Journal 1: Computing in the Clouds (NETS III & V)

Computing In The Clouds

Johnson, D. (December/January 2009-2010). Computing in the clouds.Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(4), Retrieved fromhttp://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/DecemberJanuaryNo4/Computing_in_the_Clouds.htm

Cloud computing is a technology that more and more people are taking advantage of. It allows people to save documents in this "cloud" that is always on the web. No more carrying around zip drives and no more worrying if the computer you are going to be working on next has the same software and programs as the previous computer. Clouds also help save computer space and memory which helps keep your computer faster. An important factor for schools is that most are free! They can buy computers with smaller memory because the computers won't need as much. Also schools can use these web based tools to store their grades, communications, and other management things they need to do online. It is also very important for schools to know is that your information and data are safe. They cannot be sold because the thing you are using doesn't own your information or data. For example, if its google they can't do anything with your information. Something else that is a great benefit is that unlike personal computers, these large networks VERY rarely crash and when they do they aren't down very long, just like Google.

Is cloud computing something that I would like to see being used in my classroom?
Absolutely! I think it is a great idea especially for places with limited resources. This works great for schools with low budgets and multiple students can use the same computer without using a lot of memory and slowing the computer down.


There are some tasks that don't work as well with cloud computing, what are they and why?
Some things such as video editing and large documents that need more memory. They don't work well, on netbooks for example, because they don't have enough space.