Comments on: 8 ways cloud computing may change schools http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/2009/06/8-ways-cloud-computing-may-change-schools.html Musings on the use and impact of technology in education, and of the future of education in general. Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:43:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Graeme Allan http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/2009/06/8-ways-cloud-computing-may-change-schools.html/comment-page-1#comment-1779 Graeme Allan Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:52:20 +0000 http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/?p=1382#comment-1779 Mr Teacher makes an excellent point that fits "the cloud" in schools. I use "the cloud" daily, from my home computer, to share with the world. I have done this since 1980, even before 'clouds' appeared on the horizon. No lawyers or security experts were/are/will be needed/involved. I write my own material, form networks and receive, in return material of real value to me and the teachers I train. I do not require IT staff. As noted, my 'cloud' is MobileMe, Apple's subscription service. I pay 75 Euros annually for the pleasure. MobileMe provides 20GB of storage (minimum) plus other goodies; Mail, Gallery and so on. My cloud gives me virtually unlimited access rights via iDisk Public Folder or any other folder I nominate. No, I am not paid 10% by Apple to spread this information. What I am saying is simple. Get onto the cloud yourself. Don't wait for your school to make up its mind. Work around the negativity and the cautions. Spread your horizons beyond NZ. Benefit from networks that are simple to establish and enhance the educational experience; yours and others. It is easy to be negative; no intellectual energy is required to adopt that stance. Teachers can become involved, independently, with whatever cloud they choose, and for relatively small cost, certainly in terms of the benefits cloud-based interaction provides. Go for it! Mr Teacher makes an excellent point that fits “the cloud” in schools. I use “the cloud” daily, from my home computer, to share with the world. I have done this since 1980, even before ‘clouds’ appeared on the horizon. No lawyers or security experts were/are/will be needed/involved. I write my own material, form networks and receive, in return material of real value to me and the teachers I train. I do not require IT staff.

As noted, my ‘cloud’ is MobileMe, Apple’s subscription service. I pay 75 Euros annually for the pleasure. MobileMe provides 20GB of storage (minimum) plus other goodies; Mail, Gallery and so on. My cloud gives me virtually unlimited access rights via iDisk Public Folder or any other folder I nominate.

No, I am not paid 10% by Apple to spread this information. What I am saying is simple. Get onto the cloud yourself. Don’t wait for your school to make up its mind. Work around the negativity and the cautions. Spread your horizons beyond NZ. Benefit from networks that are simple to establish and enhance the educational experience; yours and others.

It is easy to be negative; no intellectual energy is required to adopt that stance. Teachers can become involved, independently, with whatever cloud they choose, and for relatively small cost, certainly in terms of the benefits cloud-based interaction provides.

Go for it!

]]> By: Mr. Teacher http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/2009/06/8-ways-cloud-computing-may-change-schools.html/comment-page-1#comment-1776 Mr. Teacher Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:50:04 +0000 http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/?p=1382#comment-1776 You will be able to use only the things, and update and maintenance (15% / year?) Will be included in the cost. Alternative akan open to network marketing - there are parents or teachers who really want to? So, I think there are good reasons for this will be more expensive. Second, there is a possibility next year will be a mix of standards and the clouds and the use of software, so that IT staff will still be required. And the more you will need very expensive lawyers and security experts - all with an open, sharing and copyright issues. Many will only see the terms and conditions now, and you will see many companies that allow you to use the software when you give unlimited usage rights of your data. You will be able to use only the things, and update and maintenance (15% / year?) Will be included in the cost. Alternative akan open to network marketing – there are parents or teachers who really want to? So, I think there are good reasons for this will be more expensive.

Second, there is a possibility next year will be a mix of standards and the clouds and the use of software, so that IT staff will still be required. And the more you will need very expensive lawyers and security experts – all with an open, sharing and copyright issues. Many will only see the terms and conditions now, and you will see many companies that allow you to use the software when you give unlimited usage rights of your data.

