Journal #1 NETS 1, 2, 3, and 5

Johnson, D. (2010, December). Keeping the peace. Learning and Leading with Technology, 4, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org

Cloud computing is a wonderful opportunity for all to benefit from. It offers the use of software many wouldn’t normally have the option of. Two big advantages of using cloud computing is that you don’t have to have money for purchasing software or hardware in order to utilize it or have the means to store it on your hard drive. This availability gives you the benefit of a high speed service that is accessible anywhere or anytime no matter what computer you are using. You can’t download the software, but all you have to do is log on in order to take advantage of it’s free service!

Cloud computing is free and that is amazing since most of us don’t have the money required to install needed software or keep it updated. There are web sites that you can easily log onto to make use of free software they store for anyone. This is something most people aren’t aware of in fact one very popular site that has the option of cloud computing is Google. The access site for open software use is Google docs. Another cloud computing option is wiki. They allow you to use spreadsheets, the latest word processing system and make presentations. This option is not only great for personal use but for schools and businesses.

The use of Cloud computers in many companies and school districts allows them the opportunity to free up money that normally would have to be used in purchasing expensive software to meet more important issues. This includes budget cut backs and employee layoffs. Elementary education is where computer knowledge begins. Many school age kids already know a great deal about technology but the vast majority doesn’t have an option to learn the latest advancements in word processing, spreadsheets or the latest technology which can aid them greatly in their futures.  Cloud computing cyberspace assistance can save thousands of dollars in initial investment and allow numerous interactive benefits no other software is capable of.

Cloud computing got its name from the concept of a cloud metaphor used to diagram the Internet and networks. Cloud computing relies on applications and file storage residing on networks. They also offer the advantage of photo storage, photo editing and web page editing that are also offered in cloud computing. You can store commercial or personal photos on a storage site but there is no guarantee all your files are secure so back ups for important documents is a good idea.

Question 1# Are there training sessions offered for schools to learn and teach their students how to take advantage of Cloud computing?

Answer: There is still not that many schools in the elementary levels that are aware of the vast opportunities available to them through the use of cloud computing. I would like to see the word get out and one simple session could be taught to one individual who could in turn teach an entire school.

Question 2# Is there anyway that cloud computing can tie into other peoples personal computers and steal identities? That is not very likely since there is no downloading taking place. You only have to log onto an established browser and through their website access the software. This is not a guarantee though because computer pirating and viruses have mysterious ways of encroaching. We highly recommend that consumers don’t open attachments or unwanted downloads for protection.