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Privacy and security have always had a controversial relationship. On one hand security requires the collection of information about citizens, but on the other, it can be seen as infringement of their privacy.
Kirstie said: “Surveillance has many positive uses, including law enforcement and investigating criminal activity, but it can also affect human rights and civil libertarian issues. Public perception and technology change over time, so surveillance techniques need to be reviewed to ensure they are still relevant and not infringing on people’s lives.”
Kirstie will be involved in two European Commission Framework 7 projects commencing in February 2012. The first, Surveillance, Privacy and Security: A large scale participatory assessment of criteria and factors determining acceptability and acceptance of security technologies in Europe, will re-examine the relationship between security and privacy. This relationship, both at state and citizen levels, has informed policymakers, legislative developments and best practice guidelines concerning security developments across the EU. Current security policy, however, needs to be reviewed in light of new research questioning the validity of the security-privacy trade-off, suggesting it may have over-simplified the impact and acceptability of current security solutions.
The second European project, Increasing Resilience in Surveillance Societies will use public attitudes towards surveillance to identify its impact on everyday life and gauge trust in political institutions. The focus will be on the effects of surveillance in combatting crime and terrorism, and how it affects citizens in open and democratic societies.
A third project, The New Transparency, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, investigates the role of technology companies in promoting surveillance internationally. The team will look at factors contributing to the general expansion of surveillance as a technology of governance and the social consequences for both institutions and ordinary people.
Find out more:
Dr Kirstie Ball, Reader in Surveillance and Organisation at The Open University, has received funding totalling £450k to investigate whether people view surveillance and the collection of information as acceptable in return for enhanced security - commonly positioned as a trade-off. Privacy and security have always had a controversial relationship. On one hand security ...
Hi, Im just new and I am looking to download a free HTML or WYSIWYG editor, thats simple and stable. Any suggestions?
Hi, Im just new and I am looking to download a free HTML or WYSIWYG editor, thats simple and stable. Any suggestions?
Hi,
i am starting the M255/257 courses in Feb 2012.
if anyone else is and wants to keep in touch then that would be great.
Hi, i am starting the M255/257 courses in Feb 2012. if anyone else is and wants to keep in touch then that would be great.
An OU research student has discovered that members of the gaming community - people who play and enjoy games - are older than you might think.
OU PhD student Jo Iacovides, 28, looked at how people engage with digital games and found that the age of gamers is not typically a 20-something playing games like Call of Duty. Rather, hert research found that the demographics are changing among game enthusiasts.
Pictured are some of the research participants playing games in the lab.
An OU research student has discovered that members of the gaming community - people who play and enjoy games - are older than you might think. OU PhD student Jo Iacovides, 28, looked at how people engage with digital games and found that the age of gamers is not typically a 20-something playing games like Call of Duty. Rather, hert research found that the demographics are changing among ...
Is anybody doing MYT362, this here course is giving me troubles especially when it comes to programming. didnt get much out of my lecturers. Please help. 
Is anybody doing MYT362, this here course is giving me troubles especially when it comes to programming. didnt get much out of my lecturers. Please help.
The good news is that more than ten years of open2.net content has been moved to a new website at open.edu/openlearn, creating one home for all the Open University's free online learning for the public.
The new site continues to support OU-BBC broadcasts, but also gives access to iTunes U podcasts, YouTube videos, free study units taken from OU modules and topical content, arranged under subject areas relating to the OU curriculum.
There's lots to do - you can watch Evan Davis exploring the state of British manufacturing; explore the frozen planet; get to know the science and history of the Olympics or have a look at our study units in LearningSpace.
Any existing links that direct people to open2.net content will automatically send people to the relevant pages on the new site.
You’ll find more information at open.edu/openlearn.
open2.net, formerly the online home of joint Open University and BBC programming, is now closed. The good news is that more than ten years of open2.net content has been moved to a new website at open.edu/openlearn, creating one home for all the Open University's free online learning for the public. The new site continues to support OU-BBC broadcasts, but ...
Their top 50 list, called UKtech50, was compiled by a panel of expert judges and an online reader vote to find the people who will be central to developing the role of technology in improving the UK economy.
David (pictured) is the OU's Chief Information Officer (CIO), responsible for delivering the current and future core IT systems for students and staff.
He joined the OU in August 2010 from Directgov, the UK government’s website for citizens. He has led the creation of award-winning IT systems, including the UK’s first real-time internet banking service.
Placing him at 38 in the top 50, Computer Weekly says: "The Open University is leading a move to open education, and David Matthewman is a key figure in using the web and social media to provide lifelong learning materials to all."
David Matthewman, who masterminds the Open University's IT systems, has been named one of the top 50 most influential leaders in British IT by Computer Weekly magazine. Their top 50 list, called UKtech50, was compiled by a panel of expert judges and an online reader vote to find the people who will be central to developing the role of technology ...
Doctor Patrick Wong, lecturer in Intelligent Computer Systems, has recently been appointed Associated Editor of the British Journal Mathematics and Computer Science. The open access journal aims to publish original research articles, review articles and short communications, in all areas of mathematics and computer science. Subject matters cover everything from pure ...
