Evaluating Emerging Technologies TaiShara Twyman ITEC 7445 Dr. Goetzel July 13, 2015 Cloud Computing

What is Cloud Computing? In the simplest terms, cloud computing means storing and retrieving data and programs over the Internet instead of your computer's hard drive (Griffith, 2015). These services can be accessed anytime, anywhere and on any device. There is no need to back up files to save or transfer them. Some educators have wrongly assumed that cloud computing refers to any services provided over the Internet which are not hosted by their institution.

Services Offered Platform as a service (PaaS) that provides a range of software for the development of programs. Software as a service (SaaS) so users access cloud software provided by cloud administrators who supervise them. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) that is the base model in Cloud Computing.

Atlanta Public School’s Vision for Technology The vision of the APS information Technology Division is to effectively integrate technology into education, thereby creating an exciting opportunity to blend infrastructure, access, and knowledge while enabling students, educators, schools, and communities to rapidly adapt to technological changes in the workplace and in society. We envision using technology to strengthen the balance between the best of traditional education and new insights about how people learn. The use of technology will create new levels of understanding in the classroom, in the workplace, and in life.

How does Cloud Computing Support the Vision for Technology use in APS? Cloud Computing supports the vision Atlanta Public Schools because it makes certain that all students have 24 hour access to technological tools that are stored in multiple locations. Students will use the cloud to engage in learning experiences that allow them to work collaboratively, in real time to create and share various ideas Cloud computing provides access to a learning infrastructure where educators, students, and parents can collaborate, communicate, or learn wherever an Internet connection is available.

Who is Cloud Computing Designed For? In Atlanta Public Schools, all students K-12 have access to the cloud through the secure online student portal, myBackPack. To ensure equitable access to this technology, it is important that all students, teachers, and parents receive the appropriate training on the effective use of each tool. Also, home internet access will support in class use.

What is Needed for Implementation? A web browser or mobile device application. An infrastructure that is accessible, adaptable, and manageable. This infrastructure will be maintained by the district. The district will need to partner with an outside company, like Microsoft, in order for teachers and students to gain access to myBackPack and SharePoint.

Technical Support The cloud based server will be monitored by the Informational Technology Department. When technical issues, such as service outages occur, teachers can contact the IT department to request a service ticket for themselves or students.. Each student will be assigned a user name and password that allows access to all cloud based applications.

Limitations of Cloud Computing The ease of use. Some cloud based applications are not transferrable to other applications. Because cloud data is accessible anywhere and everywhere, that increases the potential for cyber safety and security risks. When the internet is offline, access to the cloud and its components is offline.

Costs of Cloud Computing Today, platforms like Google and Microsoft provide free services to students and educational staff. These services include free , document storage, and the ability to share documents. Training for administrators, teachers, and students will be at no cost for the district; however, the district may incur a fee while making certain that members of the IT department are properly trained.

Potential Funding Sources At the local school level, Title I can be used to pay for upgrades associated with applications in the cloud. At the district level, E-rate funding can be used to support cloud computing.

Classroom Uses Teachers post and share homework with students and parents. Teachers work collaboratively, in real-time to create engaging lessons. Students collaborate to create, edit, or share online research reports or essays. Classroom lessons can be videotaped, uploaded, and shared with students and parents to reinforce skills at home. Students create and present multimedia projects using presentation applications in the cloud. Student work can be completed in multiple locations.

Classroom Uses Students create online e-Portfolios to Students ask and share higher-ordering questioning strategies with one another. Students in one classroom can connect to others in a different classroom, school, or country. Differentiated tasks can be assigned to students via the share feature or . Students only are aware of their tasks and more individualized instruction is supported.

What Research Says… According to most teachers, students demonstrate greater levels of engagement in their work when using the cloud to support their learning. Teachers’ capacity to provide differentiated instruction appeared to be similarly impacted by cloud use. Students were often found to be able to assume the responsibility for learning to use cloud tools without direct teaching. Students saw the use of the cloud offering additional advantages over traditional ways of working and using technology.

Plan of Implementation In order to implement cloud computing successfully within my this school, Kotter’s 8 step process for leading change will be employed:

Plan of Implementation Develop short term action plans that address technology integration and use of cloud computing for students in grades 3- 5 via myBackPack. K-2 will follow later in the year. Establish a Technology Committee aimed at guiding professional learning of cloud computing. Create a vision and timeline for professional learning. Disseminate the goals of the action plan and communicate the expectations for the use of cloud computing in the classroom. Design professional development and lesson planning sessions. Celebrate and share products created using cloud computing.

Reflection I was initially interested in the facets of cloud computing because the students of Atlanta Public Schools have access to cloud based applications via myBackPack. However, I often see teachers using this portal for assessment access only. This past year, I worked with students to create spreadsheets that displayed data as they converted fractions to decimals. Students then shared a copy of their spreadsheets with me so that I could print them. I thought this was an amazing use of technology that is simply sitting at our fingertips. From that day on, I vowed to learn other ways in which I could engage students with the use of cloud computing applications.

Reflection I frequently use Google Drive and other Google applications. But, this project helped me realize that not all cloud computing software or applications are the same. Each has its own capabilities and organization. I think that this is very important to remember when working with students.

References Educause. (2014). 7 things you should know about cloud storage and collaboration. Retrieved from Isaila, N. (2014). CLOUD COMPUTING IN EDUCATION. Knowledge Horizons.Economics, 6(2), Retrieved from Thomas, P. Y. (2011). Cloud computing. The Electronic Library, 29(2), doi: Griffith, Eric (April 17, 2015). What is cloud computing? PCMag. Retrieved from