Thing 4 - Digital Security

This week Digital Security was the topic surrounding "Thing 4". After reading the Smartphone Security Information

provided by the Information Commissioner’s Office, I'd say I'm quite secure when using phones as I use pin protected passwords and on a regular basis, I would uninstall any applications which I don't need or haven't used in a while. When downloading apps I always read reviews and ensure they are from trusted sources. I took a look through the permissions of apps on my phone. This was due a clean up, but I was quite shocked at the amount of apps that had access to my location. I would be worried about what other services have access to my data and what they are doing with it.
I did notice some permissions which I'm not too sure/happy about but most of them are needed to use the functionality they provide in app, so how do we work around that? I do admit, there have been occasions when I let apps have access to certain permissions just so I can gain access and use it. However, after reading an article by Lauren Goode, I will think twice about doing this as she states that when you revoke the permissions for apps to access your data, "app makers are able to keep the data you shared beforehand, when you did grant permission, provided they comply with data protection and other privacy laws in their countries."
One of the tips stated in the document Using Apps Safely and Securely was "Treat your phone as your wallet". This made me giggle a bit as I have my phone on my person more than I do my purse. It has everything I need - forgot your bank card? No issue, pay with your phone.

I'm confused as to why some apps request permissions but do not need this data to function properly. For example some developers request access to certain features on your phone to track data for marketing strategies etc.

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Thing 9 - Video conferencing tools

This blog post will take a look at my experiences using video chat and conferencing platforms and tools. To video chat I have multiple platforms which I like to use for specific means of communication. For example while teaching online with my students I prefer to use Zoom as the students have said they find it easier to access and use than other platforms used within the College. The main video conferencing tool within my institution is Microsoft Teams which I use on a daily basis to communicate with my colleagues and provide training sessions. If I am talking to friends and family I would mostly use the Facebook Messenger video facility (luckily you can keep this feature if you have deactivated your Facebook account!). As a student I have used BigBlueButton and Blackboard Ultra to join online classes. I find BigBlueButton to be slow and have connection issues in comparison to the other platforms available.

Thing 6 - Accessibility

Accessibility is so important and is a major focus of my day to day job as a Creative Learning Assistant as I support staff on their journey of making their learning materials accessible. I remember learning about the accessibility features on mobile phones, back when I was using the iPhone 4 and my lock button at the top of the phone had broke. (The first and last time I ever had an Apple device - I'm an Android girl at heart!) This proved difficult when I needed to quickly lock my phone or when taking a screenshot. I was shown the option of using "AssistiveTouch" which gives you access to functions that would otherwise be controlled by pressing buttons which made life so much easier with a broken phone!

Thing 1 & 2 - Introduction

Hi all, t his is my first ever blog post and it's quite exciting! I came across this really cool course on Twitter called 23 Things for Digital Knowledge by University of Edinburgh and just had to check it out. What makes it even better is that its absolutely free! So here I am writing my first post to cover the task in Thing 2 and share my thoughts with you all. What do you hope to gain out of the 23 Things programme? I hope to gain new skills as well as expand my current skill set and knowledge on a range of digital tools. I hope to be able to explore a new Thing and integrate it into my daily routine, which by writing this post the learning has already begun! Were you aware of the University’s Social Media Guidelines for Staff and Researchers or the student Social Media Student Handbook ? What do you think of the guidelines? I am not a member of the University, however, as a staff member in a College the same sort of rules apply in terms of the Social Me...

23 Things

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