Cloud Computing
The emerging technology that will become productive in my organization with the next six month to one year is cloud computing. The organization is refers to the technology as thin client. The technology incorporates several changes within the organization that range from hardware to storage practices of data using a virtual work environment. “Cloud” is a new expression to “describe the vast collections of networked computers, typically housed in regionally distributed and redundant data centers that comprise the totality of the Internet” (Johnson, Adams, and Haywood, 2011, p.10). Cloud computing allows information to be distributed to different storage locations over several different servers and removes storage of information from the local personal computer (PC).
The emerging technology that will become productive in my organization with the next six month to one year is cloud computing. The organization is refers to the technology as thin client. The technology incorporates several changes within the organization that range from hardware to storage practices of data using a virtual work environment. “Cloud” is a new expression to “describe the vast collections of networked computers, typically housed in regionally distributed and redundant data centers that comprise the totality of the Internet” (Johnson, Adams, and Haywood, 2011, p.10). Cloud computing allows information to be distributed to different storage locations over several different servers and removes storage of information from the local personal computer (PC).
A problem that exists with cloud computers is the software application is on a server instead of the local PC. An internet connection is required to use applications. Back-up of data is extremely important on the servers to prevent loss of data.
Cloud computers will benefit society because of cost. No license will be needed for the software to be installed on every computer. Software packages such as Captivate, Microsoft Office, and collaboration software can be ran from a central location. The Education can benefit from this benefit to society because of the large population of learners.
Maintaining the servers will prevent the lost of data and organization will save an enormous amount of money. It is important to understand how a cloud network is configured to avoid pitfall. Strickland (2008) displays a typical cloud computing system that shows application servers, client computer, control node, database storage, and computer network.
References
Johnson, L., Adams, S., & Haywood, K., (2011). The NMC horizon report: 2011 K-12 Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium. 10-13. Retrieve from http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2011-Horizon-Report-K12.pdf
Strickland, J. (2008). How Cloud Computing Works. Retrieved from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing.htm
I am also interested in bringing in cloud computing into my classroom next school year. I have tried to use removable memory devices such as floppy disks and USB drives, but they seem to get lost and broken very easily. If this happens, then all of the students' work is lost and possibly not able to be found. I have also tried to open file space on our main server, but it had not worked out as well as I wanted it to. I LOVE the theory of cloud computing, but I'm afraid that the bandwidth at my school will make the process as "THICK AS MUD" - too many users slows the system down dramatically. How have schools/organizations surpassed these obstacles?
ReplyDeleteCloud computing to me is one of those technologies that is long since overdue. I say that because I am a gadget geek and trying to move data from one gadget to the next is quite time consuming. But I also think you are absolutely right, the cost savings to schools would be enormous. Already those schools and classrooms with tech savvy teachers have their students working on openoffice.com or docs.google.com so as to free up server space but being able to have students save to the cloud small and large files will allow for greater access and use of technology in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteCloud computing is such an exciting concept! Our school is server based and runs into problems all the time such as lack of funding to technical problems. Cloud computing eliminates some of these problems but it not the only solution. It does give students access to their work outside of school and allows them to use compatible software.
ReplyDeleteSullus
ReplyDeleteIs cloud computing similar to what Google offers or is it something provided by a company and used specifically by their employees? I am intrigued, but need more information.