Cloudy with a chance of technology?
I am currently taking my 1st, 2nd and 3rd MET courses this semester and have already learned a lot of information relating to delivering and storing information on the web. I use a variety of Cloud services including Google, Gmail, Googledocs, Skype, Facebook, Youtube, the list goes on. My biggest concern about using these services is the privacy factor and knowing that anything I post or share will be released into cloud space. I have mixed feelings about this. One being that my privacy and security is limited, but on the other hand if something happens to my computer, I have my information stored in the “clouds”.
Why Cloud Computing:
– Reduce Cost: Companies and schools spend millions of dollars on sending up servers and buying software- cloud computing is cost efficient and allows you to run everything through your service provider
– Easily Accessible: Most cloud providers allow you to access your data through your computer, mobile phone and a handheld device
– Cloud computing allows you to not have to depend on your device. All of your information published will be stored in the cloud
Jenaca
Posted in: Week 08: Files in the Cloud
Jim 1:37 pm on October 25, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think that cloud computing and wireless student owned devices are the way things are going in education. Budgets just won’t allow for the continuous buying of technology. There are schools that exists now with a room full of VHS machines, TVs, VHS tapes and so one. I have seen computer graveyards and 1000s of feet of wiring in schools that connect to nothing. Older schools, who have been around are likely to have the remnants of many technologies. I think it is going to be going to a student owned device model with the school board helping to provide students who do not have devices with temporary equipment. Equity is a real issue but I have heard anecdotal evidence that even very low SES areas, 90%+ students have wireless devices. Almost every student in any given high school will have a cell phone, most of which are smartphones… I don’t have hard numbers and I would encourage anyone who has some real numbers from real schools to chime in…
kstooshnov 11:02 am on October 29, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I have seen a few schools like that myself, and it was interesting to see how much low-tech e-waste has accumulated in the Vancouver school district (the largest in the province, so it is understandable that when each item was purchased, it was needed) compared to the sleek and slim wireless technology found in North Van’s district. Switching from school-owned technology to student-owned requires less attention to what devices student do or don’t have any devices, and more acknowledging that classrooms can make do with the numerous devices most will bring in. If the class got ’em, use ’em rather than locking them in a cupboard/teacher’s desk until the end of the day. It’s the teacher’s attitude that needs to change, not so much the technology.
Everton Walker 8:41 pm on October 25, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Very interesting road ahead. Is there a possibility that those clouds will burst and produce heavy and devastating showers later? Is this a method of control on the part of authorities?
Everton