Is it time you explained the Cloud to your students? It seems like everyone is talking about the Cloud these days. Apple and Amazon are offering Cloud services such as iCloud and Amazon Cloud Drive. So what does this mean for college professors.
Consider that many more colleges are using the Cloud for everything from storage to attendance records. The Cloud could soon be part of you and your students’ everyday college life, if it isn’t already.
Add to that the fact that research by Virtustream revealed that more than half of all U.S. businesses use Cloud computing to some degree, and it’s easy to see why knowledge of the Cloud is important for your students now, and in their future endeavors.
Follow these 5 steps to start planning your Cloud tutorial today:
1. Understand The Cloud
The first step to explaining the Cloud is to make sure you understand it.
If you’re already familiar with the Cloud, you’re all set to start planning your tutorial. If not, take some time to get to know the Cloud on a one to one basis.
In essence, the Cloud means that data and files, from essays to music to photos, are stored online instead of in physical computers. These files are then accessible from any device with an internet connection.
With the wealth of information out there today, you should be able to find some straightforward articles on the Internet that will make the Cloud easy to understand.
2. Explain The Cloud
The heart of giving a Cloud tutorial to your students is explaining the Cloud to them. There are two important elements to this – what you say, and how you say it.
So what do you say?
Essentially, you want to explain the Cloud in a way that is memorable and easy to grasp. If you memorize a technical explanation and start talking about “storage as a service”, your tutorial will be dull. Instead, take some time to think of a good analogy for how the Cloud works.
Friendly homing pigeons, for example, who fly your files up to the Cloud until you need them, then obediently bring them back again, wherever you are in the world. Or whatever works for you and your students.
Now, say it with style. If you can find a video that gives a good explanation, or use a fun diagram or eye catching slide show, you are much more likely to get your students’ attention, and they are much more likely to remember how the Cloud works.
3. Show The Cloud
The next logical step is to show your students how the Cloud works.
You can draw on examples that many of them will have heard of, to show how the Cloud is already part of their everyday lives.
For example, using Spotify to listen to the same tracks on their tablet, laptop and IPod. Google Docs is another well known Cloud based application that will most likely be familiar to many of your students.
If you can arrange a demonstration of Cloud computing, showing how the same file can be accessed on more than one device, you will give your students a visual learning aid that will enhance their understanding of the Cloud.
4. Get Students Involved
The more active you can make your tutorial, the better.
Here are some suggestions:
* Ask plenty of questions;
* Ask your students to come up with their own Cloud analogies;
* Set a 10-minute writing exercise – ask them to write a list of Cloud-based applications they have used;
* Have a debate about Cloud computer versus more traditional models;
* Split them into small groups for a Cloud-based project, such as all collaborating on one Google Docs file.
5. Have A Clear Aim
The clearer your aim for your tutorial, the easier it will be to plan content that meets those aims.
Stating your aims at the beginning also lets your students know what they are working towards.
If your aim is to explain the Cloud clearly and have your students complete a small Cloud project, state that, and give them a way to measure their achievements at the end of the tutorial.
The Cloud is becoming part of everyday life, from the home to college to business.
By planning and delivering an excellent Cloud tutorial, you will be preparing your students to work with Cloud technology effortlessly.
About the Author: Tristan Anwyn is an author who writes on subjects as diverse as health, positive thinking, car insurance quotes California, and business.
