Journal 4 NETS-T 5

Johnson, D. (Dec, Jan 2009). Computing in the clouds. Learning and Leading, 37(4), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200912?pg=18&pm=2&fs=1#pg1

Computing in the cloud, by Doug Johnson

Summary

              This article is about leaving programs like Microsoft behind and beginning to use purely free internet sources. The idea of free web based resources is called "the cloud", it is somewhere out in the technology world and everything just floats there until you call it back to your computer. The idea of using googledocs or adobe photoshop rather than having to buy and update the expensive microsoft and other expensive programs. The article talked about how easy and most likely incoming this idea is for students in the classroom. I think it is a great idea, but in a few years.

Question 1
How could i benefit from using the idea of computing in the cloud within my classroom?
              If I used the idea of "computing in the cloud" in my classroom then I would be able to teach my students about safe internet practice, assign homework that could be complete at home, and create projects that could be worked on in and out of classroom. Like the article said it is so important that students of all grade be able to work on projects, papers, ideas, etc while at home and or school and then be able to transport them without actually having the responsibility or threat of losing them via thumb-drive or hard drive crash.

Question 2
What are possible down-sides if any?
              One definitely could be the possibility of losing the file or not storing it properly, causing it to be gone and unsaved somewhere in the cloud. Second, if students forgot their passwords they could lose access to their work. Third, if parents know their students' passwords or if teacher do there may be an invasion of privacy. Fourth students may use the cloud for inappropriate things. And lastly, it may not be accessible to everyone outside of the classroom, and if so it cannot be mandatory. Although all of these are fixable through back up files, stored passwords with students permission, and adequate monitoring the idea of "the cloud" leaves many people skeptical. I personally am a little apprehensive about relying completely on technology and trusting that all my work will be private and secure.