I really like the idea that Johnson brings up in his “Computing in The Clouds” article. What he is suggesting is that schools need a more efficient and cost sensitive way to utilize technology and web 2.0 applications. It can be very expensive to stock a school with full fledged computer systems and really aren’t all that efficient when it comes to data storage and versatility. Johnson feels that moving into internet and web based program usage such as Google Docs is a more efficient way for students and teachers to use these technological resources.
Really what Computing in The Clouds involves, is moving away from computer to computer mainstream program usage and making the best of what is provided over the internet and no cost. The bigger picture is allowing students, faculty and, parents to get by using cheap but still efficient computing systems like net books, tablets, iPads, and others. There is no need for data storage devices like hard drives and thumb drives because all of the information, documents, and data are stored right in the internet. This makes for easy access wherever you are world-wide without the need to be on one given computer that you started the work.
I think schools are actually already beginning to adopt this style of technology use. Schools in Escondido have incorporated small laptops and iPads into the classroom that can be rented out to individual students to work on at home. Since everything is versatile through the internet there is no need for a student to have the same system that they started their work on. If repairs are needed to be made than another system can be substituted in until repairs are finalized.
I don’t think we are really that far from requiring students to add these tools like net books on their school supply list. The cost is so minimal that it’s very plausible to ask parents to make the move into a more technology based learning environment. I would definitely consider making this decision in my own classroom. The benefits are so great that I believe the support would be tremendous.
Resource
Johnson, D. (2009-10, January). Computing in the clouds. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(4), 16-20.
Using clouds as storage devices is the future. Just like you said, " no need for external hard drives, or flash drives. In September this year Apple Inc. Is releasing there own version of the cloud, titled icloud. This service is free just like googles is at this time. All the work that an entire school will do will be saved to a cloud on a server somewhere in the world, where at anytime or place that information will be able to be withdrawn by the user on any smart device. A student could be writing a paper in the coputer lab, then continue to write on their cell phone on there way hame from school, and finally finish it on there laptop at home. This is all done without pressing the save button once. Like you said schools can now afford to by the cheeper notebooks and iPads with less memory due the use of the cloud. This will open up doors that were never available to a school before.
ReplyDeleteAaron,
ReplyDeleteI agree that Johnson’s idea of “Computing in the Clouds” is a good one. Because technology is so important, I think the school districts should not use the education budget as an excuse to not provide technology experiences to the students. I like that this article suggests inexpensive and even free programs such as Google Docs. It is also a good suggestion to save work to the internet instead of to a hard drives so that students can easily access information anywhere there is internet service.
I did not know that schools rent out small laptops and iPads. That is interesting. I did not have a computer until my senior year of high school. I wonder how many students do have computers or iPads at home. What does a school/teacher do if a student is required to use technology for assignments, but they do not have the money to purchase or rent it? Are there computer labs at school that they can use for free?
I definitely agree with the author's statement about schools need to find a cost saving and efficient way to utilize technology in classrooms and schools. My biggest problem with technology is the cost of it all. As I posted in my other comments it is very nice to have all of this technology but who is going to pay for it. This article seems to have the answer. Just using google docs is a great way to utilize technology. Using something like that saves money and very easy to use and access. Being able to go to one website and access all the information is very helpful. An example I can give is using moodle for this class and other classes. It is very easy to find all the information, turn in assignments, etc.
ReplyDeleteUsing the cloud program seems to be very efficient when it comes to storing all of the information. I think it is really good that a student can work on assignment and projects at school and then access that saved information with their cell phone. I could see my self using programs like this to enhance the learning in my class. As mentioned before a huge plus to this program is the cost of it, especially in these hard economic times .
- Michael Corle