Back in the “old days” of computing, there would be mainframe computer and then workstations. The workstations did not have any computing power; they were a way to interface with the mainframe. Then, the personal computer market took off in the ‘80’s. Suddenly you had lots of power in a self contained device. This is the world we have known and loved for the last 25 years. In your school, you most likely have desktops and/or laptops. Each one has all sorts of software installed and can operate independent of any other computers.


Everyone having their own pc is great from a user’s stand point. From a tech administrator’s view, it is very difficult and costly to manage. Large school districts may easily have 10,000 or more computers. What a headache to make sure all have the proper software updates installed! The solution may be in the “cloud”.


Cloud computing is very similar to the mainframe-workstation model. In cloud computing, most of the applications are not installed on the individual pc, but are hosted by a server. In most cases, these applications are accessed through a web browser. For example, if need to type a letter, you open your browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.) and go to a site such as Google Docs. I am typing this post on Google Docs right now...no software except a browser.


Cloud computing is possible these days for a couple of reasons. First, internet connections are commonplace and generally fast. There's no way you could do it with dial-up. Second, Web 2.0 technologies let you accomplish just about anything without installing any software. Word processing, presentations, image editing, and all sorts of multi-media projects can all be carried out inside a web browser.


This is big for schools because it is a huge cost savings, both in software licenses and personnel to manage computers. For example, most teachers (including myself) use their computers for e-mail, typing lesson plans, grades and other administrative tasks. All of this can be easily done via cloud computing. As a matter of fact, many schools are switching their entire e-mail and calendaring systems to Google Apps which is free for education. It's not hard to see why. Running your own e-mail servers is expensive and takes regular maintenance. Google Apps is free and you get the added bonus of web-based documents, spreadsheets and presentation. In this economy, many schools must cut costs and this is a big way to do it.


If you need to do more than productivity tasks, many Web 2.0 sites exist for that as well. You can edit images, create movies and just about anything else you may need for your class and almost always for free.


Another form of cloud computing is a "private cloud". This is when all the web-based applications are hosted by your own servers. For example, your IT department sets everything up on the school servers. Then you use your browser to access the programs you need...all within the school network. This has costs, but compared to software licenses and the expense of maintaining software on thousands of computers, it is actually very economical.


In my opinion, the most difficult aspect of moving from computer-based to cloud-based programs is feeling of loss of control. All of a sudden, school e-mail is not hosted on a school server. Your documents are stored remotely and your computer is not loaded with dozens of applications. It is truly a paradigm shift.To make the switch, I have been trying to use only web-based applications to do everything. Most of the time, I don't miss my old programs and Web 2.0 works just fine. It has been an adjustment but I'm getting the hang of it.


What's the benefit of all of this? Schools will save money and teachers and students will have access to more technology resources. Instead of buying a $1000 laptop, hundreds of dollars in software, and technician hours budgeted to maintain it, a school can purchase a $400 netbook and use a cloud computing solution. The total cost of ownership is much lower yet the benefits remain high. Don't be surprised if your school makes the switch.

The cloud computing concept makes a lot of sense to me. We need to provide more students with computer access for the majority of their school day. Doing that in a cost efficient manner makes sense. Small netbook laptops are much more affordable today than the "old" desktops. With a cloud computing approach, students can take their netbooks with them where ever they go.

Good post...I hope some others will chime in.

I use glogster.com (sign up for a http://edu.glogster.com/ account) for many graphic oriented projects...even with younger students. They do have to login so lower than about 3rd grade is painful. However, it is so easy to use after a little practice. Kids love it.

I also use http://fotoflexer.com/, which is just fantastic. Look at their demos: http://fotoflexer.com/demos.php

Also, check out http://www.pixlr.com/editor/
This is a great online image/graphics program...your 5th graders could handle it.

For graphing...try:
http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx

and

http://charts.hohli.com/

Does anyone have some other ideas to share?

Mark