Cloudware
Read the Technology & Learning magazine article at this link: http://www.techlearning.com/showArticle.php?articleID=196604939
Is this an emerging technology that will catch on in the educational community? Would you want your students to have their heads in the clouds? Do you think this would open up possibilities in your classroom, school and district? Explain.
50 comments:
Cloudware"truly ubiquitous"computing schools.This technology has already caught on in most educational communities that I have experienced.Unfortunately many of the students usages have been My Space,You Tube and other even less academically engaging web sites up to this point. The possibilities are both positive and not so positive.
I just got a new laptop and started transferring files, it can be quite a hassle. Having a p.c. is great but getting all of the programs compatible with each other is another task. I just got through downloading powerpoint, different versions and copying all of the old files, its a lot of work. Some of the programs you think will work together don't so you have to find a way around it.
I think cloudware is an excellent source of technology to use in the classroom. The best feature is that work can be done in class as well as at home and the teacher can monitor the student's progress at any time. I hope that when I am finally teaching, my school will have such great ideas as this.
Cloudware sounds like a great tool that could be used in the classroom. I thing that by using this much time could be saved and perhaps more time would be given to learning. From the article it made it sound like every class had these individualized hand held devices for students - I just wonder how many budgets actually allow for such items like this.
Chris - I am looking in to buying a laptop one of these days and I am not looking forward to converting all the files and making everything compatible. It does not sound like fun.
Cloudware sounds amazing in and out of the classroom. The fact that teachers can log in to view their student's progress and to give feed back at the same time is amazing. However, I am always skeptical to rely on computers in this way because we always do have those shut downs, or blocks in the systems where something might go wrong. However, using this as another tool in keeping students engaged in the classroom and in a unit is amazing.
Lynne, I agree with your comment about the budgets passing this. I know of a couple of school districts that are already trying to cut back on their budget spending but they do seem to have a soft spot with technological advances. I do believe that Cloudware will take up a lot more time than teachers and administraters might think because it is a new software and system to get used to.
I agree with Weisman's comment about the difficulties in getting used to this program or finding programs that work well on your laptop. That goes along with the time restraints it might have on new teachers or old teacher who are just getting a handle on the technology. However, I do not want to be misread here - technology in the classroom is great...it is what our students know and are comfortable with.
I agree with Lynne in that it would definately save some time and hopefully that will allow for more learning.
I also agree with Michelle in that there has to be an alternate device, or learning tool to use in case of a shut down or something breaking. As long as all of those areas are covered and it does not affect the students, it is a great tool to use.
I think that cloudware would be a good way for students to access their assignments from home. The students would also have the opportunity for parents to help them with their classwork. Teachers also would be able to engage their students at more convenient times rather then trying to squeeze in suggestions and corrections during classtime. I would be very hesitant to put any personal files on this service, its just too risky.
Lynne, good point on the time factor, a service like this would be beneficial to teachers and students in terms of time outside the classroom and free up the classtime for more productive means
I agree with Michele and Dave - what a great way to monitor a student's progress/work outside the classroom. A great tool to make sure they are actually doing the work. Also, great point about technology shut downs - I think we have all had instances with that and it is not fun.
Wow, cloudware is truly a way of the future. I agree with Lynn that in the future most students will eventually have hand held devices right at their desks. Although, who will pay for this? As we have all seen and will continue to see, the budgets keep going up. Will this be an educational mandated tool that all schools will have to have in place by the year 2020? Technology is so advanced that how can we not have such hand held devices for every student in the classroom. I think it would be so benefacial for all..students, parents and faculty.
Katie C.
Cloudware sounds like a dream come true because it gets rid of the task of transferring files or programs from computer to computer. I think that this is something that will catch on because of growth of technology used amongst students. I think that cloudware would defiantly open upon possibilities in my classroom because students would be able to use the internet to do projects and gather information; however, if I were ever to use it would have to be with a small class and have restrictions on the devices that they use. I would have restrictions because students sometimes go off task, which would ruin the whole point of having the cloudware.
angella s.
I agree with Lynne, that cloudware or hand held devices are in the future and a great way to monitor student’s progress and also incorporate technology in the classroom. I think that if they use technology, it makes the lesson more interesting; however, it is expensive and sometimes students divert from doing work if technology is available.
angella s.
