Useful Tools: The Cloud

Introduction

The cloud or cloud computing is a buzzword term used to encompass network-based services. That means, software, platforms or infrastructure that can be used online.

Installation is not required, the services are hosted in a remote location and you only need to log in.

Nowadays, this tool is mostly used for running online versions of almost every program and as online storage.

Nevertheless, all that glitters isn't gold. Although it represents an improvement, that's obvious, we should think about a couple of things before leaving our private files to someone else's hands.

After this short introduction, I would like to point the advantages and disadvantages of the cloud regarding the educational environment.

Advantages

Backup: Files in the cloud are stored on multiple machines at once. Constant backup is done automatically. Lose data it's almost impossible unlike in our hard drive. Now students have no excuses to hand in their homework.

Updates: The company provider handles with those annoying updates instead of users. Students don't have to worry about nothing because they will always have the latest version and full compatibility.

Cost: Schools can eliminate the servers or at least reduce the associated tech support costs. Moreover, cloud software is way cheaper or even free. Purchasing serials will be no longer necessary.

Flexibility: Student can access their applications wherever, whenever, on any synchronized device.

Storage: Free storage space provided should be enough for our educational purposes. In any case, they will never run out of space because there is always the possibility to add more GB.
Simplicity and Time: Students save a lot of time not having to install or configure anything.

Disadvantages

Security: Despite the security measures, nobody can guarantee 100% that the files won't be opened by any intruder or an employee of the company.
Data Transfer: In comparison to the transfers in our hard drive, uploading a 50MB file may take a long while, depending on our internet connection.
Features: Some applications are optimized for the cloud use. They are like cutted versions of the program. This may represent a problem because of the lack of features.
Support: It takes too long to solve a problem because of their customer service. It's very common in web apps.


Based on my personal experience, I would recommend three cloud services.
If you are an Apple user, iCloud is the best way to connect your devices and share information.
If you want to share with others a lot of files or large size data, Dropbox is the fastest tool to upload/download.
GoogleDrive is the future of ICT education. Not only allows students to create groups, but also to write and edit files at the same time!! Very intuitive, fast and easy to master. It also has a huge amount of widgets to add new possibilities.