Google Docs

Today's experience is all about cloud computing and the advantages or disadvantages that this type of programing can pose. It is quite easy to see the benefits of using a system like Google Docs when sharing information. It is convenient-say you are working with a group of people to create something. Simply posting and sharing on the cloud allows all parties to view and edit minus numerous phone calls, texts or emails about ideas. It can all be done and shared instantly. Awesome! In the classroom students can use this technology to collaborate and expand their knowledge through technology. NETS standard 1 refers to teachers as a facilitator to inspire student learning and creativity through technology and collaboration. Cloud computing, such as Google Docs is  one tool that can make those goals possible.
It can also be useful to share and make available something like a resume. Companies can keep the email with the link to your resume, rather than downloading(and wasting server space) or printing(wasting paper...yikes). This environmentally and efficient solution is to simply click and view at your convenience. Here is an example of doing so with my resume. I see one of the disadvantages of cloud computing could be privacy. Although the "share" options are private or public, one mis-click can make your content public to everyone. This can be a problem for highly sensitive information and private knowledge. I can see how some individuals or companies may not favor this as an option.
Overall, I found this sharing of documents through cloud computing to be useful, easy and beneficial. Hope you all find it to be useful as well.

I SEE, you SEE we all SEE each other

Today I downloaded and explored a new online video program called VSEE. I have been familiar with Skype for years, but this seems to have many more options that can be useful. I especially can't wait to try the file sharing...click and drag a file to the other persons screen...can you say convenient and cool! To answer Dr. Pierces question...YES, I am having fun! So far, so good. Downloading VSEE was very easy-the site walked me through it quickly. This left some good time for exploring the "test" feature and getting excited to actually use it with a friend or colleague.

Introduction

This is where my experience as a blogger begins, right now with my first post! I am a graduate student at Shenandoah University studying to earn my Masters of Science in Education. I am also working at an amazing elementary school in Fairfax, VA. This will be my third year as a First Grade teacher at Greenbriar West Elementary School. I am excited and nervous about this course, EDU 585, due to the challenges I am sure to face as we move through the technology world and explore new avenues for technology in the classroom. 

Stay tuned to experience useful ways of incorporating technology into our world of education. I can't wait to take you on my journey and share some tips (hopefully useful ones) along the way. I will blog about my experiences of using the various types of digital literacies, share my resources and address the International Society for Technology Education's National Technology Standards (NETS). Wow, that was a mouth full!  Well, here we go...