GoalGive four benefits of the cloud and four things you need to use it.
New words
availability · being able to reach your files from any place that has internetsoftware licence · permission to use a program, which often has to be boughtbackup · a second copy of files kept safe in case the first is lostbrowser · a program that opens pages and services on the internet
Explanation
The cloud has four main benefits. First, easy access: you do not need a very strong device, because the heavy work is done by powerful computers elsewhere. Second, availability: you can reach your data, files and programs from any place where there is internet. Third, lower cost: there is no need to buy software licences and no need to buy a strong, expensive device. Fourth, sharing: you can share digital resources with other people. To use cloud services you need four things: a device such as a computer or a phone; a browser or an app; a connection to the internet; and an account with a provider, as in Week 8. If one of these four is missing, the service does not work. Remember also that a cloud service is only as safe as its password and its owner’s habits. Store a backup copy of important work.
Benefit
What it means
Example
Easy access
no strong device needed
an old tablet runs a big program online
Availability
reach files from any place with internet
open a project at a relative’s home
Lower cost
no licences, no costly device
a class uses a program without buying copies
Sharing
share resources with others
a team works on one file
Worked examples
old tablet asks→strong computers do the heavy work→result is shown
Marwan’s tablet is old and slow. He still uses a big drawing program online, because the heavy work is done by strong computers far away. His tablet only shows the result.
Mina has a device, a browser and an account, but today the internet connection is down. She cannot open her cloud file until the connection is back. All four things must be there.
A school buys a program for its computers. A licence costs 10 units (invented) per computer. Ten computers would cost 10 × 10 = 100 units. A cloud program that needs no licence per computer costs nothing extra for each device. This is lower cost.
Class activity
Write the four benefits and the four needs of the cloud on eight small cards. Mix them. A partner sorts them into two piles: “why we use it” and “what we need”. Then choose one need and describe what happens when it is missing.
Practice
1
Name the four benefits of the cloud.
Easy access, availability, lower cost, sharing.
2
Name the four things you need to use cloud services.
A device, a browser or an app, an internet connection, and an account with a provider.
3
Why can an old tablet use a big program online?
Strong computers far away do the heavy work.
4
Which thing is missing: a device, a browser and an account, but the internet is down?