As part of an expert blog, OU Visiting Research Fellow, Peter Sommer makes three predictions for 2012 related to issues around digital evidence.
This blog brings together all the responses to the call for predictions of developments in 2012 and beyond, whether affecting IT law, IP, data protection, e-disclosure, law firm technology or any number of vaguely related developments. Read the blog on SCL - The IT Law Community.
As part of an expert blog, OU Visiting Research Fellow, Peter Sommer makes three predictions for 2012 related to issues around digital evidence. This blog brings together all the responses to the call for predictions of developments in 2012 and beyond, whether affecting IT law, IP, data protection, e-disclosure, law firm technology or any number of vaguely related developments. ...
Interesting video released by Google about the history of their search technology and some hint about the future targets.
The Evolution of Search - Google
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTBShTwCnD4 - 29/11/2011
Related content to "Introduction to searching Google" - TM128 Week 8 Activity
Interesting video released by Google about the history of their search technology and some hint about the future targets. The Evolution of Search - Google http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTBShTwCnD4 - 29/11/2011 Related content to "Introduction to searching Google" - TM128 Week 8 Activity 0
Are you starting this course in February 2012?
Hello!
I'm starting this course in February and thought it would be a good idea to find other people that are going to be starting this course so that we can get to know each other a little bit :)
I have created a Google+ page if you're interested!
https://plus.google.com/117169154441361886188/posts
I look forward to your replies :)
Thanks
Kate - Louise
Are you starting this course in February 2012? Hello! I'm starting this course in February and thought it would be a good idea to find other people that are going to be starting this course so that we can get to know each other a little bit :) I have created a Google+ page if you're interested! https://plus.google.com/117169154441361886188/posts I look forward to your replies :) Thanks Kate - ...
Hi all,
I have a bit of an odd story... I've been working in IT for 5 years. I've been programming in all sorts of different languages throughout this time. The company I used to work for are one of the biggest companies in the world and I was supported up until a certain point with my programming. I am self taught and on the job taught. However, I believe one day without IT qualifications, I will hit a brick wall and won't be able further in my career.
I have decided I needed to probably get a degree to get on in life. When seeking advice, I have been told due to my 5 years of IT experience in the "real world" (so to speak), it would be pointless me getting a BSc in Computing and IT because I would just be getting an expensive bit of paper that I already know about. So I have decided to look at doing the diploma in Software Development (D69) and probably going on to do a masters.
I really need some advice on this though. Would I be completely out of my depth? Is it something someone here has already done and can give me some advice on it? I really need to speak to someone who has done the course that can speak to me regarding information.
Thank you to all help.
Hi all, I have a bit of an odd story... I've been working in IT for 5 years. I've been programming in all sorts of different languages throughout this time. The company I used to work for are one of the biggest companies in the world and I was supported up until a certain point with my programming. I am self taught and on the job taught. However, I believe one day without IT ...
Useful links
Today (14 November 2011) is Student Finance Day. With student fees and loans high on the agenda for those considering university, Platform caught up with some prospective students via Twitter to find out how fees have influenced their decision making so far... Name: Mrs Claire Siciliano Age: 27 Location: Welwyn Garden City Have you got A Levels or ...
Hi, I'm new to Open University, I am hoping to do B62- Computing and IT, but its been a long time since studying so i have opted in my path for an opening course first-Starting with Maths (Y182) which starts in March 2012. Then I hope to do My Digital Life which is a Level 1 course and hopefully if all goes well, take it from there.. Just wondering if anyone is doing Starting with Maths (Y182) on their planned route to doing B62- computing and IT (BSC)? Thanks :-)
Hi, I'm new to Open University, I am hoping to do B62- Computing and IT, but its been a long time since studying so i have opted in my path for an opening course first-Starting with Maths (Y182) which starts in March 2012. Then I hope to do My Digital Life which is a Level 1 course and hopefully if all goes well, take it from there.. Just wondering if anyone is doing Starting with ...
Hi,
I am donig T215 in January 2012.
I have created a google plus page.
https://plus.google.com/101704661456300079199
Be great if other student or even previous student (or tutors) could join.
Look forward to working with you all.
Dean
Hi, I am donig T215 in January 2012. I have created a google plus page. https://plus.google.com/101704661456300079199 Be great if other student or even previous student (or tutors) could join. Look forward to working with you all. Dean
Vital Professional Development (Vital) helps schools and colleges to enhance their teaching using ICT and supports the teaching of IT and Computing to students. It provides materials that can be used in the classroom to inspire learners and opportunities for teachers to share expertise.
It is supported by a network of regional teams who organise events and activities such as “TeachMeets” across the UK.
Vital was launched in January 2010 with funding from the Department for Education, and is delivered in collaboration with other key providers including e-skills UK.
The additional funding will allow the programme to extend its reach and will support a new In-house Professional Development Partnership, a school-based initiative continuing professional development initiative which include subject-specific web-portals identifying high quality teaching resources.
