Workshop 2: The Internet of Things

 Details of the session

As part of this free online session, Maria Bell from Mesomorphic will offer an overview of the second theme of our new series of “Maddie is Online: ethics of online safety and security" on 'The Internet of Things'.  The session is on 1st November 2022 at 3:45 (UTC). We are going to review Series 4 'Maddie is Online' toolkit, pp. 27-39. The toolkit can be found here. You can also download it as PDF. Please have the toolkit open for the session. Join the session here.

The concepts that will be explored include the following:

• The terms ‘connectivity’ and ‘Internet of Things’ (i.e., Internet

connected devices or toys).

• The security of devices connected to the internet and how they may be

compromised (e.g., webcams, monitors, phones or toys).

• Actions people can take to minimise such compromise (e.g., covering cameras on computers when not in use).

We have created an imaginative story ('I want your shoes') that places Maddie, the central character of our series in a situation where the Internet of Things becomes a complex situation, collecting Maddie's personal data via her 'smart' shoes. How could Maddie balance the opportunities of the Internet of Things with the personal data sharing compromises that are created?

For example, she can keep motivated by sharing her fitness goals and successes with a friend. But on the other hand, she starts feeling insecurity that her personal data is shared beyond her control. What if her data was stolen or spied on?

Join us for this session to make a decision together on what is best for Maddie!

About the work

“Maddie is Online: a creative learning path to ethics of online safety and security for young people” is a project funded by the Scottish Government and supported by Digital Xtra Fund.

Our purpose is to engage schools with the concepts of an Ethical Digital Nation:

"Growing as an ethical digital nation and developing trust in the way we use data and apply digital technology is a collective responsibility” (Scottish Government Ethical Digital Nation).

Why focus on ethics?

Children and young people can benefit from a greater exposure to online ideas, opportunities for learning, creativity and connectivity, but there are also causes for concern, abound in modern discussions of data ethics: they are equally vulnerable to the pitfalls and harms that can befall anyone, who is unfamiliar with safeguarding their own rights.

You can also find other previous projects via the 'Maddie is Online' bookshelf.