I definitely agree that cloudware seems like an excellent tool in the classroom (if budgets allow), both for its ease in transferring information and its teacher and student interactive capabilities. I do wonder, however, what kinds of firewalls can be put up to block non-academic sites that Matthew mentioned...myspace, youtube, etc.
I'm confused about the Cloudware. Is it a specific online tool, or it is referring to any online tool such as e-fortfolio?
-Jenny Chen
I have been using the same laptop for about 6 years, I would like to purchase a new one however, I am hesitant to because of the work that comes with transferring files etc. I never knew something like Cloudware existed, and it seems very beneficial. The third graders and above that have tough, compact mini-notebook computers that include a built-in keyboard, a small but serviceable screen, and wireless internet access seems shocking to me. I don’t know if I see students being responsible enough at this age with such equipment. I think it is great how the data or information can be looked at from home or at school. I would love to try this out in my classroom I just don’t see funding for that being available anytime soon.
I think Kirsten brings up a good point regarding firewall settings. If there is something that could be done to block students from viewing websites like myspace and you tube, then something like cloudware will definitely be an extremely advantageous tool in the classroom
This sounds like a wonderful resource that could be integrated into a wide variety of lesson plans and class projects. I would love to learn more about this service and how I and my students can benefit from it. The prospect of having more schools use this technology is very exciting and seems as though it would open many new doors of communication between the teacher and student. It also would allow another means of expression for students in creating presentations and materials to reflect their comprehension in the classroom. This is a great tool and I look forward to hopefully learning more about it.
I'm not sure whether Cloudware is a good tool or not. I've never heard of the software and the article is not detailed enough for me to make an informed decision. However, if it's as good a program as many seem to think it is, it might catch on quickly in districts that can afford to purchase the equipment and the software.
~Shikema B
Last year, I started to take advantage of the Google Docs, Spreadsheets, and Powerpoint. I loved it because I was able to do work at home and when I came to school. It is great because I do not have to carry around a flash drive and worry about losing it. I never knew that it was called Cloudware. I think it will be great in the education field. Students will be able to work on papers and projects from any computer as long as it has internet. It will also give the teacher the opportunity to comment and check on the student's progress.
I agree with Keri cloudware is a wonderfull source of technology that can be use in the classroom and at home. I do like that at any point of the day I can check my students progress. I think this is very helpfull for students at risk who dont have the parents to help them. When the student and teacher are on at the same time the teacher is able to help. The only real problem I see is the cost effecting the use of this technology.
Robert D
I like and agree with what Jessica said. I think that some of the younger grades may not be responsible enough to have computers. On the other hand, it may help these students to become more responsible at a younger age with expesnsive things. I think that elementary school may be too young, but I do know of middle schools who lend computers to all the students.
I think Cloudware sounds like a great idea for the classroom. It is nice for students to be able to do work at home as well as in the classroom. I think it is also helpful that the teacher can be more involved in the students work. I think I would use Cloudware in the classroom when I am a teacher.
Erin C.
Malcolm, T
I think Cloudware is a useful tracker for your students work. However, should it ever get to the point of having handheld devices in all subjects,I feel it will take away for the simple jester of eye contact to ensure that students are paying close attention to you. I feel that they will be too engaged in their gadgets rather than paying attention to the teacher. The teacher may have to resort to sending emails to the students while they are sitting in the same room to get their attention.
Cloudware seems like it would eb awesome. If it is true that files can be saved without being saved on a hard drive and accessible from other computers it will be a success. Cloudware is exactly what is needed in schools and in homes. I like the implications for the classroom that were mentioned. I agree that it would be especially useful in English. If cloudware were available I would use it in the classroom.
I agree with Erin C. that cloudware would be especially useful in the classroom. I currently am a teacher and I would use it if it were available for me to use.
I also agree with Matthew in his statement that technology is both positive and negative. If it can be used in the right context then it is positive and cloudware would be beneficial.
Cloudware sounds like a good idea on paper. But for usage on a gloabal scale and in every class and school I am not so sure. Yes it would be a great tool for students to use at home and in class. Written essays could be checked everyday. But, think of how easy it would be for a student at home to use spell check and other online programs. It would take away from the trial-and-error type of approach. So as much as I think this would help in class I tihnk it would also hinder the way students learn and also would be tedious for those teachers that have been teaching for 15-20 years to learn a whole new set of programs
Brilliant, simply brilliant. However, Cloudware is not without its drawbacks, as is the ase with mose new and emergent technology. While cloudware will afford students the opportunity for enhanced engagement not only with educators but also with one another, as in the english composition example given in the article, these sme students may show retarded fundamental skills, in particular, handwriting.
