Thing 9: The Cloud

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In this Thing, you’ll develop your understanding of the ‘Cloud’ and explore what opportunities it presents for you, your learning and people who use social services.

Open Badge information

Open Badge: SSSC 23 Things Digital – Thing 9: The Cloud

Introduction

The cloud is a network of computers with huge storage capacity. Instead of accessing files and data from a local or personal computer, you are accessing them online from any Internet-capable device – the information will be available wherever you go and whenever you need it. 

Cloud services such as Dropbox, iCloud and Google Drive allow people to store files such as pictures, documents and videos and have access to them from a smartphone, computer, laptop or tablet as long as there is an internet connection.

There are several benefits to this.

  • You always have a backup of your files. If your device breaks down, you don’t lose your data.
  • You don’t need to carry storage media around with you (like USB memory sticks, CDs or DVDs).
  • It’s easy to share files with others and collaborate.

Of course, there are some risks to consider too. While all reputable cloud service providers make great efforts to assure your data security, it can never be 100% guaranteed. Your files could be accessed by others in the event of a cyber-attack on the cloud service you use. If your password is compromised or easy to guess then you also run the risk of someone accessing your data. Many people are using the cloud without realising it. It’s worth checking to see if your phone is backing up your photos to the cloud. For many people, their most frequent interaction with the cloud is when they upload photos to a social media website.

Instructions

a) Read the following Cloud guide for the public sector

b) Upload a file to the Cloud

WARNING: DO NOT UPLOAD CONFIDENTIAL OR ORGANISATION-SENSITIVE MATERIAL TO THE CLOUD. THIS WOULD VERY LIKELY CONSTITUTE A DATA PROTECTION BREACH AND COULD LEAD TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

Apple users

You probably already have a free iCloud account. Log in using your Apple ID and see what, if anything, you have stored there. Try uploading a file and accessing it on a different device.

Google users

If you have a Google account, you can log in and explore your free Google Drive. Do you have anything stored there already? Try uploading a file and accessing it on a different device.

Dropbox

One of the most popular cloud storage platforms is Dropbox. You can sign up for a free account and try uploading a file. Once you’ve done this, try accessing it on a different device.

c) Blog

Write a blog entry of at least 100 words on what you have learned about the cloud and how you think it might support your practice and learning. Consider the people who use your service and what advice and support you might offer them regarding their use of cloud technology.