Cloud+Computing

=OVERVIEW =

With a history that dates back to about 1990, from the phone company changes from hard line connections to Virtual P  ersonal Networks (VPN), cloud computing is quickly coming to be a standard both in the retail and the educational worlds. Cloud Computing is a way of sharing computer assets, hardware, software and knowledge base amongst a group in order to make it more cost efficient and readily available. Though the terminology is somewhat vaguely defined, it is basically agreed that it is the use of a main system at a central location that is accessed through the internet that contains not only storage space for files including d ocuments, reports, pictures or any other type of file, but also the programs to use them.  The name comes from the illustration that shows the user computers surrounding the server, giving the impression of a cloud.

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There are three major types of cloud computing, Software as a Ser​vice (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Hardware as a Service (HaaS). SaaS offers internet software such as Google or Facebook. HaaS offers the hardware for the consumer to use to put their own software on. Individuals will probably get the most use from Saas where as the HaaS will be used by business, governments and organizations.

=EXAMPLES =

 Facebook - Social Networking Google -Searching Google Apps - Word processing, Spreadsheets, Drawing Gmail, Yahoo, HotMail - Email

=IMPACT ON SCHOOL MEDIA =

Cloud Computing can hold many advantages in school's classrooms and media centers. The major impact on school media centers will be the increased assets that will be available to the staff and students. Not only will research be enhanced by these tools, but the organization of research is made easier and more uniform. Programs such as RefWorks and EndNote help to make proper formatting of citations automatic. Online information like [|The Owl] from Purdue University gives step by step information on APA formatting.

Its impact also allows school adminstration to provide teachers and students with better software and hardware services. For instance, schools do not need to pay or renew software fees yearly. Instead they only pay on how much and how often they use the services.

Second, all cloud computing software and storage would be hosted on the servers of the provider of the cloud. Such that, educational institutions do not have to worry about the software to be outdated, spend money and hours on technical support. Thus, cloud computing offers a wider range of accessible software to schools. It eases the control of management systems.

Third, schools do not need to invest on upkeep and software towards course management systems. Instead it gives them more space and transfer of data. There are also no limits on storage of information because it is not limited to computer memory. Thus, allowing the local computers run faster. They also do not need to purchase expensive computers​. Instead they can use net-books or inexpensive laptops that can access the cloud, in which this can implement 1:1 laptop program.

Fourth, it provides many and simple collaboration tools. Schools would be able to do mass notification like SchoolMessenger, [|Teleparent], etc… on multiple platforms like text-messaging, e-mail, etc… without needing any form of software or hardware installation on their remote computers.

Fifth, students and teachers can utilize different cloud computing companies like School Loop, School world, and eChalk for websites, email, and digital file storage

Finally, the greatest incentive is the ability to access any document and information from any Internet capable computer in the world. This gives staff and students’ flexibility and fewer worries about software compatibility when sharing and editing documents. . 

Downside

With cloud computing you would need to rely on security, availability, and continuity of the business provider. There is a chance information can be potentially lost. Trusting the provider is a main issue because you need to hope they do not sell out or go bankrupt.

=USING THE TECHNOLOGY =

In many cases, our students will be more familiar with these technologies than we are. They are familiar with texting and email. They understand the use of online games is simply software that is in a cloud. The issues of using the software are addressed by the company providing the software and the storage area and are no longer an issue for the individual using it.

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=<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #050561; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">PROS =
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #050561; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Cost efficiency and Effectiveness.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #050561; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Everything you need is in one place.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #050561; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">No need to invest in expensive software versions and updating their licensing fees.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #050561; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">No need to invest in expensive computers on the user end.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #050561; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Greater access to resources for students and teachers from anywhere.

=<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #050561; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">CONS =
 * What if it fails
 * Not all programs are available
 * If internet is not available, you have nothing
 * security breaches
 * Relying on a third party

=<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #050561; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">LINKS = <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #050561; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;"> For a great link on cloud computing that is in user friendly try : []

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Google Apps for Educators: @http://www.google.com/educators/p_apps.html

Google Apps FAQ @https://www.google.com/support/a/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=139019

Educational Cloud Computing Blog []

=<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #050561; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">CITATIONS =

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Amato-McCoy, D. (2010). Focus on: Four key innovative IT solutions. //Chain Store Age,// //86//(1), 31-35. Retrieved from @http://ezproxy.lib.ucf.edu/login?URL=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=47427308&site=ehost-live

Laubach, Mark /Hewlett-Packard. .[| http://mirror.switch.ch/ftp/doc/ietf/ipatm/atm-minutes-93jul.txt:]

Schiller, K. (2010). Virtualization: Appealing in a tough economy. //Information Today,// //27//(1), 16-16. Retrieved from @http://ezproxy.lib.ucf.edu/login?URL=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tfh&AN=47200334&site=ehost-live

Dyrli, K. (2009). The Start of a Tech Revolution. //District Administration//, //45//(5), 31-33. Retrieved from ERIC database. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">[|http://web.ebscohost.com​.ezprox​y.lib.ucf.edu/ehost/detail?vid=33​&hid=2&sid=101928aa-513f-4378-ad75-5eb7a15c977f%40sessionmgr4&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=eric&AN=EJ839595]

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">DeCoufle, B. (20​09, July 28). “The i​mpact of cloud computing on scho​ols.” //The Data Center Journal// Retrieved on February 23, 2010 from [|http://datacenterjourn​al.com/content/view/3032/40/]

Harrison, D. (2009, November, 11). “Is Cloud Computing ​a Credible Solution for Education?” //Campus Technology,// Retrieved on February 23,2010 from <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">[|http://cam​pustechnology.com​/articles/2009/11/12/is-cloud-computing-a-credible-solution-for-education.aspx?sc_lang=en]