Procedure

This exercise consists of three parts.

In the first part, participants are asked to make an initial self-assessment of how confident they feel about structuring and securing data. This can be done in the form of a classic thumb poll or a quick round of flashlight polling.

In the second part, participants are each given an information brochure (see working material 1). This consists of a self-assessment test, which serves as a starting point for the subsequent phase of knowledge acquisition. Participants work through the checklist individually and write short answers in the brochure.

This is followed by a second round of quick flashes or a show of hands in which participants are asked to assess again, based on the checklist, how good they are at securing and structuring data.

Based on their self-assessment and their own knowledge gaps and uncertainties, participants can refer to an explanatory text with further tips and tricks for each point on the checklist in the last part. This allows knowledge acquisition to take place individually, self-directed, and in line with needs.

Preparation

• The information brochure and the remaining working materials must be printed out in advance.
• The links to the working materials should be checked again in advance to ensure they are up to date.

Notes on moderation

• If there are participants who already feel very confident in all areas, the moderator can encourage them to formulate their own tips and tricks and make them available to the group.

Overview of the self-assessment questions

• I have a strategy for naming, sorting, and finding files on my device.
• I know and understand the basic options (cloud, external hard drive, etc.) for creating backups. If my house burns down, I have digital copies of my most important files and documents.
• If I leave one of my devices or storage media on the train or in a café, the loss is annoying, but the files are still safe.
• I know how to digitize letters, paper documents, and photographs, for example, using simple means.
• I know and use options for saving items I find online so that I can easily find them again later.