Journal+Article+1

Reference: Johnson, D. (2009). Living in the Cloud. __Education World.__ Retrieved September 21, 2009, from [] In his article, “Living in the Cloud”, author Doug Johnson discusses his experiment in moving to “cloud-based” computing. As Johnson explains, cloud-based computing relies on applications and file storage that reside only on the internet. This means that rather than relying on a local computer’s hard drive to store software programs and other information, technology users who have chosen to make the transition to cloud-based computing rely only on applications and file storage provided on the internet. A local computer’s hard drive needs only to provide a Web browser, and this Web browser is the door through which any user gains access to the internet “cloud”. There is much freedom for those who choose to utilize the applications and file storage made available by the internet cloud. It is no longer necessary to be at one’s home computer to access a personal document the user has saved. By saving documents in the internet cloud, users need only an internet connection to access their work. Johnson goes on in his article to highlight some of the benefits of making the transition to cloud computing. As the Director of Media and Technology for the Mankato Public Schools, it is not surprising that Johnson first discusses how cloud computing could be beneficial to schools. He explains that school budgets could benefit from utilizing the applications and storage space made available by the internet. In a time where computers have become commonplace in the classroom, schools could purchase low-cost Netbooks for students to use. These Netbooks that Johnson describes are cost-effective because of their low internal storage space. This minimal storage space will not be a problem if students learn to take advantage of the file space provided by the internet cloud. Furthermore, cloud computing also helps to save money on expensive software for school computers. An internet connection is all that is needed for schools and students to access the numerous free programs and applications online. For example, Johnson describes a program that he uses frequently. This program, called GoogleDocs, allows users to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and surveys. It also provides a Web-based email program. Johnson explains that taking advantage of the many applications and vast storage space provided by the internet cloud could be very valuable to schools and help them to save on computing costs. In addition to the benefits that the cloud can provide to schools, Johnson also describes some ways the cloud has benefited him in his life. He has chosen to transition to a Web-based email rather than using a program such as Outlook which resides on his home computer’s hard drive. Johnson goes on in his article to explain other areas in his life where he has made the transition in the cloud. He has moved away from Microsoft Office and now uses GoogleDocs online. He stores his pictures on free, online storage sites. Finally, all of his schools’ grade-books, reporting systems, district communications, accounting, and other management systems have been moved to the cloud. While life in the cloud may have its benefits, Johnson’s article also addresses some of the limitations and downfalls. He explains that users may face a problem accessing files if they find themselves without an internet connection. There is also the question of whether or not files stored on the internet are secure and private. Johnson suggests that users keep a hard copy of important documents and are aware of the privacy settings on the Web-based programs they choose to use. Finally, projects such as video editing and making CDs simply require more than the cloud can offer. There are some projects that require the full processing capability of a local computer and hard drive. It was interesting to read Johnson’s article on cloud computing. I had never heard this term before, but I am familiar with the idea of utilizing the applications and storage space made available by the internet. This article made me realize just how valuable the internet cloud really can be. I was especially interested in Johnson’s ideas about how schools can benefit from the internet cloud. I think it would be very helpful to both teachers and students to be able to access handouts, announcements, grades, and homework at any place from any computer. This seems very similar to what we do here at USF. As I student, I know how nice it is to be able to access class handouts or directions whether I am at home or at school. I think the biggest downfall to the idea of cloud computing was mentioned by Johnson in his article. The worry of whether or not my files are secure and private is what has stopped me from utilizing the cloud more often. It is hard to save my work only on the Web. I feel like I am letting it out of my control too much. I feel much more secure when I save documents on my personal computer’s hard drive. In doing this, I also know that my work is private. Despite these worries, I think that cloud computing will be used more and more often in the future. Looking back on the past few years, I can already see that many technology users are making that transition to life in the cloud.
 * Name:** Baylee Washburn **Date:** September 22, 2009