Cloud Computing
According to the “2014 Horizon
Report” (NMC, 2014), cloud computing is “expandable, on-demand services and
tools that are served to the user via the internet from specialized data
centers and consume almost no local processing or storage resources” (p.
36). This statement explains that data, services, and/or tools are stored
on a network instead of one single device and the information can be accessed
from anywhere, at any time, on any device as long as you have a connection to
the Internet.
History of Cloud Computing
There are multiple references that
can used to determine who started or identified the term of cloud computing.
Based on the article, “A Brief History of Cloud Computing” by
Maximilliano Destefani Neto (2014), cloud computing had three main stages in
its creation before becoming what it is today. Cloud computing was first
created in the 1950’s with mainframe computing. During this time, several
users were able to access a single computer using different terminals.
The terminals’ only jobs were to access the mainframe. This allowed more
than one computer to access the same space, information, or resources.
Before this, applications and data had to be loaded and stored on the
individual computers. You had to use that computer to access the application
and data you were looking for.
In 1970, the concept of virtual machines was developed. This step allowed more than one operating system to be housed and running, at the same time, on one physical environment. Businesses were now able to branch out because they were no longer bound to one operating system within their infrastructure.
Finally, in the 1990’s, virtual private network connections began to be offered by phone companies, also known as telecommunications. The access point for connecting to the internet was now phone lines. Users were now able to share access and connect to the same infrastructure. Today, it is known as cloud computing. Individuals can now access information by using many different devices, connect to the Internet, share documents, and identify resources at any time.
Cloud computing has continued to change over the years as more technological advancements have been made. In 1999, Salesforce.com, pioneered the concept of delivering enterprise applications via a simple website. This concept introduced a way for both specialist and mainstream software firms to deliver applications over the internet. Next in 2002, Amazon Web Service was developed. This service provided a suite of cloud-based services including storage, computation and even human intelligence through the Amazon Mechanical Turk. Then in 2006, Amazon launched a commercial web service called, Elastic Compute cloud (EC2). This service allowed small companies and individuals to rent computers on which to run their own computer applications. Finally in 2009, Google and others started to offer browser-based enterprise applications, though services such as Google Apps. This lead to the beginning of what is now identify as Web 2.0 technology. (Mohamed, 2009).
As you can see by the infograph below, the use of cloud computing in both K-12 institutions and higher education institutions is increasing. There are some very clear advantages and disadvantages for using this type of technology. With the ever changing world of technology one can only imagine the possibilities of computing in the future. This type of computing will forever change the way that we teach and how our students will learn.
In 1970, the concept of virtual machines was developed. This step allowed more than one operating system to be housed and running, at the same time, on one physical environment. Businesses were now able to branch out because they were no longer bound to one operating system within their infrastructure.
Finally, in the 1990’s, virtual private network connections began to be offered by phone companies, also known as telecommunications. The access point for connecting to the internet was now phone lines. Users were now able to share access and connect to the same infrastructure. Today, it is known as cloud computing. Individuals can now access information by using many different devices, connect to the Internet, share documents, and identify resources at any time.
Cloud computing has continued to change over the years as more technological advancements have been made. In 1999, Salesforce.com, pioneered the concept of delivering enterprise applications via a simple website. This concept introduced a way for both specialist and mainstream software firms to deliver applications over the internet. Next in 2002, Amazon Web Service was developed. This service provided a suite of cloud-based services including storage, computation and even human intelligence through the Amazon Mechanical Turk. Then in 2006, Amazon launched a commercial web service called, Elastic Compute cloud (EC2). This service allowed small companies and individuals to rent computers on which to run their own computer applications. Finally in 2009, Google and others started to offer browser-based enterprise applications, though services such as Google Apps. This lead to the beginning of what is now identify as Web 2.0 technology. (Mohamed, 2009).
Connecting
Cloud Computing and Web 2.0
Web 2.0 technology can be defined as the ability of users
to be able to socialize and collaborate with others in a virtual environment.
Cloud computing meets this criteria and can therefore be considered a
form of Web 2.0 technology. When individuals use these tools in the
cloud, individuals are able to share information, communicate with others, and have
the ability to collaborate on work, projects, and assignments from anywhere.
As a result, cloud computing is allowing Web 2.0 technology to be easily
accessible by more individuals.
As you can see by the infograph below, the use of cloud computing in both K-12 institutions and higher education institutions is increasing. There are some very clear advantages and disadvantages for using this type of technology. With the ever changing world of technology one can only imagine the possibilities of computing in the future. This type of computing will forever change the way that we teach and how our students will learn.
My
district is in the second year of using Google as a platform for
students and staff. It has been very interesting to say the least. Both
students and staff have had difficulty learning how to use and access the wealth of information and options from this program. I can only hope that districts around the country and world will understand the vast possibilities and allow us to utilize them within our classroom.
Resources:
Mohamed, A. (2009). A history of cloud computing. Computer Weekly. Retrieved February 05, 2016, from http://www.computerweekly.com/feature/A-history-of-cloud-computing
Neto, M. D. (2014, March 18). A brief history of cloud computing - Thoughts On Cloud. Retrieved February 05, 2016, from http://www.thoughtsoncloud.com/2014/03/a-brief-history-of-cloud-computing/
NMC Horizon Report - 2014 K-12 Edition - Cloud Computing. (n.d.). Retrieved February 05, 2016, from http://www.nmc.org/publication/nmc-horizon-report-2014-k-12-edition/
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