In his article Computing in the Clouds Doug Johnson preaches the benefits of cloud computing in an educational setting and addresses some of the common public concerns. Most of Johnson’s argument is contingent upon the school’s ability to provide netbooks for each student. I think that most districts should be able to do this, especially if the netbooks are also compatible with e-textbooks. Currently, I think most students are able to find access to a computer and word processor in order to complete assignments, so I think that cloud technology may be more beneficial to the teachers. However, in college I used Google Docs all the time in order to share notes with my classmates and collaborate on lab reports and study guides. I can definitely appreciate the benefits of the cloud from a student perspective.
Cloud computing is also completely affordable. Most of the applications are free, including the storage. The only major costs are the Netbook devices and the high bandwidth to support the Internet activity. There is a lot of concern about the security of the cloud, and Johnson states that people should read over the privacy policies. The cloud is continuing to grow and I believe that is will become a part of our educational system in some way in the near future. Hopefully most schools will be able to predict this move and begin to educate current and future teachers on cloud integration in their classes.
Hi Marisa!
ReplyDeleteI am currently working with San Diego Unified School District as a Special Educational Assistant. From my experience of working at multiple sites, I see that there are a lot of schools that offered net books for each student in the classroom. Some of the elementary schools even have Ipads for 4th graders! Students are able to log on to their net books and Ipad via wireless. They log in with their unique username and password. A lot of schools use Promethian Board as a tool for effective learning. The use of Ipads voting system can be connected to Promethian Board. Students are able to vote their answers onto study guide questions displayed from the Promethian Board. It is amazing how technology can aid in student involvement. Hopefully in the near future, costs shouldn't be a problem for parents so that their children can get the full benefit of having net books or Ipads to learn.
Hi Marisa!
DeleteLike you, I agree that the "cloud" is taking off! I like that the "cloud" offers easy communication and study venues for students working together in teams and on projects! I also agree with your opinion that the districts should be responsible for providing the vehicle for the "cloud." If the net-book is compatible with the e-textbook , as you mentioned, that sounds like a great solution! Thank you for the nice read!
Leigh
Hi Marisa!
ReplyDeleteComputing in the Cloud sounds like a great way to keep students at the Elementary school level engaged. I can see where the only problem could be maintenance and bandwidth. If schools can find a way to pay for these, grants or fundraisers can help off set the cost. I have also used Google Docs before and it's a great way to maintain communication when everyone's schedule is different. It's a great way to share ideas without having to be face to face or in a "classroom". Thank you for your response to the article!
Lesley
Hello Marisa,
DeleteThank you for your read of the "Computing in the Clouds." I wanted to add onto your statements of benefits from the cloud. If schools will be providing check-out-able netbooks for all students who do not own one personally, then the cloud applications would be a great gift to students who cannot afford a computer. Such financially limited students would not have to ask their parents to spend hundreds to buy the newest version of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. Cloud technology can simply replace such costs with the infinitely better amount of FREE!
The only problem I can foresee is with clouds is that people will have no idea when free cloud applications will no longer be free. Johnson says this is a risk we take, but my main worry is that there is no knowing how much the companies will charge for the cloud tools. Not to mention if all of the companies who host cloud applications began charging consumers at the same time. I only recently became aware of Picnik.com as an excellent tool, but that company is dissolving and only going to be included under Google+ services. It seems to me that there are still some unknowns that I would like to know the answers to before I jump completely on the cloud bandwagon.
Sincerely,
Ariel