Data Collection

Data logging is the systematic collection of data using a digital device,

usually over a period of time.

All data stored on or transmitted by a digital device is encoded as

binary zeros and ones.

Numbers, words, sounds, images, and video, can all be represented by binary codes.

F-2 data collection does not need to be done using computers.

3-8 students explore the various ways in which digital technologies can be used to record different types of data.

9-10 student should develop specific techniques to record data in a structured way for use in information systems.

Synchronization - digital data is stored and transmitted as ordered sequences of symbols - separated by syncwords.

Digital Languages such as ASCII and UNICODE assign meaning to particular symbol sequences.

Errors often occur in non-digital or analogue data but for digital data, unless the error is large enough that a symbol is misinterpreted as another symbol or the sequence of symbols is changed, data can usually be stored, copied and transmitted without error. Checksums validate that digital data has not changed when copied or transmitted.

Granularity refers to the number of symbols assigned to the value being recorded, determining the precision or resolution of the resulting data.

Compression algorithms take large sequences of data and reduce the number of binary digits needed to represent it - algorithms or CODECs such as ZIP, GIF JPEG mpeg and mp4 remove redundant data and trade quality or granularity against the size of the file required to store the data

Geospatial Data

Geospatial data collects, records and presents data based on its location.

Geospatial data can be represented on digital maps, and the relationship between data can be used for demographic analysis, travel time calculations, etc.

Mapping data can be combined with the ability of mobile devices to use GPS, digital compasses and Wi-Fi signals to display different data depending on the location of the device.

Beacons and RFID chips and cards can be used to trigger actions based on information stored, and to establish locations that can trigger actions on mobile devices.

Data Security

It is the responsibility of Digital Technologies to teach the technical aspects of the ICT General Capabilities.

Students should learn how to protect themselves and produce ethical, socially acceptable, sustainable, and safe solutions to problems.

Cryptographic techniques enable students to understand the security provided by passwords, biometrics, data and communication encryption; and associated threats to privacy from unsecured data.

Students should understand the threats posed from a range of cyber-attacks and technologies including viruses, phishing, denial of service, identity theft and hacking.

Ethical hacking, carefully managed, can be used to develop understanding of threats.

Wearables

Wearables represent a range of digital technology solutions that can be worn on the body

· Sports and Fitness Tracking;

· Health monitoring (through various worn sensors);

· Alertness and Energy levels (sensing micro movements and galvanic responses);

· Navigation systems (using Wi-Fi signals, GPS, and Digital Compasses);

· Play media (wrist projection, presentation devices);

· Communication (messaging, mobile phone);

· Fashion Statements (lights, sound and sensors integrated into clothing);

· Neurofeedback (EEG sensors responding to brainwave patterns);

· Human Machine interfaces (triggering digital devices with implanted or worn devices);

· Augmented reality (displaying information overlayed on the users view of the world);

· Virtual reality (displaying digital representations of spaces); and

· Life Recording (continuous recording of events with audio or video).

Codebugs and Ada Fruit kits provide wearable computers that can control lights and sensors and can be woven into clothing.