Journal #1: Computing in the Clouds, NETS-T # III, V

Johnson, D. (2009). Computing in the clouds. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(4), Retrieved from
 http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/DecemberJanuary
 No4/Computing_in_the_Clouds.htm

This article was interesting because it covers the majority of programs and technology we have been covering in class. From Google Docs to Picasa to Delicious, this writer mentioned resources and tools that we have been learning about, and his article helped me to understand the beauty of these programs. I was a bit overwhelmed about using all these new things, but the fact that they are free and offer great services was enticing. Now that I realize how they all can be used without a large computer and from anywhere by just utilizing the internet, I see how beneficial they are. Computers can crash and information can be lost, so relying on internet resources is smart. As I was reading this, I thought of some possible problems, but Johnson addressed them. He writes that "Google does not share your data.. Google will remove your data when you ask." This is always a concern with the public nature of the internet, but apparently, Google has a good record and tries to maintain ethical principles. In addition, I was wondering why all these programs are free. Johnson cleared up this question by writing that, "Profits now come from advertisements and selling more fully featured versions of applications or larger storage spaces." 

This seems great, but is it a good idea for kids to be signing up for these resources and having to memorize usernames and passwords? Won’t this encourage them to offer information to sites that may not be legitimate?

I think that though old-style ways of learning are great, unfortunately technologically advanced methods are becoming the norm, and the internet is one tool with which it is almost impossible to live without. Thus, students need to be able to utilize it and know about safe practices. Maybe as a teacher, I can have students write down their passwords in a safe place at school, and then they can carry a sheet with them all written down in their notebooks for when they go home. 

As a history teacher which of these tools will be most applicable?

I think that introducing my students to Google Docs will be important as they will be writing papers, and they can work on them in class or just at school because they will be using this internet tool. I will definitely be using Delicious as a way for them to find great educational internet resources in one place. I could use Lit Trip or the Learning Games for Change for them to work on something without me having to write down the link for them.