]]> By: Graeme Allan http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/2009/06/8-ways-cloud-computing-may-change-schools.html/comment-page-1#comment-1763 Graeme Allan Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:32:28 +0000 http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/?p=1382#comment-1763 Hi Derek and warm greetings from Kaunas in Lithuania. Two points. First, my 'cloud' is Apple's MobileMe. That subscription service provides iDisk and a "Public Folder" giving full access. Contacts and clients can download and upload from my site. In addition, I can generate or nominate folders for specific topics and purposes. I use iDisk for distributing documents and video internationally. Second, experience gained in 32 years of New Zealand teaching suggests New Zealand teachers can share their skills and materials and gain the same from colleagues, anywhere on the planet. The matter of behaving responsibly, on the cloud is simple; be responsible. Lawyers are not required. Teachers might keep and eye out for Google "Wave" which is on the horizon. My suggestion is, be aware of what is responsible interaction and second, share internationally. Spread your wings, Kiwis, or, hop on the cloud and 'fly' that way. Take the global view. Viso gero! Hi Derek and warm greetings from Kaunas in Lithuania.
Two points. First, my ‘cloud’ is Apple’s MobileMe. That subscription service provides iDisk and a “Public Folder” giving full access. Contacts and clients can download and upload from my site. In addition, I can generate or nominate folders for specific topics and purposes. I use iDisk for distributing documents and video internationally.
Second, experience gained in 32 years of New Zealand teaching suggests New Zealand teachers can share their skills and materials and gain the same from colleagues, anywhere on the planet.
The matter of behaving responsibly, on the cloud is simple; be responsible. Lawyers are not required.
Teachers might keep and eye out for Google “Wave” which is on the horizon.
My suggestion is, be aware of what is responsible interaction and second, share internationally.
Spread your wings, Kiwis, or, hop on the cloud and ‘fly’ that way. Take the global view.
Viso gero!

]]> By: Educación libre en la nube | El caparazon http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/2009/06/8-ways-cloud-computing-may-change-schools.html/comment-page-1#comment-1747 Educación libre en la nube | El caparazon Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:24:15 +0000 http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/?p=1382#comment-1747 [...] dejo la traducción comentada de un artículo interesante sobre las ventajas del Cloud computing en educación, junto a un vídeo sobre EyeOS en una escuela que ejemplifica bien algunas de las [...] [...] dejo la traducción comentada de un artículo interesante sobre las ventajas del Cloud computing en educación, junto a un vídeo sobre EyeOS en una escuela que ejemplifica bien algunas de las [...]

]]> By: Chris Finlay http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/2009/06/8-ways-cloud-computing-may-change-schools.html/comment-page-1#comment-1727 Chris Finlay Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:03:58 +0000 http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/?p=1382#comment-1727 Great chart! As "extracurricular" classes are cut back education will increasingly include web based learning. The current productivity cloud apps will make a great base for integration. Google Cal integrated into teaching and learning tools will create a much more dynamic and tuned relationship between students, teachers and lessons. The speed, stability and web penetration is getting to the point where it is all stable enough and useful enough to make some great things happen! (guess I am pretty optimistic to :) Great chart!

As “extracurricular” classes are cut back education will increasingly include web based learning. The current productivity cloud apps will make a great base for integration. Google Cal integrated into teaching and learning tools will create a much more dynamic and tuned relationship between students, teachers and lessons.

The speed, stability and web penetration is getting to the point where it is all stable enough and useful enough to make some great things happen!

(guess I am pretty optimistic to :)

]]> By: derek.wenmoth http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/2009/06/8-ways-cloud-computing-may-change-schools.html/comment-page-1#comment-1724 derek.wenmoth Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:12:14 +0000 http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/?p=1382#comment-1724 Thanks Warrick - re the Google Mail issue, I know of several schools now using this in NZ and with good results so far. My organisation, CORE Education, made the transition to using Gmail across the organisation in the middle of last year, and we've been very happy with the result - in terms of reliability, flexibility (for POPing and iMapping etc), and integration with other Google services such as calendar etc. One of our main drivers for doing this was the issue of being nimble as you have highlighted, and we certainly feel we've achieved this so far. Thanks Warrick – re the Google Mail issue, I know of several schools now using this in NZ and with good results so far. My organisation, CORE Education, made the transition to using Gmail across the organisation in the middle of last year, and we’ve been very happy with the result – in terms of reliability, flexibility (for POPing and iMapping etc), and integration with other Google services such as calendar etc.
One of our main drivers for doing this was the issue of being nimble as you have highlighted, and we certainly feel we’ve achieved this so far.

]]> By: Warrick http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/2009/06/8-ways-cloud-computing-may-change-schools.html/comment-page-1#comment-1723 Warrick Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:57:38 +0000 http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/?p=1382#comment-1723 Thanks for the post Derek; there's certainly potential and pitfalls there. I know that schools in one Australian state (NSW) have gone down the pathway of using gmail for student emails in public schools, but I haven't heard how that's going. Perhaps the greatest opponents of this transition might be IT departments who aren't happy about the lack of control of systems and processes this might bring about. I like point number 6 and that word 'nimble'; it's hard to be nimble when you're locked into PowerPoint 2003 and waiting for the next incarnation of tools like that to come along. Thanks for the post Derek; there’s certainly potential and pitfalls there. I know that schools in one Australian state (NSW) have gone down the pathway of using gmail for student emails in public schools, but I haven’t heard how that’s going. Perhaps the greatest opponents of this transition might be IT departments who aren’t happy about the lack of control of systems and processes this might bring about. I like point number 6 and that word ‘nimble’; it’s hard to be nimble when you’re locked into PowerPoint 2003 and waiting for the next incarnation of tools like that to come along.

