Activity #7

Google Form: Information Form

The particular example of cloud computing that I shared above illustrates what I think maybe one of the greatest benefits of cloud computing, taking something that was once done with paper and pen and in class and doing it digitally and possibly outside of class.
I use cloud computing extensively in my courses.  Almost everyday students take quizzes using google forms.  Additionally, I have students submit most of their class work on google forms.  It makes organizing the material incredibly easy for me and it allows me to save a ton of paper.
Some of the pros of cloud computing is probably the most simple for me, I have terrible handwriting that even students cannot read.  When I have students submit material digitally I can make comments  that students understand and I can even provide links and videos for further instruction.  Another pro, is I can easily provide the instructions for students who miss class, or wish to do material over again, by simply sharing a link with them.
Some of the cons are obvious, such as availability of the material--especially when the wifi is on the frits, while others are more complicated like training students in the use of such things as google docs.  I  devote at least one day to training students on google docs/presentations/forms/etc. and then try to incorporate it as much as possible.  Otherwise students either forget how to use the service, or fein ignorance.  The easiest way to avoid this is again to use the material as much as possible to not overload students with dozens of cloud options (like evernote) and just stick to one service.