Journal 1: Computing in the Clouds, NETS V

Johnson, D. (2009). Computing in the clouds. International society for technology and education, 37(4), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/DecemberJanuaryNo4/Computing_in_the_Clouds.htm
This article is about storing information and operating on a computer and relying on applications and file storage that are housed in a local area network, district intranet, or the Internet. The article discusses the benefits to computing in the clouds like having access to your information in various places, not just from home or school. Using web –based applications are free as opposed to hard drive stored software which can be costly. The article articulates a full glossary of terms for the reader. This author is making an appeal to teachers and administrators for grades k-12 where funds and resources are limited. The author goes on to give the advantages for using such web-based applications for the common productivity tasks utilized in a classroom environment. The term was coined by the often used metaphor and graphic, cloud, in reference to the Internet or network diagrams which are “up in the air”.

1.How soon can this form of computing be implemented?
School principals can organize the Parent-Teacher Organizations and do a presentation. The teachers themselves will see the advantages of cloud computing and filter to students and parents in a class meeting. For some this will catch on immediately and for others this may take some time.
2.How can this influence a positive learning environment?
With the help of collaborative documentation sharing applications, such as Google Docs, students can work independently and interdependently on research and reports. Students’ relationships will flourish with relevant ideas for discussions. Instead of talking about going to the mall on Saturday, the class will be discussing the future of hedge funds – a teacher can wish, right?