Hi Everyone:
This week, I read "Computing in the Clouds" by Doug Johnson, which essentially summarizes "the cloud" and how it can be beneficial for educators. The cloud can be accessed from any computer with access to the Internet, requires no flash drive, and is free of charge. Essentially, the cloud is a file storage facility that requires only the Internet. Johnson argues that students need a Netbook (miniature laptop computer with only access to the Internet and a few related applications) and the cloud to excel at school, which would reduce the cost of computer software (like Word) or textbooks. By "living in the cloud," Johnson found that he needed only slight adjustments from his "normal" computer usage.
One major advantage of using the cloud is that it's free - so anyone can use it, without worrying about money. By using Google Docs instead of Microsoft Word, students and teachers can save money and can access their documents from any computer. In addition, flash drives are unnecessary because students can simply upload or share the URL with teachers instead. Johnson suggests that parents will be willing to pay for a $250 Netbook, since they have to pay for other supplies instead (like a $100 scientific calculator). I, however, do not know if I agree with that statement. Many families, especially in today's economy, cannot afford things like that. I think that it would be better for schools to have a class set of Netbooks that classes can check out, that way students can access their information on their home computers or at the local library. I've worked in high schools with a school set of laptops that teachers could then check out for the class period.
Johnson notes that there are a few issues with working in the cloud. If the Internet crashes or is unavailable, so is the cloud. Also, the security of websites can be a little sketchy, as can the privacy. Privacy is of the up-most priority where students are concerned.
I personally think that working in the cloud would be excellent for many classrooms, I just worry that eventually teachers will shift a majority of lessons and classwork into the cloud, and students will have less hands-on learning. I hope that balance can be found between the online and offline worlds.
One major advantage of using the cloud is that it's free - so anyone can use it, without worrying about money. By using Google Docs instead of Microsoft Word, students and teachers can save money and can access their documents from any computer. In addition, flash drives are unnecessary because students can simply upload or share the URL with teachers instead. Johnson suggests that parents will be willing to pay for a $250 Netbook, since they have to pay for other supplies instead (like a $100 scientific calculator). I, however, do not know if I agree with that statement. Many families, especially in today's economy, cannot afford things like that. I think that it would be better for schools to have a class set of Netbooks that classes can check out, that way students can access their information on their home computers or at the local library. I've worked in high schools with a school set of laptops that teachers could then check out for the class period.
Johnson notes that there are a few issues with working in the cloud. If the Internet crashes or is unavailable, so is the cloud. Also, the security of websites can be a little sketchy, as can the privacy. Privacy is of the up-most priority where students are concerned.
I personally think that working in the cloud would be excellent for many classrooms, I just worry that eventually teachers will shift a majority of lessons and classwork into the cloud, and students will have less hands-on learning. I hope that balance can be found between the online and offline worlds.
Thank you,
Lily
Johnson, Doug (2009). Computing in the Clouds. International Society for Technology in Education, Volume 37. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Computing_in_the_Clouds.aspx
Hey Lily! I think that switching over to the cloud is where the future is going, the start was probably when students started emailing themselves papers or power points to open up later. While technology is advancing there are many issues as to how we are going to be able to afford the advancements. While we can assume that everyone has a desktop, or laptop, at home there are still homes that do not have an internet connection. This is probably because parents do not see the necessity in their children accessing the internet and they do not have a real need themselves, but with so many programs becoming widely popular via the internet we will probably begin to see a shift. I cannot wait to see the way that the cloud will help us in school and think that is should be used as a tool and the teacher should not be used as a replacement teacher.
ReplyDelete-Kayla
Hi Lily!
ReplyDeleteI too am concerned with only using the cloud to store assignments/class work. I can see this being a big problem if for some reason the internet goes out and people cant find their work. Also, you made a good point about money issues. Many students these days can go on Ebay to buy their books at a fraction of the cost or rent their textbooks online, so requiring everyone to have a computer might end up costing more money. On the other hand, it can be great in ways that students wont have to buy programs such as Microsoft Word and Powerpoint, because it will be part of the cloud. There are both positives and negatives to this new technology, but I have a feeling it will eventually exist in every school. I look forward to seeing the outcome of this!
Sarah Strickland