Using the "Cloud Computing" Concept in Course Building
I think the fast emerging concept of utilizing the cloud could be leveraged in course building. Most schools now have administrative type portals for basic information to live but I am curious about actual course material being placed on the cloud for internal use.
By placing important blocks of information in a centralized location that can be easily accessed -schools can close the gap across programs or multiple geographical locations.
The concept of using shared drives and other such tools has been proven to do that very same thing. However, shared drives usually come with an additional level of complexity when managing and developing. They are also not always synchronous in response to updates and changes.
With the proper setup and access protocols, I think this technology might be leveraged by many institutions going forward.
I am curious if anyone is doing this for allowing access to internal general course building components? If so - have you found it effective for driving toward standardization?
Gwo-Fang,
You are right. The one thing you want to make sure is that they won't take "the cloud" down on short notice. I have seen that happen!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I use the cloud in most of my classes. It provides a simple way to share larger size files with a big group of people. It also allows easy access from all of the users.
Donald,
Great point! Our institution lost its catalog for over two weeks because the catalog was housed in a cloud not controlled by us. The only time I am ok with the cloud if it is our cloud! Google even concerns me. . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Personally, I am not in favor of cloud technology. My reasoning is simple. Once information is given to a third party, the owner of the information loses control of that information. Once corporate information resides in a cloud, the owner of the cloud can do whatever they want with it. If a government body demands the information, the cloud owner is obliged to provide the information, and is under legal restraint to not tell the original owner of the transfer (U.S. Patriot Act). The government could give or sell the information to a competitor, and who would be the wiser? Certainly not the original owner of the information.
What amazes me is how few people understand, appreciate, or even care about this argument. Have people not learned anything from the revelations of Edward Snowden? I think not.
Garry,
Thanks for sharing. I think all of us need to see how a "cloud" can realistically be used.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I use the cloud regularly to enhance my courses. I use it to store videos, tutorials, banners, and even sound clips that I use in most every class.
Since I teach graphic and web design, there are a lot of images that I like for students to see. And it's much better to show an image directly in a discussion thread than to post a link. A link requires action on the student's part. Whereas an image engages the student directly and has a MUCH greater chance of actually getting students to the point of action and full discussion/engagement in the subject.
Gilbert,
This really does vary from institution to institution. There are some very power tools such as drop box and today's meeting that allows some really cool integration, but all are in the cloud. This can be tough to navigate.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I wish we could get that message across to more people. At our institution, the computer servers automatically lock us out of any cloud-type environments.
Kelly,
I keep nothing on my hard drive. I have some time of "cloud" or server access. If I lose or have my computer stolen there are NO student files so nothing is compromised. I also and not machine dependent. I like that also!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I like your idea of actual course material being in the cloud! Especially if it is a course that is part online, part resident. That way, you can have access to any handouts and presentations, as well as all the online materials. I also like what you said about closing gaps across programs and other locations- very good point!
It would be great in the cloud to have separate folders for marking periods, and within those, weekly breakdowns. That would be a lot easier than keeping everything on your desktop or hard drive.
We are using the cloud, but not all courses are in there yet. We have it set up where each instructor has a folder, each class has a folder, and folders for good student project examples. Currently, most of our course materials are within the LMS (which is also very effective).
Dennis,
I agree. You may want to add to your watch list the idea of providing "services" not the software. This could impact us all.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dennis,
I don't think they are at any more threat than other media. The biggest problem I see with cloud computing is the owner of the cloud decides to no longer support the product. At that point everyone is scrambling (if they know about the decision).
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kelly
Yes, "cloud computing" is the current "bleeding edge of technology" so I feel its effectiveness is yet to be determined.
Cheers, Dennis
Hi All,
What about the enhanced threat to cybercriminals of cloud computing?
Cheers, Dennis
Patricia,
There is not much out there about MOOCs and their success. It is considered the "wild, wild, west" of online and I am not sure where if fits in learning. I do retention has been an issue.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think the rise of MOOCS is an example of storing course content in a cloud environment that is accessible to anyone (registered students as well as visitors). MIT started this process about seven years ago and it has really caught on in the last two years.
I haven't heard from researchers how "successful" the technology is, the focus seems to be on accessibility instead. Does anyone know of any research looking at effectiveness of cloud sourced curriculum content?
Shannon,
I think you make great points. I do think Cloud computing concept is effective in cost and accessibility. The concern is the availability and the certainty that the technology will not disappear.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
