30 September 2011
Jersey’s first 1-day event devoted to e-safety and e-learning takes place next week – on Saturday 8 October.
The free-admission event will feature UK experts presenting talks on online safety and cybercrime, and local companies will showcase their latest high-tech smartphones and mobile computers, some of which can be won in free draws that will take place every hour throughout the day.
E-Safety and E-Learning Manager for Education, Jon Tarrant, said: "This is a really exciting event that the Education Department, working with some of Jersey’s leading mobile and computing providers, has created to inform and inspire parents, students and anybody else with an interest in the online world. Digital Parenting will be a fantastic chance for people to learn more about a number of e-safety topics – not to mention the opportunity to enjoy some free food and to be in with a chance to win some of the latest high-tech gadgets."
Online communities
Head of Human Resources at Airtel-Vodafone, Amanda Vye, which is sponsoring the lecture programme, said: "Twenty-first century life increasingly involves online communities that connect through smartphones and other mobile devices. It is vital that people understand the steps they should take to interact safely, not only for their children's sake but also to protect their own online identities. We are delighted to be bringing Andy Malone, a leading Microsoft security expert, and PC Alan Earl of Avon and Somerset Police and Harm Reduction Officer for the South West Grid for Learning Trust, to Jersey's first Digital Parenting event."
Andy Malone’s headline lecture, entitled ‘Cybercrime: Inside the Mind of a Hacker’ will expose the extent of hacking and the tactics that are used by both sides in the battle against online crime. Immediately before the lecture, which will start at 7:30pm, visitors to Digital Parenting will be able to enjoy food in the piazza at Hautlieu School while watching e-safety videos created by Jersey schoolchildren.
Commenting on his 2:30pm afternoon talk on the theme of Online Safety for Everyone, PC Alan Earl, said: "Young people use the internet in many engaging and dynamic ways. Like any tool, however, there are dangers if it is not used safely. This is an ideal time to learn how you, as a professional or a parent, can close the digital divide, gain some understanding and help support your children to stay safe online."
In addition, visitors will be able to test their skills playing the latest computer games and learn about the factors that affect the age ratings of different games. They will also be able to meet the world’s number-1 ranked guitarist for Rock Band.
Responsibility
Co-founder of Jersey eSports, Ed Peck, said: "Computer gaming can be a great way to improve problem-solving and co-ordination skills while having fun, but it’s important that parents realise why different games have different age ratings. Jersey eSports promotes responsible gaming for young people like ourselves and we will be very pleased to talk to parents about the wide variety of computer games that are now available for people of all ages."
Window and iMac experts will be demonstrating the learning and e-safety aspects of these devices and there will be step-by-step demonstrations that visitors who bring their own Windows laptops to the event can follow to set Parental Controls and to install free e-safety software.
The event will take place at Hautlieu School, from 10am until 4pm and from 6:30pm until 9pm. Admission is free and open to everyone. No booking is required.
gov.je