GoalExplain uploading and sharing, and choose between view-only and edit.
New words
upload · to send a copy of a file or folder from your device to the cloudshare · to let chosen people reach a fileview only · a permission that lets a person read a file but not change itedit · a permission that lets a person change a file
Explanation
A cloud storage service lets you store, share and reach files from any device. First you upload: you send a copy of a file or a folder from your device to the cloud. You can also save a copy to the cloud from the program where you are working. Then you share: you choose who may reach the file and what each person may do. There are two main choices. With view only, a person can read the file but not change it. With edit, a person can change it too. The steps are different on each device and service, so ask your teacher. Now compare with a flash drive, which is traditional storage on one device. A flash drive can be lost or broken, and only the person holding it can use it. A file in the cloud can be reached from many devices and shared with allowed people. A good rule: give the smallest permission that is needed, so nobody changes a file by mistake.
Permission
The person can…
Good for
view only
read, but not change
a grandparent reading your story
edit
read and change
a teammate adding her part of the report
Worked examples
Jana uploads her story→shares: view only→grandmother reads it
Jana wants her grandmother to read her story. She shares it with view only. Her grandmother can read it from far away, and nothing can be changed by mistake.
The old way
The cloud way
three copies
one file
changes get mixed up
everyone edits the same file
Three pupils write one report. The old way: three copies are sent back and forth and the changes get mixed up. The cloud way: one file, and each person has edit permission, so everyone adds to the same report.
Flash drive
Cloud storage
where it is
in a pocket
on remote servers
if it is lost
the file is gone
the file stays safe
sharing
hand it over
press share and choose view or edit
Marwan’s flash drive falls out of his pocket, and the report is gone with it. A report stored in the cloud stays safe and can still be shared with allowed people.
Class activity
Permission cards. Make two cards: ‘view only’ and ‘edit’. A partner reads six situations: a grandfather reading your story; a teammate who must add her paragraph; a class that only needs to read your poster; a cousin who will add the pictures; a neighbour who wants to look at your recipe; a friend who will help write your joint report. Hold up the right card each time and say why.
Practice
1
A grandfather will read your story only. Which permission do you give?
View only.
2
A teammate must add her paragraph to your report. Which permission?
Edit.
3
What is the difference between uploading and sharing?
Uploading sends a copy of a file to the cloud; sharing lets chosen people reach it.
4
Why not give everybody edit permission?
Someone could change or delete the file by mistake.
