Journal 1 Computing in the Clouds (NETS III and V)

Johnson, D. (December/January 2009-2010). Computing in the clouds.Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(4), Retrieved fromhttp://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/DecemberJanuaryNo4/Computing_in_the_Clouds.htm

This article was extremely interesting to me. Computing in the clouds is the term used to describe working on documents and e-mails and other projects by relying on applications and file storage that reside on a network-either a local-area network, a district intranet or the Internet itself. This type of work never requires a flash drive and you can work on any project, anywhere, no matter what computer you are using. It is really convenient because you can work without worrying about transporting files on flash drives, keeping track of the latest version of a document or having the right software to open a document. Cloud computing makes it easy to collaborate with others and work to create or edit a document. Some of the web-based applications perform a wide array of productivity tasks for free! These applications have full feature sets and are compatible with standard programs. Another benefit of cloud computing is it makes it possible to use less-powerful computers such as a netbook.

What kind of benefits does cloud computing have for schools? A school district can lower its computing costs by using inexpensive computers like netbooks to access clouds. Cloud file storage and basic applications are free, so schools could save thousands if not millions by purchasing netbooks and using clouds to do work.

What kinds of projects can be done in clouds? Clouds can be used for basic documents, power points, e-mail, bookmarking, access to music, and even photo storage and editing.