Journal #1 Computing in the Clouds NETS III & V

          Johnson, D. (2009). Computing in the clouds. International Society for Technology in Education. v37.4 http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/DecemberJanuaryNo4/Computing_in_the_Clouds.htm

          In the article, Computing in the Clouds, author Doug Johnson introduces the concept of relying on applications and file storage on a network: either a local-area network, a district intranet, or the Internet. This eliminates the need to save information to external disks and even emailing documents to oneself. This is beneficial because if your computer crashes, all information will be located online and accessible from any computer with internet. This saves room on your computer as well, allowing it to run faster and more efficient. However, this idea off trusting an online network to secure all my information makes me a little hesitant. I don't believe turning over everything to technology and/or the internet is the best idea. Having a hard copy of document or storing them on a hard drive is the best back up for me. However, loading pictures online may be a good idea since picture take up a lot of memory on a computer. 
           So how would I bring this concept to the classroom? Would it work for me personally? Using this concept of "computing in the clouds" can only go so far in education. To implement this in the classroom, students must have access to a computer and this is not always the case. This does allow the piles and piles of papers to be saved online and eliminates paper waste. Personally, I love an organized file system in paper verses this computing with clouds idea. However, I am an "email it to yourself" person and I admit I have forgotten to email my document to myself and ended up not having it when I needed.

Maria Dixson: Intro Letter

My name is Maria Dixson and although I have traveled the USA every summer, I was born and raised in Oceanside, CA. I attended Magnolia Elementary, Valley Middle School, and completed my freshman year at Carlsbad High School. I decided to transfer to Vista High School for my sophomore to senior year because I wanted a change in scenery. I danced for the Panther Dancers in rallies and football games, loving the school spirit involvement. I started at CSUSM my freshman year and have loved it ever since! I decided to take a semester abroad, so this past Fall 09, I studied in Preston England at the University of Central Lancashire. This was the most amazing experience I have ever had and would recommend studying abroad to everyone in search for adventure!
Growing up with AOL instant messenger and pocket computer toys, "Giga-pets", technology has always been a part of my life. Over the years I have created a myspace and facebook account which allows me to communicate with friends and family. I am very dependent on my PC laptop and cell phone because the thought of being disconnected from my social network scares me! I am proficient in many computer programs and can navigate my way through the Internet. No to mention, my Directv. Without the skill of knowing how to record TV shows, I would never get to watch my favorite shows in my hectic schedule.
As a future teacher, the mission statement of the CSUSM/COE, represents everything I believe in, and everything a teacher should. The promise to "transform public education
by preparing thoughtful educators and advancing professional practices" give me the motivation to strive for excellence and become as best prepared as I can be. The mission statement also strives for diversity, social justice, and educational equality. Having past experience as dance instructor, I understand the diverse spectrum of students and how equality and individual attention is necessary to the success of a student. Technology is a new and innovative way to communicate and connect the instructor and student community.