Week 9: Social Tools and Cloud Computing

This week we shifted to talk about social tools that use cloud computing. Cloud computing is using server-based applications as a service rather than being tied to a specific platform on a specific machine or device. For instance, Google Docs and Delicious are both good examples of cloud computing. Cloud computing is Internet-based and can provide easier access than using a specific server or platform.

Because cloud computing was a little technical for me to understand, thinking of cloud computing in terms of Google Docs and Delicious, both of which were assignments in the upcoming weeks, made cloud computing much easier to grasp. Google Docs and Delicious allow people to access the material you’ve created or added. For instance, in Google Docs people can access a document you’ve created (if you’ve invited them) and add to or edit what you’ve already done. Google Docs is a great group organizing tool. Instead of going through meetings and a long series of emails, Google Docs allows every one in the group to share ideas in one place on their time.

The benefits of social tools and cloud computing can affect almost every job, group, or organization. For journalists, cloud computing programs like Google docs is a great way for journalists to share notes and stories and to check accuracy. For instance, if I'm collaborating with another writer, Google Docs would be a great way to fact check and make sure we have the same notes, or to brainstorm ideas about stories for the next magazine or newspaper issue. Similarly, bookmarking sites like Delicious can refer people to useful sites for other projects, ideas, etc. My professor uses Delicious quite a bit, and I have found her bookmarks on Delicious really helpful for my projects. The sites help with my assignments and give me ideas for future projects.

HowStuffWorks.com outlines the benefits of cloud computing more specifically than what my general examples can. The article explains in more detail what cloud computing is and what it specifically does that is so much more beneficial. I also recommend Google Docs for Educators. The Google site explains how teachers can use Google Docs to help their students. Although it might not seem like, students can benefit from cloud computing programs like Google Docs, and the site helps teachers implement them in the classroom.