]]> By: derek.wenmoth http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/2009/06/8-ways-cloud-computing-may-change-schools.html/comment-page-1#comment-1720 derek.wenmoth Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:00:51 +0000 http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/?p=1382#comment-1720 Thanks for the feedback Andreas. I don't disagree with anything you say here - and reiterate that this is an optimistic view, and that there are indeed areas that still need to be explored and resolved. My comments about licensing reflect the changes I see coming here - not that it will always be cheaper or always be pay for use (why I said reduced and/or simplified...). Many cloud-based applications are available free or at low cost already, others will incur the sorts of costs we currently have to pay. For some software pay for use will be a better option (eg some of the more expensive, specialised and infrequently used ones), but not for all. It's the range of opportunities that will increase, enabling more customised approach to making applications available to staff and students. I also agree that in the short to medium term we'll see a mix of standard and cloud based applications used - and that these will need supporting. I also agree that we'll need more focus during that time on issues of security, data management etc. My point is that with the cloud/virtualisation that expertise will not need to reside in every school - it can be a part of the cloud-based service offering. Thanks for the feedback Andreas. I don’t disagree with anything you say here – and reiterate that this is an optimistic view, and that there are indeed areas that still need to be explored and resolved.
My comments about licensing reflect the changes I see coming here – not that it will always be cheaper or always be pay for use (why I said reduced and/or simplified…). Many cloud-based applications are available free or at low cost already, others will incur the sorts of costs we currently have to pay. For some software pay for use will be a better option (eg some of the more expensive, specialised and infrequently used ones), but not for all. It’s the range of opportunities that will increase, enabling more customised approach to making applications available to staff and students.
I also agree that in the short to medium term we’ll see a mix of standard and cloud based applications used – and that these will need supporting. I also agree that we’ll need more focus during that time on issues of security, data management etc. My point is that with the cloud/virtualisation that expertise will not need to reside in every school – it can be a part of the cloud-based service offering.

]]> By: andreas.wpv http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/2009/06/8-ways-cloud-computing-may-change-schools.html/comment-page-1#comment-1719 andreas.wpv Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:48:11 +0000 http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/?p=1382#comment-1719 Great 8 point you make there. I would be hesitant to support the first and would like to add another one. Why do you think this is going to decrease the licensing cost? That so much depends on the offers you will get, and companies must optimize their earnings. Especially a 'cost per use' model can become really expensive. Up to now you can just keep on using oder versions (MS office 2003 is still a good product). On the could you will likely only use the latest stuff, and the updating and maintenance (15% / year?) will be included in your usage fees. An alternative would be to open the networks to marketing - does any parent or teacher really want that? So, I think there are good reasons why this will be more expensive. Second, the next years there will likely be a mix of standard and cloud software and usage, so the IT staff will be needed still. And you will definitely need more very expensive security experts and lawyers - with all that openness, sharing and copyright issues. Just take a look at many terms and conditions now, and you will see that many companies allow you to use their software when you give them unlimited usage rights of your data. How could this work with a school where kids generate pictures and tests? How about security breaches showing pictures, grades, works, private data? I see the benefits, and I appreciate the openness, still I think there are many non technical issues which need to be solved. Great 8 point you make there. I would be hesitant to support the first and would like to add another one.
Why do you think this is going to decrease the licensing cost? That so much depends on the offers you will get, and companies must optimize their earnings. Especially a ‘cost per use’ model can become really expensive. Up to now you can just keep on using oder versions (MS office 2003 is still a good product). On the could you will likely only use the latest stuff, and the updating and maintenance (15% / year?) will be included in your usage fees. An alternative would be to open the networks to marketing – does any parent or teacher really want that? So, I think there are good reasons why this will be more expensive.

Second, the next years there will likely be a mix of standard and cloud software and usage, so the IT staff will be needed still. And you will definitely need more very expensive security experts and lawyers – with all that openness, sharing and copyright issues. Just take a look at many terms and conditions now, and you will see that many companies allow you to use their software when you give them unlimited usage rights of your data. How could this work with a school where kids generate pictures and tests? How about security breaches showing pictures, grades, works, private data?

I see the benefits, and I appreciate the openness, still I think there are many non technical issues which need to be solved.

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