Cloud+Computing

According to the Horizon Report, cloud computing “refers to expandable, on-demand services and tools that are served to the user via the Internet from specialized data centers and do not live on a user’s device.” The number of applications that rely on cloud technologies has grown so much that most institutions make some use of the cloud. There is an increasing need for secure clouds, so private cloud computing is becoming more prevalent.

Cloud services can be grouped into three categories: 1) infrastructure-as-a-service (i.e. virtualization) – “virtual machines, bandwidth, and storage, all scalable as needed” 2) platform-as-a-service (PaaS) – “the environment for developing and delivering applications” 3) software-as-a-service (SaaS) – “software designed to meet specific needs of an organization”

More and more people have been using cloud services in their personal lives. Google Drive and Dropbox are two very popular cloud services. Now in education, cloud services have cut the cost of server-based infrastructures as well as cost and time for server maintenance. Because cloud services have become an essential part of collaboration in schools, the Horizon Report put cloud services in the near-term horizon. The report states: “The placement of cloud computing on the near-term horizon for a second time underscores that the impact of this technology continues to unfold in new and expanding ways.”

The mobile internet is expanding, so devices like the Google Chromebook (that are designed specifically to operate in the cloud) are beginning to change the market with its competitive price. In education, Google Apps have been popular in the K-12 curriculum because they are web-based and work in any browser. Khan Academy was among the first to utilize YouTube to host its lessons for free. Also, many online learning programs are using cloud computing services to accommodate the growth in enrollment and offer more resources to students in remote areas.

Cloud services have benefited education in many ways. Here are some to name a few: STEM curriculum, career simulations delivered via mobile devices, virtual laboratory sites, schools operated in the cloud, cloud-based Electronic Learning Organizer for language teachers, the Computer Supported Collaborative Science Initiative, the Global Curriculum Project, ClassLink at Buffalo Public Schools, Edmonton Public School Google Apps, FlexiSAF School Management System, and the Middle School Using Cloud Computer for Down-to-Earth Education.

Resources: https://www.khanacademy.org/ http://notes.ensemblevideo.com/ensemble-video-delivers-anytime-anywhere-curriculum-across-39-wisconsin-school-districts/ http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2013/april/isgs-PGCC-Cloud-041712.html http://ilabcentral.org/ http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/for-malaysia-bringing-google-apps-and.html http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_build_a_school_in_the_cloud.html http://www.elo.pro.br/cloud/ http://catalyst.navigator.nmc.org/gallery/poster.php?nid=14296&vid=21992 http://curriculoglobal.colband.blog.br/ http://www.southbayschool.org/chromebooks.html

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