Cloud Computing – Appropriate in order to Innovate
Cloud Computing Experience
As a firm believer and supporter of the anytime, anywhere access to needs I have used and embraced cloud technology in my personal and educational use. The latter primarily through Google Apps: Email, Docs, Presentations, Group discussions, blogs and websites. I also use other email services with folder organisations for communication, storage and anytime, anywhere access. Skype is used for communication and Wordpress for anytime, anywhere access to content, discussions and sharing of ideas. I have also created and utilised online quizzes with immediate feedback and grading enabled. Prezi, Wikispaces and PhotoPeach are some of my other cloud in education experiences. In my MET courses I also experienced LMS through WEBCT and D2L, and teaching platforms such as Wimba Classroom.
Personally I use Facebook, Twitter and other social networking platforms. My experiences in both realms have been positive with the challenges being more from the infrastructure and support for the technology rather than the technology itself. Hmmmmm….
Advantages and Positives
Online storage, which means anywhere, anytime access to information or stored material. The platforms/software can and are increasingly able to work with any device and any operating system (OS). Therefore, I/my students do not have to be restricted by hardware, software, or location.
Instructional methods have improved and students can interact with material at their own pace. They have expressed how much they enjoy this, particularly constructing and responding to blogs/discussions and interacting with the different resources (through hyperlinking). To facilitate the latter I try to use little or no uploads but rather links to information etc. already stored in the cloud.
This access has changed the way my students search for information, their desire to research and learn more as well as their access to unlimited potential (through access to information, tools and models) from which to platform their own ideas/methods.
Challenges
The greatest challenge has been in the educational/administrative/financial support for infrastructure required for efficient use of cloud technology such as slow or internet connection at times, slow uploads and downloads, and an unreliable wifi. These factors have seriously affected accessing cloud material, which often disrupts schedules. The fight is ours however as I refused to be pushed to the paper, printing and writing that is totally unnecessary given the access to the wealth of technology available. The system must change for even greater efficiency, performance, and innovation.
Kerry-Ann
Posted in: Week 08: Files in the Cloud
hall 3:26 am on October 29, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Kerry-Ann,
I like your ideas on the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing. I think developing countries will be greatly benefitted by cloud computing. Also entrepreneurs who use technology (internet) to conduct business no longer have to worry about data backup, space to hold electronic devices and overhead cost to purchase technologies needed for their company. Cloud Computing definitely remove those worries. Great posting Kerry-Ann.
khenry 11:38 am on December 4, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Conroy,
Thanks Conroy. I agree with the potential benefits for developing countries. I think this would be a viable option at my college as we experience endless problems with our server and networks and the costs to upgrade are exhorbitant. What are the options available to you? Are you considering cloud computing in any areas on a higher administrative level at any institution you are associated with?
Kerry-Ann