IUanyWare and Teaching & Learning

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1 IUanyWare and Teaching & Learning Chip Easterling Instructional Technology Consultant Center for Teaching and Learning

2 CLOUD COMPUTING: OVERVIEW

3 Key Concepts Cloud Computing Traditional computing Software is installed on each computer where it is used Software is maintained per machine/installation Licensing (varies, often per installation per machine) Software primarily uses local resources (desktop computer, processor, etc) Does not (always) require a network connection runs independently Cloud computing Software is installed on a central (collection of) server(s) Software is maintained centrally Licensing still varies, but can use different models Software primarily uses remote resources; local computer serves as a window to the software running remotely Use of a client to connect to and use remote resources Requires an active network/internet connection to access software

4 Cloud Computing Applications run on remote servers, and local users use these apps via an Internet connection

5 Key Concepts Cloud Storage Traditional storage Files are saved on a local drive (hard drive, optical drive, USB drive) Paths to files are local How do we share files? Cloud storage Files may be saved on a local drive if using a sync service, but files are stored remotely Paths may be local, but the primary resting place (oversimplification) of the files are on a remote storage device Sharing one, centrally located file via URL, not multiple copies

6 Cloud Storage Files are stored on a remote server or servers, and local users read, save, or edit these files via a web browser or some other tool (Box Sync, Dropbox client, etc

7 IUanyWare and Cloud Computing What is it? Cloud-based computer lab Centralized software accessed through a client (Citrix receiver) Mobile devices: instructions on the IU Knowledgebase ( download free Citrix app from your app store Storage and IUanyWare? IU Cloud Storage Choice of services note on what services to choose for different types of data Can link: IU Box, SkyDrive, Dropbox, IU network storage, Google Drive Save your files from IUanyWare apps to your chosen cloud storage service

8 IUanyWare: Possible Benefits and Challenges Some Strengths Centralized software tools (licensing, maintenance and access) Available from any location (not computer-lab dependent) Flexibility of access (from home, at 3am) Targeted, secure access Accessible from mobile devices Access Windows software on other platforms (Mac, Linux) Some challenges Good internet/network connection required Issues with connectivity (as with other online services) Individual use (not synchronous, collaborative use like Google Docs or similar tools) If students connect remotely, inability of instructor to easily see what they are doing ( computer lab effect )

9 Benefits & Challenges in Teaching & Learning Applications Some Benefits Device agnostic (mostly), allowing for greater access and participation Implications for groupwork outside of class asynchronous access to tools for coursework reduced dependence on labs, esp, in online courses Shared, collaborative resources for F2F or online courses Some Challenges Possible learning curve? Internet connectivity Licensing and availability issue (for some titles) Dependence on central service versus multiple, redundant systems? Synchronous vs asynchronous use & application

10 Questions How do you define productivity? What does productivity look like in a classroom (face-to-face or online)? For faculty? For students? What place does it have?

11 IUANYWARE EXAMPLES

12 Example: Access to the Right Tools Sometimes students do not have the software that would make their tasks better, easier, or more productive. Sometimes their device is an issue (Windows software, but they have a Mac; mobile device) Cloud computing platforms as a bridge to productivity tools Files can be stored via IU Box Professional-quality tools for the IU community

13 Example: Online Course Groupwork No longer bound to a room Who can meet at 9pm on Wednesday in the library? Using tools that used to be used only in a lab, but potentially in fully online courses Issues of support? Same tools, same formats, same experience Minimize confuse between group members if everyone has the same experience with a tool (the same version of Word, for example) Room for more peer support Can save to shared cloud storage that

14 Example: Data Analysis Projects For research or coursework Access to statistical analysis tools anywhere with an Internet connection not dependent on a lab with licensed copies When using cloud storage multiple users can read and edit files useful for group projects (if applicable depends on data usage/mgmt limitations for studies)