Cloud Computing in the Classroom

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     In a video entitled, Howard Gardner on Digital Media in education, my favourite definition of the cloud described cloud as what it is not. Cloud computing is not hardware and it is not software. The idea is that if you have to install or connect something to your computer for a program (other than your connection to the internet and your internet browser), then it is not part of a cloud. Of course somewhere, in some location there needs to be powerful hardware and software (most likely on a supercomputer), to make this cloud possible. The idea is that the average user will not have to worry about the hardware, software or networking.


     I think the first use of such a service that arrives to many educators minds is that of the access of data like textbooks for our students. The idea that a student could access a textbook from anywhere without having an actual hard copy or digital copy has many visible benefits. One could see a future in which all education materials, textbooks, novels, etc. could be accessed by any of ones students from anywhere in the world. This is exciting to think about. Instead of purchasing all the materials separately schools could be charged for use of the cloud service where such information could be accessed. This leaves me to wonder if there really will be any saving in cost. I am sure the publishers of the individual texts or resources will still charge cloud services for their resources. This would cause cloud services to offer service fees to maintain profit, not to mention the cost that goes into maintaining wherever all the information is stored (the information has to be stored somewhere). Nonetheless, I feel that the true value in cloud services is not necessarily the cost-effectiveness. The true value, to me, is in the accessibility. 


     It is exciting to think of the different research resources and programs that could potentially be offered to any student anywhere. Aviary is a great example of a powerful program that can be accessed by anyone from their computer. One has the benefits of services like Garage Band or Audacity without having to download and install the service. Eventually, if not already, I am sure that a movie editor will be provided on a cloud service. Any student with a computer and internet connection would be able to access such programs. That is a fantastic thought, students will not be restricted to locations to use a vast compilation of resources.


     I definitely see the use for cloud services in the classroom. I am excited to see what the capabilities of the cloud will be released in the future.