Journal 1: "Computing in the Clouds"- NETS 3 and 5

Johnson, Doug. (2009).Computing in the Clouds. International Society for Technology in Education, 37(4), pg. 1-7. Retrieved February 3, 2010, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/DecemberJanuaryNo4/Computing_in_the_Clouds.htm

In this article, the author Doug Johnson explains this new phenomenon of “cloud computing”. Cloud computing is based on sharing computing resources rather than having local servers so a person can access their work on any computer at any time. Cloud computing eliminates the stress of having to save your document that you are working on to a flash drive or sending it as an attachment to yourself in an email. The author discusses how cloud computing could be used in schools and what the benefits of using cloud computing might be. He introduces the many types of documents or tasks that can be accomplished using cloud computing, such as email, web searching, word processing, photo editing and storage and school specific tasks. Towards the end of the article, Johnson addresses the frequently asked questions that people may have about using such a new technological resource and what his predictions are about its future usage in the educational system.

Is cloud computing something that schools with a limited budget could use in the classroom? Yes, the author definitely advocates the usage of cloud computing for schools struggling with financial difficulties. Throughout the article, Johnson was pushing the idea that it would be more cost efficient for schools to use cloud computing. I don’t know if I necessarily agree with his viewpoint because extra expenses would be involved in making the switch to cloud computing (such as training workshops teaching teachers on how to use it effectively or requiring parents to provide a $250 net book computer for their child, etc). Johnson may like using it, but there is no guarantee that teachers or students will find it more useful than having hard copies of work.

Is this something I could see myself using as a future educator? Well, I am always a little distrustful of putting my information out there on the internet or cyberspace because I am always concerned with who may or may not have access to it. However, I have to admit it would be nice not to have to bring my USB key with me everywhere to save my work, or to be able to access whatever I am working on at the moment on any computer. So I think I may use cloud computing when I am a teacher in a limited amount by having web-based grade books that I can access anywhere. However, cloud computing would not take the place of my old-fashioned tangible copy of the grade book, just in case the computer does decide to flip out or crash or something. I tend to be skeptical about keeping all my files solely on the computer, so I would probably use a combination of cloud computing and hardcopies of important files and documents.