals, see demonstrations, learn how to elaborately craft my daughters hair, reprogram remote controls, identify species of spiders, and the list goes on. 

I believe that ethics in information technology is important, because the technology branches around the world into our workplaces, homes, medical centres, schools, government, etc. Even without access to the technology system, we are all affected.
“New ethical and legal decisions are necessary to balance the needs and rights of everyone.” (Lynch, 1994).
"Information technology has brought great benefits and created many problems." (Kerr & Byrt, 1996).



Allen, R. (consultant editor). (2004). The penguin English dictionary. London: Penguin Books.
 Lynch, M. (1994). Ethical Issues in Electronic Information Systems. The Geographer’s Craft Project, Department of Geography, The University of Colorado at Boulder.
Kerr, J. & Byrt, P. (1996). Information Technology: A case study approach (2nd ed.). Rigby Heinemann: Victoria, Australia.
McLaughlin, C. (2007, May). technology and you: home. Technology & Children. p. 2.