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Digital Identity
16 April 2010

Digital Identity

The workshop will explore various issues around having a Digital Identity; from the benefits of social networking, to staying safe online and use of digital technologies.

Hosted by: University of Reading

Sponsored by: KT EQUAL

Event organisers:

Professor Rachel McCrindle, University of Reading

Professor Shirley Williams, University of Reading

Sarah Fleming, University of Reading

Heather Williams, University of Bath

Date: 16 April 2010

Venue:

University of Reading
Gordon Lecture Theatre
School of Systems Engineering
Whiteknights Campus
University of Reading

United Kingdom

Event Summary: 

Digital Identity is a term we use to describe the persona an individual presents across all the online communities in which he or she is represented. This can mean everything from social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter, to online shopping accounts and the information you use to access services such as Internet banking. Although such activity is perceived as the preserve of the young, creating and using a Digital Identity can have many benefits for the older user - particularly those with limited mobility, or who are perhaps disenfranchised from long standing friends or loved ones. For this group, the online world offers the possibility of staying in touch and staying in control of aspects of their lives they may otherwise feel slipping out of their grasp. However, concerns about identity theft, privacy and the challenge of simply using new technologies may be off-putting to the more mature user - and these are issues we seek to address in this one-day workshop event on Digital Identity at the University of Reading.

Through a series of presentations from both experts in the field of Digital Identity, as well as representatives from user organisations, the morning session will explore issues around having an online presence, from the positive impact of belonging to online communities to safeguarding your identity and information.

The afternoon session will comprise a series of activities designed to stimulate further thought and discussion about the potential benefits and pitfalls of having a Digital Identity for older people, as well as an introduction to current technologies for those with no or limited experience of them.

The event aims to raise awareness among older people, carers and organisations about the potential uses of Digital Identity to enhance quality of life and foster a sense of connection and community.

The workshop will be of interest to a wide range of professional groups including academics, organisations and user groups, plus encouragement for participation by older people.

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Welcome to SPARC and KT-EQUAL: Knowledge Transfer for Extending Quality Life

SPARC brings together researchers, practitioners and policy makers in ageing. It specialises in communicating the latest design, engineering and biological ageing-related research to all stakeholders, making the case about the benefits for an ageing population of scientific research, and it encourages new blood into ageing research. Although funding for SPARC ended in December 2008, SPARC is continuing to function from the University of Reading within a new initiative - KT-EQUAL which commenced in January 2009. Soon KT-EQUAL will have its own website but for the time being news and information about SPARC and KT-EQUAL events are being handled by the SPARC website.

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