I have got some mixed feelings and contradictions about this assignment. I work as a chief of finance at the Karelia Air Wing and the Defence Forces has very strict rules and limitations over device, software and etiquette of the ICT world. So, to make a long story short, I cannot use any of the Social Media tools listed in my work. I wrote about my work and digitalisation on the earlier page, please take a look at DigiSociety.
The Defence Forces uses SAP ERP to support and integrate automation of processes in finance, human resources, material accounting and procurement. In my work, I use various applications of the SAP ERP system, spreadsheets, digital notebooks, collaboration tools, case management system and, of course, email. Invoice processing is automated and involves collaboration with two different service centres. There are also self-service portals for personal working time planning and traveling. Access management and data security standards are monitored regularly.
The Defence Forces uses Instagram and websites for recruiting and sharing information of ongoing activities. These medias are maintained centrally. The personnel, conscripts and reservists are trained regularly to obtain secure maneuvers in social media, information security, data protection and operational security. I think it should be easy to comprehend that photos or other social media posts of training and working in the Defence Forces are not allowed.
Social media is a big part of modern lifestyle and it has both good and bad sides. At the same time social media makes the world smaller bringing people together with same intrests and hobbies easily across the world. And yet it can cause isolation, harrassment and unhealty addictions which affects negatively to the quality of life and human relationships. Same contradiction is with the information. The spread of misinformation and fake news is unfortunately widespread, while scientific communities benefit from the rapid exchange of new knowledge and study results.
Instead of social media, I have listed five on-line services that I can or could use in my work. The basic thing to remember in my line of work is that it is prohibited to share anything to the internet but it is allowed to take advantage of the services and information shared there.
- DeepL – for producing short translations and checking spelling of documents or email-messages when dealing with foreign colleagues and suppliers. Datasecurity is emphasized though.
- Learning Platforms – like eOppiva. Life-long learning is comprehensive in order to keep up with the pace of development. Learning has transferred from class-room teaching to self-directive and agile. It is not dependend from time or place.
- Mobiilivarmenne (= Mobile Certificate) – for providing a secure way to identify and log on to various services without bank ID. Useful when dealing with other authorities.
- YouTube – for searching quick tricks or tutorials for example spreadsheet problems or how to use WordPress 🙂 There is an abundance of tutorials and lectures about anything you might imagine.
- Monday or Asana – an application for project management and streamlining workflows would be interesting and useful. I must get to know these in more detail and figure out if they would be suitable.
I have used WordPress only once before in my previous studies so it was like starting all over again. I went through the instructions and looked up tutorials on YouTube. Videos are quick and convenient way to find solutions to particular problems. I think I did a pretty good job with this blogsite although I have to admit I got carried way with the differnt colouring! I like to learn about new tools and applications in my work and I confess that I love to work with MS Excel. I can only use the tools that my employer provides us but I wish I could study for example MS Power BI someday. I have been among the first to launch new digital tools like OneNote and SharePoint in my workplace.
The course has been demanding but rewarding. Learning WordPress seemed difficult and time-consuming at first, but after the initial difficulties, it has been a pleasure to maintain the site. The topics were meaningful and it was interesting to learn about other students’ blogs, careers and ideas.
