7 Things you Should Know….the Cloud
The article “7 things you should know about organizing files in the Cloud”, provides a clear outline about what Cloud storage is, how it works, advantages, and disadvantages. I selected this article to read further for two reasons: part of the ETEC group project, and it is developing into a concern in my classroom with mobile devices being used more frequently.
The article is well outlined and is very easy to read, and uses technology terms and language that can be easily understood. The usage of Cloud data storage can be very appealing if the work/learning environment is open to allowing such a service. Cloud storage can be inexpensive (although device costs, and data services are slightly more expensive), requires very little installation or set-up, often doesn’t need replacing (minimal updates), has frequent backup and recovery systems, and doesn’t take up physical space. With the advantages of this type of storage service, it does have some drawbacks. As mentioned in the article, security is considered a major issue, as who has access to the data stored, what information is shared with other services, etc. There are also some other issues of Cloud data storage that should be considered such as: availability (many services require some form of connection to an internet connection), and incompatible interfaces amongst mobile devices and computer platforms.
The article would be beneficial for the student, teacher, or business individual who is on the move, and wants to know more about the convenience of data storage. This type of convenience comes with not to being weighed down with external drives and paper files, Cloud storage does seem to be a quick and convenient solution.
The “7 Things you Should Know” article series is a quick glimpse into what is happening in the world of technology, without going into a lot of detail. This type of article is beneficial for those individuals who are interested in the basic concepts and ideas, but do not want to invest a great deal of time in reading. If the individual chooses, they can further invest the time and delve further into the research with the information they have just processed.
Reference:
Educause Learning Initiative (2011). 7 things you should know about … organizing files in the cloud.
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chrisaitken 1:54 pm on May 18, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
In the last couple of years I have found myself working on a few different devices – work computer, wife’s iPad, my iPhone. Cloud services like Evernote or Box keep me together no matter what device I am on. I would image that Bring Your Own Device will become the default in most schools so understanding the cloud will be very important for students and teachers.
jtpatry 10:00 am on May 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I agree Chris, the BYOD will push the issue forward. Even in my elementary school, i encourage the students to BYOD and they certainly enjoy the opportunity and having a purpose to pull of the device. I really enjoy the Cloud for easy transfer of information, i just don’t think of the other issues..ha!
Kenton Hemsing 6:50 pm on May 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
My concern, and I have run into this at the high school level many times, is that there are students that don’t have personal devices. What accomodations can be made for them in a BYOD classroom? Are they being put at a disadvatage towards their learning because they (or their family) do not own a device?
Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of BYOD, but there are some issues with it that could keep certain students from achieving as well as the others in the class.
Dave Horn 7:54 pm on May 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Even before we started to create an iPad program at our school I was often having students use their cell phones as planners, recorders of notes and labs. I haven’t met a student yet (I teach senior high school) who didn’t have a phone capable of taking pictures. Some are more limited in searching the web and such, but I either paired them with students who had adequate tech or just provided computers as part of the learning process. I agree that we do have to be aware of what technology is being used, and probably not aim for the highest level, but perhaps more the middle.
Dave Horn 4:49 pm on May 18, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I’d agree that knowledge and use of the cloud is important and becoming more frequent. Our school is using iPads next year and will be using such tools as dropbox and evernote for storing, creating, and transfering content between various platforms. I think that there will be a shift away from platform specific tools, to more web based tools making compatibility issues decrease when trying to transfer content between devices.
There is a good point about access issues and often the need for an internet connection when storing online. Short of having looked myself out of my classroom, my content is all there on the shelf, though perhaps it’s better reason to update and modify the content we have.
jtpatry 9:58 am on May 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
We have also began the experiment with iPads and its purpose in the classroom. I know this very issue is one that we have discovered, and it is a little frustrating. Cloud storage is something that the board hasn’t really pushed forward with yet for security issues (fair enough), so at the moment we are emailing work to each other. Works for now!
Kenton Hemsing 6:54 pm on May 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think too, one thing that needs to be taken into consideration is where the data is actually being stored and what security precautions are in place to protect our student’s personal information. With the “Patriot Act”, directed add technology, data miners, etc, what kind of issues will we face down the road with our students and ourselves and the information that is stored in the cloud. Remember, once it is out there, it will alway be out there!
Dave Horn 7:49 pm on May 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
They can already go and look at secure data sites both from with in Canada and the US. It just happens to be that the Patriot Act is more well known. I agree that we should be aware of where the content is being stored and how it is being stored, but most places if held for a larger reputable server are “secure”. Another consideration is that many students are posting content significantly more personal than an essay or project work through social media sites. As we implement our new iPad program, one of the things we will be pushing is internet awareness for students/parents.