House keeping- Gil? Intro Steph and nigel- background, experience? Before we begin- we view ourselves as enthusiastic amateurs- all of what we say is up for debate- if you would like to correct/question please feel free!
Cloud is a metaphor for the internet- Cloud computing is Internet -based computing , shared resources, software and information are provided to computers and other devices on-demand, like a public utility. It is a paradigm shift following the shift from mainframe to client-server that preceded it in the early '80s. Details are seperated from the users who no longer have need of, expertise in, or control over the technology infrastructure "in the cloud" that supports them. Important for educators as we are able to focus on our core business of T&L. Reliable as data is backed up and stored on multiple servers.
Been a fan of google docs, mail since 2007- continual development and tweaking of products.Not an advert for Google- may seem like it, just that when you use the applications they work mopre smoothly than others I have tried including MS products you pay 100's of $$ for.
Can import contacts/share folders from existing docs/mail accounts Postini- Postini is an E-mail and Web security and archiving service owned by Google since 2007. It provides cloud computing services for filtering e-mail spam and malware (before it is delivered to a client's mail server ), offers optional e-mail archiving, and protects client networks from web-borne malware. cost $625 mill!
Share folders- eg ICT cluster, students can work collaboratively- can upload any type of doc although has to be converted to Google doc to edit. Be careful with formatting- eg BoT agenda. Spreadsheets are very uploaded and created, results from forms can feed into a spreadsheet automatically- great for investigations, parent surveys etc
Calendar invaluable as a tool. Has tasks built in- great tool for keeping track of projects- use alerts, txt, email, good for school events on a cal shared with community and embedded in a website.-Can be subscribed to by staff also. Access wherever you are and everyone you share with can view your schedule.
Good if you want to use video with kids but don't want them accessing youtube. Recommends that only staff can upload. Youtube can be a big drain on a schools useage
I use for accessing my email when offsite as we operate a Smartnet mail server. Can be set up with Postini to provide spam filtering etc- Watchdog already provide this.
Uses Blogger and docs- pre Apps, handout shows how Rob (now Principal of Burnside? has implemented Apps)