Journal #1 Computing In The Clouds NETS I & V

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

 By: Doug Johnson


Cloud computing is when you can compute from many different computers, without using emails or flash drives. Nothing is saved onto your hard drive, meaning more storage for other things and your computer can run faster. A huge benefit from this is that you do not need a word processor on your computer, and we all know that these can be pricy. Basically the article is suggesting that schools switch over to using Netbooks because they are lightweight, small, they have static memory, smaller keyboards, wireless internet, webcams, microphones, speakers, they contain USB ports and memory card slots, and you can purchase one for under 400 dollars.

A downside is that if students are using these then that suggest that the teachers know how to work with them also. Educators would have to be trained not only with the device itself but also on how to teach using this device.

Two questions that came to mind while reading this article were:

1. Would there be some type of financial aid available for those that can’t accord it?

If this reached a national level I would assume that FAFSA would drop and be available to non-college students as well. Although 400 dollars doesn’t seem like much money to some people, it is a lot of money for families that struggle just to put food on the table.

2. Who would be responsible for a lost or stolen Netbook?

If schools are encouraging students to bring these to school, they should provide some sort of safe keeping for them. As adults we can be held accountable for our actions and held responsible for our belongings, but younger students should not be held full responsibility. I suggest that the schools provide lockers and some sort of contract that holds both the school and the student liable.