by Dr. G. A. Anderson

Created on: August 21, 2010   Last Updated: February 09, 2011

"Cloud computing" is a relatively new term for many people who are inexperienced in IT and all the latest technologies and devices that help us in our everyday work and play. What is it?  "It is software. It is hardware." It is technology. It is one of the newest forms of technology and is used in many different ways. One of its main features is its flexibility. For example, a young student in a low to middle-class school district can have access to the same educational tools through this technology as a student in an affluent, well-equipped school district. Online, university students have the same access to learning materials, instructors, labs, and libraries as students in top-ranked campus universities.

Cloud computing is now used in virtually every sector of business, industry, agriculture, education, and personal life. Individuals are using it without even being aware as they share Internet accessibility to obtain the information they need, when they need it. People at top levels of school administration are beginning to see the wisdom of using cloud computing during our current recession to get more value for the amount of dollars spent on investments for educational improvements. Through Internet-based resources, students of all ages from the very young to the more mature university student have access to "the most advanced educational materials, software  applications, and computing resources." 

Cloud computing creates shared service centers. For example, North Carolina State University now gives access to advanced resources to students from Kindergarten through 12th grade via their Virtual Computing Lab, "a cloud computing technology developed in partnership with IBM" according to recent reports. IBM, working in tandem with local nonprofit organizations, is providing special technology centers for the youngest students in the state "by donating and distributing another 100 KidSmart learning centers."  New technological methods are introduced to the very young using innovative technology to "integrate interactive teaching and learning activities into pre-K curricula," says Stanley S. Litow, president of the IBM International Foundation. Litow was formerly Deputy Chancellor of Schools for New York City and has valuable insight into methods of improving learning in schools and universities while cutting and saving costs. Cloud computing is one method of reducing costs associated with all education, including higher education.

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