In the Leading & Learning December 2009 / January 2010 issue an article titled "Computing in the Clouds" the author Doug Johnson explores the usage of schools applying cloud networks to access files, share and save. Johnson explains that a "cloud" is a term for file storage via the use of application on the internet, a local area-network or district intranet. The argument the author makes is the idea that it is much more cost efficent for districts, and much more convienent and accessable for students and teachers to use. Mainly the reasoning behind this is the constant access to files and the ability to save, upload and share files via the cloud. This gives teachers and students the tool to be able to access their files anywhere on any computer. What is interesting is the article is from 2009/10 when the idea of "cloud" wasn't a term widely used. Now a days it is a very important tool for millions of people who want to access their files at any time.
I really love the idea of using the cloud system, rather than traditionally all the work is saved on one network, persay a school, where you can only do your work there. This allows the users, whether they are students or teachers the ability to work from anywhere with an internet access point. Even to an extent you can work offline when you sync your file sharing to the most recent point. This tool is very important for bringing a classroom home with students. It allows teachers to digitally enter a students home and give them access to files, lesson plans, worksheets and other various types of homework that the student can work on from their computers.
This article falls under NETS 2 and 6, students are able to upload, communicate and work from outside the classroom. They are also having to learn a new technology than what had been traditionally used in the terms of a local network or a single computer holding all their files.
Johnson, D. (2009-2010). Computing in the clouds. Leading & Learning, December/January(37), 16-18. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-december-janruary-2009-2010.aspx
Cloud computing has been getting popularity since 2009. Many companies and school districts have adopted it. I can see the benefits you discuss above. Another benefit is that the storage providers typically back up information constantly.
ReplyDeleteI'm just curious: Does Johnson also talk about some limitations?
R-J
If we are looking into the "cloud" system we have to realistically realize that most people have an I-phone now. The reason this is important is because the cloud program is on their phone. If we are to establish having I-pads in the classroom this also has the cloud application. The possibilities are pretty staggering when you think about being able to save an entire classes work into one accessible thing. It's not only a document that you save like on microsoft word, we are now able to see everything at once.
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