ESKIUCT3 - Using collaborative technologies

 

Overview         

This is the ability to use IT tools and devices for collaborative working and communications, such as web or video conferencing, instant messaging/chat, online phone and video calls; online forums, social networking sites, wikis and other centralised depositories for documents, blogging, RSS and data feeds, bulk SMS or online work management tools.

  

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  

Stay safe and secure when with collaborative technology

P1.      Develop and implement guidelines for good practice in working with collaborative technology

P2.      Develop and implement guidelines for checking the authenticity of identities and different types of information

P3.      Analyse and manage risks in the use of collaborative technologies

  

Plan and set up IT tools and devices for collaborative working

P4.      Select and integrate combinations that exploit the capabilities and potential of collaborative tools and devices

P5.      Resolve access and compatibility problems so that different collaborative tools and devices work successfully

  

Prepare collaborative technologies for use

P6.      Manage levels of access and permissions for different purposes

P7.      Select and integrate different elements across applications to create environments for collaborative technologies

P8.      Set and adjust settings to facilitate other’s use of collaborative technologies

P9.      Manage data flow to benefit collaborative working

  

Manage tasks using collaborative technologies

P10.     Facilitate other’s responsible contributions to and engagement with collaborative technologies

P11.     Manage the moderation of collaborative technologies

P12.    Oversee the archiving of the outcomes of collaborative working

P13.    Respond to problems with collaborative technologies and be prepared to help others to do so

 

 

Knowledge and understanding

 You need to know and understand:

 

Stay safe and secure when with collaborative technology

K1.     Explain what and why guidelines need to be established for working with collaborative technology

K2.     Explain how to establish an identity or present information that will promote trust

K3.     Analyse and plan for the risks in the use of collaborative technologies for different tasks

  

Plan and set up IT tools and devices for collaborative working

K4.     Explain the features, benefits and limitations of different collaborative IT tools and devices for work purposes and tasks

K5.     Determine the IT tools and processes needed for archiving the outcomes of collaborative working

K6.     Summarise ways to integrate different collaborative technology tools and devices for a range of purposes, tasks and communication media

K7.     Explain potential access and compatibility issues with integrating different collaborative technology tools and devices

  

Prepare collaborative technologies for use

 K8.    Evaluate data management principles, issues and methods

 

Manage tasks using collaborative technologies

K9.     Determine levels of responsibility for the use of collaborative technologies K10. Explain what problems can occur with collaborative technologies

 

 

Additional Information

 

Scope/range   

The advanced user can manage and effectively integrate and facilitate the safe use of multiple IT tool and devices so that groups can work collaboratively and effectively by:

1.         settingand      implementingguidelines       for       using   collaborative technologies;

2.         integrating IT tools and devices and creating environments to exploit their potential;

3.         managing risks, permissions and data flow; and

4.         moderating and solving complex problems with the use of collaborative technologies;

Examples of context: Typical collaborative activities may include – developing guidelines and instructions for a work team about the use of social networking; moderating online conference sessions or web discussion groups for a professional community of interest.

  

Examples of Content

The examples given are indicative of the learning content at each level and are not intended to form a prescriptive list for the purpose of assessment

 

Stay safe and secure when with collaborative technology

Guidelines for using collaborative technology: Guidelines set by your organisation or community of interest; about uses, security, safety, copyright, plagiarism, libel, confidentiality and data protection; ways to communicate and promote guidelines.

Methods to promote trust: Contact information, membership of professional bodies, recommendations, links, policies, standards

Checks on others’ identities: Compare sources, cross references.

Risks when working with collaborative technologies: inappropriate disclosure of personal information, misuse of images, appropriate language, respect confidentiality, copy lists, what to do in a power cut, about data loss; risk analysis, risk monitoring, contingency planning, updating risk management policy.

 

Plan and set up IT tools and devices for collaborative working 

Purposes for collaborative working: Will vary according to the task, but may include: sharing, displaying and recording information, discussing and reflecting, establishing identity, joining interest groups, developing ideas, contributing to research, carrying out research, exporting information to other formats, establishing communities of interest, managing identities, managing data.

Outcomes of collaborative working: Measurable (eg document, minutes, notes, project plan, transcript); ephemeral (g conversation, agreement); whether an audit trail is needed.

Collaborative technology tools and devices: Hardware: mobile, laptop, desktop, peripherals (eg headset, handset, microphone, camera, 3G modem); Software: products, services, sites.

Communication media: Text, audio/spoken, still/video/animated images Compatibility issues: Between browser software, operating systems, plug-ins Prepare collaborative technologies for use.

Access to collaborative technologies: Download software, agree terms and conditions, register or set up an ID; accessibility issues, adjusting access settings; accessibility standards

Permissions: Web address, phone number, user name and password, set up user names and access codes.

Environments for collaborative technologies: User interface – choose skins, templates, widgets, wizards, cut and paste from other sources; work environment – lighting, position of devices.

Adjust settings: Hardware – colour, type size, window size, volume; Browser – cookies, pop-ups; Security settings – firewall.

Managing data: Sources, subscription details, terms and conditions; aims of data management; benefits, features and limitations of networks and feeds; what constraints need to be overcome, what level of restrictions to apply.

Manage tasks using collaborative technologies.

Contributing responsibly: follow the rules of ‘netiquette’, respect others contributions, avoid dominating and not responding; legal and cultural issues; user rules, moderations policies, ethical issues

Moderating collaborative technologies: Reporting inappropriate content; checking posts

Archiving outcomes: Cut, paste, save; record, transcribe

Problems with collaborative technologies: routine (eg settings, software not responding, hardware connections); non-routine (eg access, transmission speed, bandwidth); complex (eg compatibility)

Respond to problems: Follow on screen help, know who to ask for expert help; use diagnostic wizards, check bandwidth

 

 

Key words:       IT User, ICT, Information Technology, ITQ, Productivity; Marketing; Social Media