Frontline Tech

Author: marco

  • Twitter

    Description

    Twitter is a microblogging and social networking service where users post short messages. Twitter users can read and write short messages (up to 280 characters) that are organized by hashtags or categories (such as #cdnimm). They can add multimedia such as images, audio, and video.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Many organizations have Twitter accounts to share information about their services and projects, in particular with other nonprofit stakeholders, funders, and colleagues.
    • Twitter can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to help inform and engage with Newcomers.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    Twitter is free.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Twitter is straightforward and simple to use. Users can organize tweets into lists, follow hashtags, and message privately (called Direct Messages, or DMs).

    Twitter has a number of accessibility features, outlined here.

    Mobile friendly

    Twitter is mobile friendly and has Android and iOS apps.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Twitter has Safety and security and Rules and policies sections with useful information. Common Sense Media’s Privacy Evaluation for Twitter has additional useful information.

    Multilingual capabilities

    Additional resources

  • ProtonMail

    Description

    ProtonMail is an encrypted email service provider you can use to send secure emails.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • ProtonMail can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to communicate securely over email with Newcomers and colleagues.

    Video overview

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPZSywi_uq0
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8dZTjggNRA

    Pricing

    ProtonMail has a free account and a number of paid options that come with additional features and storage space.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    ProtonMail has an easy to use interface. They do not appear to have information about accessibility features.

    Mobile friendly

    ProtonMail has Android and iOS apps for mobile use.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    ProtonMail uses end-to-end encryption for messages, both stored and in transit. They do not have access to your messages. Read more about their privacy and security features.

    Multilingual capabilities

    You can change the language of your ProtonMail account.

    Additional resources

  • Gmail

    Description

    Gmail is Google’s email service. Gmail is free to use (with a paid option that offers more storage capability) and is included in the Google Workspace which offers discounted rates for nonprofits (including a free tier).

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Some sector organizations use Google Workspace, including Gmail, as their Office Suite and communication software.
    • Gmail can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival as a tool to communicate and share information with Newcomers.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    You can use Gmail with any free Google account. Google Workspace offers additional storage space and other features, and has discounted rates for nonprofits (including a free tier).

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Easy to use, including on mobile browsers. Also has Android and iOS apps.

    Mobile friendly

    Mobile optimized.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Google has useful information about Gmail security and privacy here.

    When creating a Google account, a valid name, email address, username, and password are required. It is also optional to provide a phone number to recover your account if the password is lost. Upon creation of your account, Google closely tracks your searches, bookmarks, and location services, among other data. These underlying data collection practices and Google’s sharing of your information with third parties make the use of Google tools for personal purposes less secure.

    Multilingual capabilities

    You can change the language you use in Gmail.

    Additional resources

  • Microsoft Outlook

    Description

    Microsoft Outlook is an email and calendar software tool.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Outlook is a commonly used email software by many sector organizations.
    • Outlook can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival as a tool to communicate and share information with Newcomers.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    You can get a free version of Outlook. A premium version also comes as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription. Microsoft also has a Charity program which offers discounts.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Outlook is easy to use and familiar for many people. Microsoft has a number of accessibility features, such as voice-controlled navigation, support for multiple assistive devices.

    Mobile friendly

    Outlook is mobile friendly and available on Android, iOS, and Windows apps.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Outlook has robust data security settings. However, Microsoft 365 Business Premium (Nonprofit Staff Pricing) appears to have more advanced security features according to Microsoft.

    Multilingual capabilities

    You can change Outlook’s language settings.

    Additional resources

  • Government of Canada mobile apps

    Government of Canada mobile apps

    85 mobile applications and pages to access Government of Canada information and services.

    They also have an Apps Gallery that lists third-party mobile applications created using Government of Canada data.

  • Citizenship apps

    Canadian Citizenship apps – Android

    A list of apps in Google Play focused on helping newcomers prepare for the Citizenship Test.

    Canadian Citizenship apps – Apple

    A list of Canadian Citizenship prep apps in the Apple App Store.

  • ArriveON

    ArriveON is a free, bilingual mobile app created by COSTI Immigrant Services that helps newcomers in Ontario, Canada find information and services to navigate their settlement journey.

    From finding a job or a place to live, to learning English or French or accessing health care, ArriveON has everything newcomers need to get started on their new community.

    The information provided is based on the content of the O2O Workbook and grouped into six sections: Getting to Know Canada and Ontario, Living in your New Community, Education and Training, Working and Business, Money and Personal Finances, People and the Environment.

    Each section has several topics that give information for the whole province. Users can explore these topics, bookmark the ones that are relevant to them, and find nearby programs and services using the geolocation feature without ever needing to create an account or disclose personal information. Furthermore, the information can be saved to the user’s device and accessed later on without an Internet connection.

    Most sections have a Settlement Plan that summarizes the main settlement tasks, and some important questions under the heading Things to Think About. These questions help users think about the choices they need to make during their settlement process.

  • Connector+ App

    The Connector+ app helps soon-to-be and recent graduates (Connectees) grow their professional network in Nova Scotia by connecting them with experienced professionals (Connectors) in their local area.

    Build your professional network and make connections with the official Connector Program app from Halifax Partnership. Whether your career is just getting started or well underway, Connector+ will match you with experienced professionals in your field or new talent looking to build their network.

  • CanSettle (Early Access)

    CanSettle provides offline access to organizations that can help you settle in Canada. If you have just immigrated to Canada and need help this app will direct you to organizations that can help.

    CanSettle also gives you access to a big checklist on what to do before you get to Canada and what to do once you are here.

    Key Features:

    • Organization information is available offline for reference and to provide to transportation providers (e.g. taxi).
    • Organizations with verified addresses and names have a checkmark next to the address allowing you to quickly see where to go for help!
    • Business hours for many of the organizations for quick reference.
    • You can see what services are available, how far the organization is from your location and quickly call them or get directions.
    • You can also search all the organizations across the entire country by service, city and province if needed.

  • ASCEND Mobile App

    ASCEND is an interactive employment readiness program created by Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC BC) that supports newcomers to identify, develop and demonstrate their soft skills for Canadian employers. ASCEND was developed by the Immigrant Employment Council of BC in partnership with Canadian employers and HR experts.

    You can watch this demo video about the app:

    https://youtu.be/95QeAdW4SpA