Our class…brought to you by Cloudware

EDUC 407 is possible because of cloudware technology. We are able to access our coursework and assignments from any device with internet access. The data is not saved on our personal computers, it is all in the cloud. I, personally, would not have the option to attend college if it were not for online-school-access-programs, such as Blackboard. Similar software is used for high school students to attend school remotely. Cloudware is also making ideas such as Sugata Mitra’s School in the Cloud a possibility. Therefore, more people are able to attend school because of cloudware technology.

Cloudware applications can be used to centralize projects and allow collaboration between students from anywhere, and at anytime. Several of the PBL websites we visited are examples of collaborative projects made possible by cloudware, such as Globe.gov and Journey North. I was intrigued by these project-based learning websites, and I believe most teachers would see their potential to benefit their classrooms.

The following Google in Education provides even more ideas on how educators are implementing applications from the Google suite. One school used the programs to create a digital yearbook to minimize printing costs and to allow students to be more involved in the process:

Considering all of the information we have covered thus far on cloudware technology, I believe the greatest benefit is that it allows students to participate more actively and creatively in their class. PBL and the concepts of cloudware applications are not based on old teaching philosophies where the student listens to lectures and teacher-centered assignments. No! Cloudware technology is on the side of student-centered projects and assignments, and the use of these tools is how true innovation and creative learning will triumph.