By now you might have encountered the term "cloud computing." But what is cloud computing? Is it working on your PC while on a flight from Seattle to L.A.? Is it web surfing while climbing Mt. Whitney?Thankfully, no. And don't worry, there will not be any travel or outdoor activity associated with thing #8.
Cloud computing refers to working with web-based programs rather than programs that are on your PC. All of your cloud computing documents that you create live in a server, not on your machine. Sound complicated? A little scary? Don't worry, complete this "thing" and you will be up in the clouds in no time.
One of the most popular cloud computing applications is Google Docs. This is a suite of applications that is very similar to Microsoft Office. There is a spreadsheet tool, a presentation tool, and a word processor. There is no software to download because it is all Internet based. The program and the documents you create with the program all live somewhere on Google's server farm.
We are going to be using the Google Docs word processor for this thing. The folks at Common Craft provide an excellent over view of the Google Docs word processing program. Check it out:
Objectives:
- Understand cloud computing
- Learn how to contribute to a community document
Activities:
- Contribute to a Google Doc! Here is the URL for the document. Add your reflection on the potential usefulness of this technology to the Google Doc. Think about how we might use this thing here in the library.
- On your blog, post a link to the document to let us know about your contributions.
-Mike
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