Dr Peter Twining, Vital Director and Senior Lecturer at The Open University, said: “This is great news for the programme and allows us to partner with more schools and colleges to help them maximise the impact of their existing resources. The In-house Professional Development Partnership model provides an economical yet high quality and effective approach to staff development that is flexible and sustainable, and targeted on meeting each partner institution’s specific development needs.”
Enquiries: email info@vital.ac.uk or telephone 0845 366 0481
An Open University-led programme to improve classroom teachers' technology skills has received a £1.25 million boost from government. Vital Professional Development (Vital) helps schools and colleges to enhance their teaching using ICT and supports the teaching of IT and Computing to students. It provides materials that can be used in the classroom to inspire learners and ...
hi im danny ,im starting TU100 in feb 2012 ,so if your also doing this maybe leave your name so we can help each other out should it arise,
also how do you get an ou email account,
cheers
danny 
hi im danny ,im starting TU100 in feb 2012 ,so if your also doing this maybe leave your name so we can help each other out should it arise, also how do you get an ou email account, cheers danny
They include laptops, internships and all-expenses paid trips to New York, South America, Florida, South Africa and Europe and the final ten students in each Award will be invited to attend the Undergraduate of the Year Awards in Canary Wharf, London on April 13, 2012, where the winners will be announced by The Rt Hon Michael Portillo from among the best and most employable students in the country.
There are 12 Awards up for grabs identifying the top undergraduates in IT and Computer Science, Management, Law, Arts and Humanities, Business and Finance, Engineering, Social Sciences, Construction, Engineering and Design, Low Carbon, Accountancy and Economics.
Plus there are two special awards: ‘The Future Business Leader’ Award open to students from any discipline and the ‘First Year’ Award open to undergraduates from any course who have just started their second year.
Enter at the Undergraduate of the Year Awards website
Closing date for entries is 31 January 2012.
There are great prizes up for grabs in the 2012 TARGETjobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards. They include laptops, internships and all-expenses paid trips to New York, South America, Florida, South Africa and Europe and the final ten students in each Award will be invited to attend the Undergraduate of the Year Awards in Canary Wharf, London on April 13, 2012, where the ...
Kevin Streater, the executive director for IT employer engagement at The Open University, blogs about how the demands on those entering the IT profession are changing.
Kevin says "In a bid to overcome this skills crisis, The Open University has led a new effort from educators to not only increase the business relevance of their courses but also provide more routes into the industry for those from vocational or industry backgrounds, as well as those following the more traditional academic route."
Read the full is blog in Computer weekly.
Kevin Streater, the executive director for IT employer engagement at The Open University, blogs about how the demands on those entering the IT profession are changing. Kevin says "In a bid to overcome this skills crisis, The Open University has led a new effort from educators to not only increase the business relevance of their courses but also provide more routes into ...
The Open University’s Knowledge Media Institute (KMi) has developed an innovative new search facility called CORE - COnnecting REpositories - to help academics, researchers and students navigate related papers from across UK Open Access repositories.
Current search systems, such as Google Scholar, used to find academic papers can deny users access to the full article, particularly when subscription fees are required and this often proves a frustration for scholars. CORE specialises in searches of the full-text items held on all approved Open Access repositories, ensuring a vastly improved level of accessibility for users. Anyone searching CORE will therefore receive better access to relevant results. In addition, the CORE system stores these downloads, so that papers are still available even if their original repository is offline, thus ensuring a reliable service.
The creation of CORE – symbolised with an eye-catching apple core logo - was funded by JISC and is accessible via an online portal, mobile devices or through repositories and libraries which have integrated CORE with their own search features. Researchers can be confident they are receiving the most relevant recommendations as the system is the first to offer similar articles based on the full text of papers and currently searches 142 British research repositories and libraries.
Senior Research Fellow at the OU, Zdenek Zdrahal, who led the project, said: “The Open University is at the forefront of producing new and innovative advancements in educational resources. CORE is an exciting addition to this history and we believe it will be beneficial to the academic research community and to the OU. There are plans to develop systems further, to aid research.”
CORE is already integrated into The Open University’s research repository, Open Research Online (ORO) which includes more than 18,900 research publications. It is hoped that CORE will be adopted for use in many other universities and academic institutions.
CORE received £40,000 funding from JISC and the project took place over six months finishing in July 2011. Andrew McGregor, JISC programme manager, said: “UK repositories contain a wealth of high quality research papers. This service should help make it easier for researchers to discover and explore this content. CORE is an exciting demonstration of how JISC’s investment in emerging semantic technologies is being harnessed to benefit researchers.”
Visit the CORE website. A 'how to' video will follow shortly - watch this space!
The Open University’s Knowledge Media Institute (KMi) has developed an innovative new search facility called CORE - COnnecting REpositories - to help academics, researchers and students navigate related papers from across UK Open Access repositories. Current search systems, such as Google Scholar, used to find academic papers can deny users access to the full article, particularly when ...
Hi all just curious on how many have receievd there study materials from OU?
Hi all just curious on how many have receievd there study materials from OU? Yes 75% (50 votes) No 25% (17 votes) Total votes: 67