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Aaron, L. M., & Roche C. M. (2011). Teaching, learning, and collaborating in the cloud: Applications of cloud computing for educators in post-secondary institutions. //Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 40//(2), 95-111.

Aaron begins his paper with a broad definition of cloud computing, the cost and maintenance benefits of using cloud computing in education, and the ability to collaborate using the cloud. A brief history of cloud computing dating back to 1961 is given. The author describes four main characteristics of using cloud computing in education: file storage, file synchronization, document creation, as well as collaboration. There are also explanations of three free Web 2.0 tools for educators: [|Google Scholar], [|RSS Feeds], and [|Zotero]. Aaron concludes his paper with results of a survey sent to educators about their cloud computing usage. Approximately one third of the respondents acknowledged themselves as cloud computing users. Over half of the educators who were using cloud computing mainly did so for storage and synchronization of files. Almost half of the respondents use it for document creation. The top two concerns of the educators when using cloud computing were security and privacy.

Douchy, A. (2011, August 23). Why the facebook group my students created for themselves is better than the discussion forum I created for them. [Web log post]. Retrieved from @http://andrewdouch.wordpress.com/category/web-20/

Andrew discusses in his blog posting, the value Facebook has as a discussion forum over a forum that he created on his own website. He talks about how he was initially unhappy with his students going to Facebook and how he wanted them to use his website discussion thread. He then reflects upon the value and usefulness that the Facebook group has compared to his own website discussion board. He found students were discussing more and that led to deeper conversations. The fact that Facebook was the student's domain, made the discussions authentic to them. Also included on some of his other blog posts are more thoughts surrounding the success of the students initiative to post group discussions on Facebook about school related work.

Gradel, K. J. (2011). Integrating cloud-based strategies and tools in face-to-face training sessions to increase the impact of professional development. //Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 40//(2), 113-130.

This article describes how face-to-face training supplemented by cloud based technology would be beneficial for professional development. There are often times where a significant amount of time has passed from initial training to implementation of a new policy, skill, or tool or as Gradel (2011) states “the knowledge to practice gap” (p. 115). Knowing that there would be support from the cloud as teachers need it would alleviate some of the stress that staff may experience when the time comes to execute the new tool. The article draws attention to tools that could be used well with this method of professional development for teachers. The author describes two different training scenarios, one of which is a traditional method of professional development and the other integrates using the cloud as a reference after the professional development. Also included is a list of six recommendations that could be followed when implementing a professional development training session followed up with cloud based support.

Hodges, C. B. & Clark, K. (2011). Selecting a web 2.0 presentation tool. //Library Media Connection// (Nov./Dec.). Retrieved from []

Hodges and Clark list several online presentation tools that can be used for kindergarten to grade 12 cloud presentations. In their article, they also include user friendly evaluations for choosing the presentation tool best tailored to help you meet your classroom needs. The authors list features to be considered when choosing an online presentation tool, such as import/export capabilities, collaboration potential, as well as editing features. Combining the results of your evaluations of the tools as well as considering the features mentioned in the article should help you narrow down your choices for a cloud based presentation tool for your students. Hodges and Clark also make note that cloud based presentation tools easily satisfy many technology standards required for students today.

Johnson, D. (2011, May/June). Libraries in the cloud. Retrieved from []

Doug Johnson has many years of experience as a teacher and library/media specialist. His blog, [|The Blue Skunk Blog] complements his [|website], where he writes about issues related to library media and technology. His article [|Libraries in the Cloud] is a great read for all Teacher-Librarians who are looking to move their library program forward using cloud computing. Johnson gives background information and advantages to cloud computing. He does not, however, list any disadvantages. A very useful part of his article is a list of eight uses for cloud computing in school libraries, from the basics of email, bookmarking and word processing to creating web pages and housing your library catalogue and circulation system. He concludes his piece with some ideas about the future of cloud based computing.

Ledesma, P. (2011, May 16). Are educators ready for cloud computing in schools? [Web log comment]. Retrieved from [|http://blogs.edweek.org/ teachers/leading_from_the_classroom/2011/05/are_you_ready_for_cloud_computing_in_schools.html]

Patrick Ledesma, a teacher and school based technology specialist in Virginia, looks at using cloud computing in schools from the perspectives of [|Marc Prensky’s]“Digital Natives” and “Digital Immigrants”. He begins his blog entry with an easy to understand video from Microsoft of what cloud computing in education is. The “Digital Native” (a student who has grown up with technology) outlines his first experiences using the cloud for his computer work. His experiences are basically with [|Google Docs], but he briefly mentions other cloud providers as well. The student has an ideal world where his teachers would all use the cloud when assigning work so everything would be transferred into his cloud calendar. The “Digital Immigrant’s” (someone who never grew up with, but who is trying to adapt to technology) scenario of using the cloud is quite different. His experience mainly involves a slow move to using the cloud for organization. Ledesma concludes his article with the challenges of having schools and educators move towards cloud computing.

Siegle, D. (2010). Cloud computing: A free technology option to promote collaborative learning. //Gifted Child Today, 33//(94), 41-45.

The author, Del Siegle, gives a very brief description of what cloud computing is and highlights some earlier, well-known tools that are used for cloud computing. He demonstrates how to use several tools in the article as well. Siegle describes four major advantages to cloud computing, such as not needing to install software; the accessiblilty of work from any computer; collaboration capabilities; and access to the history of work done on the cloud. Most of the article focuses on the effortless collaboration that cloud computing allows and the ability to share and edit photos. Siegle concludes the article with “educators need to embrace this trend in technology as they develop students’ talents and expand their students’ understanding of a world that lies in wait at their fingertips”, (p 45). If an educator were still unsure as to how to use cloud computing with their students, this would be an excellent article to read.

Tran, L. (2011, January). Gazing down from cloud number nine. //Teach//. Retrieved from []

Lisa Tran, assistant editor at TEACH, points out that although many educators are using cloud computing tools in the classroom, they don’t realize that they do. She gives information on cloud apps that are beneficial to use with your students. She brings up the advantages of using cloud apps in schools such as the collaborative ability, affordability and how there is no need to upgrades computer systems in the school since the apps are accessed online. Tran also cites some of the cons of cloud computing such as possible glitches, privacy, and terms of service agreements. However, she points out that the pros outweigh the cons. This is an excellent article for teachers who are considering integrating cloud computing into their teaching.