Addionally, while voluminous necessary software and limited file space would cease to be a problem, it is unrealistic to think that all districts couls appropriate funds to launch programs such as those noted in the article.
In all, Cloudware presents both pros and cons for use in the classroom. More affluent districts may jump at the opportunities afforded by such technology, but districts compiled of students from lower SES backgrounds would likely view the advancement as yet another area where they are unable to "keep up with the Jones'."
I agree wholeheartedly with Angella's comment that there would need to be restrictions on Cloudware use in the classroom, and that the tool would be best suited to smaller, highly structured classes. Part of teaching is the need to keep students on task, and with the internet at their fingertips-literally, this may become an even more daunting task than it is now.
I appreciated what Colleen had to say regarding the freedom to not constantly worry about carrying around a flashdrive. While this is the first I have ever heard of Cloudware, it could be advantageous to use as a teacher, particularly if it removes the issue of compatability between different operating systems, e.g., creating a presentation in Office 2007 and then not being able to load it on a computer that still uses Office 2003. (I now know that docs created in 2007 can be saved as 97-2003, but I did not know this when I was completing my 60 hour observation!)
This is definately a technology that deserves further exploration.
I always throught computers were a great tool for the classroom and home. The things you can do on a computer are endless. However, the idea of relying so much on a computer scares me. Cloudware sounds like something that would be great for the classroom. I agree with Michelle who said teachers can view their students progress. I like the fact that a teacher can update themselves on their students and see how much they are progressing. I also like the idea that it can be done at home and in school.
alexandria
I article was too brief to fully explain the possibilities in using cloudware. I have never used Google Docs. As a future teacher I would want to monitor my students progress from where ever I am. I like that idea. However, for storage I would use cloudware and also use backup such as a USB drive. I would like to know if there are any drawbacks to using it.
Cloudware sounds like an exciting prospect. Students would no longer have to carry heavy textbooks home and back. Instead, the internet provides all their text. Storing assignments on the internet sounds like a great way to allow students to do their work at home. Expanding the concept to online grading means no more red pens or heavy bags full of paper. Having these services run on the internet instead of on each individual desktop computer means the likelihood of single computer crashes and inconsistencies with files is a thing of the past. However, if the server goes down, the entire class is out of luck. Every new development has its ups and downs. Thankfully, the concept of cloudware is mostly ups. _Katherine Dalton
Cloudware is a very interesting new concept that could potentially be an educators dream. I think using Cloudware in educational institutions could be beneficial because it will cause schools to spend less money on computer software, which has become a necessity in flourishing minds. This savings in money will supply a district with more of a surplus of revenue for other important resources such as, updated text books and teacher supplies. In particular, I found “Real-Time Coaching” to be the most effective and advantageous feature mentioned in the article. This ability to be able to “live chat” with students and provide them with continuous feedback, which makes students feel their work is being valued. On the other end of the spectrum while I believe the incorporations of technology is necessary and beneficial, it is also important that students do not fully rely on technology as a means of producing all educational projects and assignments.
-CHRISTINA TRESCA
Cloudware is amazing, not only it saves time but its accurate too. students can access their assignment from home. It can help teachers to incorpate technology in the classroom.The only problrm I see is that students can misuse it.
Iffat
Wow, if this is as accessible and user friendly as it sounds, why is it not used every where? I've had a number of computer crashes and cry when I lose files.
Schools and classrooms would be transformed if every student had their own "handheld." They can work from anywhere and access all of their files. This also looks like it will make it easier for teachers. We would be able to log on to a students file and see their works in progress.
Theresa S.
