Journal #1 Computing In The Clouds

Johnson, Doug. (2009). Computing in the clouds. Learning and Leading With Technology, 37(4), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/DecemberJanuaryNo4/Computing_in_the_Clouds.htm

Abstract:
The author of this article seems to be passionate about a new way of using computers that he has dubbed the analogy, "computing in the clouds". The general idea is that schools can now complete and save almost all of their work related projects online at various websites such as Google Docs. Johnson goes on to state that schools could save a significant amount of money by investing in computers with less storage space and programs. He believes that simple "net-book" type computers which have small screens, keyboards and storage space can complete almost just as many tasks as a larger more expensive computer provided that the small computer has internet access.

Questions:
Is it feasible for all California students enrolled in public schools to compute in the clouds?
Families in California are feeling the rolling effects of the recession just as much as our public school districts. While some parents may be able to afford net-book type computers for their children, I believe that these devices will be unaffordable for a vast amount of students in California. Technology that requires an initial investment to be successful will most likely further the educational gap in California as rich families will provide their students with computers and underprivileged families will just have to make due with the resources that they have access to.

How could computing in the clouds actually rewind the technological revolution in schools?
If schools recognize that they can save money by computing online and down grading to computers with less programs, it is highly plausible that students may graduate from High School with a high percentage of computer illiteracy. While it is beneficial to know how to use online resources, it is every student’s right to have access to the best and most recent computer software available.

Jeremy Krefft, a well traveled, easy going guy with a laundry list of life goals

My name is Jeremy Krefft and I consider my hometown to be Temecula CA as that is where I was fortunate enough to establish some roots and attend school from grades four through to the completion of high school. However, my father was in the Navy and his career dictated where I went to school for preschool through third grade. I was born in Long Beach but shortly thereafter relocated to Virginia and then to the suburbs of Chicago Illinois where I attended preschool, kindergarten, first and second grades at Oakdale Elementary School. My first taste of education was sweet and I have enjoyed education ever since. I went to a school on Camp Pendleton Military base in California for third grade and hated it. I never made friends and was relieved when I moved to the quaint Valley of Temecula which was actually quite small at the time with only one stop light. After high school I uplifted my roots and moved to Arcata CA to attend college at the famed granola school, Humboldt State University of which I have nothing but good things to say.

I was relatively computer illiterate until I took a mandatory typing class during my freshman year of high school. That single class has been one of the most relevant and helpful courses in my whole academic career. Since that time I have became fairly competent in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as web browsing. With the exception of iTunes and my iPod I avoid Macs whenever possible and am hoping that ED 422EX will help me overcome my dreaded fear of the white alien computers. I wouldn’t consider myself computer savvy. As I am now using one of the computers at CSUSM, I don’t even know what version of Microsoft Office I have on my home PC. Furthermore, I avoided the cell phone revolution as long as possible. I never had a pager when it was cool and until I moved to Africa where the possession of a cell phone was vital to my communication with family and friends I never owned one of those either.

The mission statement of CSUSM/COE is well written and I am proud to be part of a system that holds such important values. As prospective educators, it is vital that we stay up to date with new teaching techniques and methodology. By promoting, “life-long learning, innovative research and ongoing service” we are securing not just our own future as up to date effective compassionate teachers but also the future of the students whom we will diligently help to succeed in the modern world. Education doesn’t stop after you leave an institution which formally presents it to you. It is a mechanism by which we increase our understanding of the world around us and can easily tap into everyday by simply making observations or reading the newspaper.