Journal #4 NETS-T (3).

Journal #4

Computing in the Clouds by Doug Johnson

APA Citation:
Johnson, D. (2009 - 10, Dec/ Jan). Computing in the clouds. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(4), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleadingdigital.com/learning_leading/200912?pg=18&pm=2&fs=1#pg1

Summary/ Reflection:

Computing in the Clouds is a great article to understand what does the term cloud computing means. This article introduces the idea about leaving most software programs such as Microsoft behind and start using web programs. The main point is to show teachers how easy they can start using free internet sources. "The cloud" is understood as the idea of free web based resources where people can save a thousand of files without taking space out of their hard drive.

Question #1:
Explain, what are the advantages of using cloud computing in schools?
-The greatest advantage of computing in the clouds is that people can save thousands of files and programs without saving it to their local computer hard drive. The good news is that all these files are stored somewhere out in the technology world and everything just floats there until you call it back to your computer. Therefore, the hard drive can run faster and can be smaller.
-Another advantage is that teachers can work on any project, anywhere, no matter what computer they are using. They can work anywhere without worrying about saving their work to a flash drive.
-And the most exciting advantage of computing in the clouds is that people can easily share and collaboratively edit each other files in a cloud- based application such as Google Docs.

Question #2:
Have you ever used a Web-based e-mail program?
Yes, I have used Google Doc and I have to admit this was an exciting adventure, since it was my first time using a web program like this. Now, that I know I can use Google Doc instead of Microsoft office, I want to say that I will love to start using it more often. I will be able to work anywhere and save my files easily. Computing in the clouds has become a great education resource.