Cloudware is a very interesting idea to me. On one hand, it sounds great. While I was reading the article, I could not help but remember when I was in college and I lost a twenty page paper the night before it was due, all because my computer crashed – imagine how cloudware would relieve stress like that! It also sounds very cost-effective. And, if you wanted to use a program with your students that your school did not have, cloudware would eliminate that problem as well. I believe that it would open the door for a lot more teacher-student interaction. And, as an added bonus, it could do wonders for the environment! One of my main concerns, however, would be hackers and the ability for information to wind up in the wrong hands. In some cases, it might also be easier for students to plagiarize. While I think it could be used in many good ways in a school, I still think there is something to be said for using a good old pen and paper, at least once in a while. –Colleen Corrigan
Katherine brought up a great point that I had not even thought about. Cloudware would make carrying those heavy text books to and from school a thing of the past. I also agree with Christina in that the most interesting part of the article to me, was the live chat that teachers would be able to have with their students. It seems to me that students stand to learn a great deal more with such constant and personal attention to their work. – Colleen Corrigan
How great is this?
I can relate to the article, that installing new software programs, transferring, and consolidating different files, sometimes negate the excitement of getting a new computer. However, with the invention of the cloudware, trouble shooting and technical difficulties can be minimized or be the thing of the past. If I, as the teacher can use softwares and services without any stress, especially induced by technology, how effective would my lesson be? I would certainly save a tremendous amount of time and energy that would be better spent on teaching my students. Just like some of the scenarios that the article mentions, I can facilitate and encourage my students to be more engaged, on-task, and inquiry driven even the use of cloudware. However, with all its perks, there are some drawbacks as well. Students might become enslaved to the computer and may become susceptible to laziness because everything is now at their fingertips. Also, there will be an accessibility gap between school districts as well. the wealthier school district students will reap the benefits of cloudware first and some of the poorer districts might not even have access to it. Although technology helps and allows us to do more, sometimes physical act of learning and doing can be just as effective. If teachers become more aware and informed about the regulation aspect of cloudware, this tool can be powerful and effective.
-Jennifer Park-
After reading this article, I thought how amazing it would be to expose students and teachers in every classroom to a program like Cloudware. It will transform the way I teach in my classroom today if I had access to such technology. It allows the students and teachers to communicate with each other via another means rather than discussions in the classroom environment. As Colleen stated, students will learn more with such consistent and individual attention to their work.
K.Boodram
Based on this article, I am still not 100% clear on how to use Cloudware or how it could be implemented into the classroom. I do not feel very confident in the world of technology and therefore I don't know if I would feel comfortable using Cloudware within my own classroom. On a positive note, it seems that it would be a good way to provide quick feedback to the students, and it would also provide a new type of technology for the students to experience within the classroom setting. However, how safe is the program Cloudware? And how affordable is it? I would need a lot more information and research on Cloudware before considering to use this type of technology in my classroom.
Kim C.
I think that cloudwear is a great idea. It would allow the teacher to keep tabs on their students work at all times. If they see that a certain student is having difficulty with the project, it is always at your finger tips in order to take a look at it. We had a program that was similar to this in college called blackboard. We could do our work online and the teacher would see how we were coming along
I think Cloudware is a wonderful idea, never having to load software just to write papers, make spreadsheets or edit pictures, those things should be available for free on the internet. When I see the amount off paper wasted and the time it takes to make copies and use those copies in the classroom setting, I agree that technology is the way to go. Getting online help from your teacher as you write a paper would prove to be invaluable. Getting rid of pencil and paper in the classroom would save time, energy, and trees.
Kathleen M.
While this certainly sounds appealing I would be worried about how secure it is. I would not feel comfortable putting all of my documents "OUT THERE", wherever that is. I also am not so sure how practical it is to get a computer or similar device in every students hands. In the district I am currently student teaching it, more than half of the students do not know how or do not have access to a computer.
Nicole R.
This article was very interesting to me. I think that cloudware is an amazing idea and I think that it would be beneficial to not only teachers, but to the students as well. I think that it would improve the success rate in many districts. Cloudware allows students to receive the help they need from the teachers without having to sit one on one with them. The article says that they are not expensive either. It would save paper too. I believe that all districts should take purchasing into consideration.
- Caitlin F.
Martha D.
The huge increase in the use of wireless internet throughout the world has really allowed Cloudware to flourish. Cloudware can solve a variety of problems that schools face such as cost and accessibility. This could also be a way to help the lower income students from being left behind. Since it is a huge issue in education today. Cloudware provides opportunities to alleviate this problem. OpenSource software and Cloudware mean that computers do not have to have expensive programs preloaded on them. This can reduce the cost of technology, which will become more affordable to the lower income user.
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