Cloud computing is a general term most often used in a business context to describe hosted services accessed via the Internet.   By hosting services in the cloud, companies and institutions can decrease or eliminate the hardware, software, and technical support staff cost of providing these services on-site. Cloud computing in education often refers to the hosting of data and applications off-site on a third party system.  This offers students and teachers access to these services from anywhere with access to the Internet.  This also provides students and teachers with a means to facilitate collaboration.  These cloud based services may be subscription based or free to the school.

Cloud-Based Programs for Differentiation 

Google Docs: Google Docs is a cloud-based document editor and storage site. Abby (2012) states "Google Docs is another great source for differentiation because it allows you to have multiple people editing a document, allowing the teacher to provide a substantial amount of guidance".

Blogs: Blogs help students to have a collaborative learning environment with their peers and teachers alike.

Classroom Applications for Differentiation

Just imagine! No more flash drives, no more saving to school computers, and no more headaches when students forget to bring Technology Learning Centers (for all levels) home their saved file from school. Cloud computing offers infinite possibilities in the 21^st Century classroom. However, teachers and administrators can also look at it for it’s potential in differentiating instruction. Below are some methods of differentiating instruction with technology using cloud computing.

• Alternative Submission: Students who are absent for long periods of time or who are home-bound may submit assignments online.
• Group Projects: Cloud systems like Google Docs may allow students to work together on projects. This would allow students from different classrooms, grade levels, or locations to work together. Students in an online gifted program, for example, may band together across the district to complete projects together.
• Students could also post items on Google Docs for an assignment. Each student could, for example, write a short summary on each chapter in their novel. Students would receive instructions on how long their summaries would be depending on what level they are (on-level, above-level, or below-level).
• Storage: Districts may use this for storing online resources for teachers and students. This would allow students and parents to access materials from home or school, which would make a stronger bridge between home and school. Teachers could also easily access information and resources online which would benefit students and their instruction.
• Store multiple levels of the same assignment so that students of different levels can access the files easily.
• Store leveled e-books for students to read
• Assignment Tool: Teachers can create a digital folder for each student and place each day’s assignment in that folder so the cloud works as a daily work folder. This work can then be differentiated for each student.
• The Writing Process: Cloud computing is a tool that allows students to draft, revise, edit, and publish work in the writing process easily. Google Docs is a tool that is used for this often. Many cloud sites even have spell checkers for students to proofread their work!
• Share websites: Through social bookmarking websites such as Delicious or Diigo, teachers can share webpage links with students. They can easily customize and share what information they would like each student or group to learn.

References

Adams, D. (2008). Gaga for Google in the twenty-first century advanced placement language classroom. The Clearing House, 82(2), 96-100.

Benedetti, A. (2012). Benefits of classroom blogging. Retrieved from http://www.educationalit.com/author.asp?section_id=2116&doc_id=252137&

HighT3chDad. (2008, September 29). Cloud computing explained [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJncFirhjPg

Knorr, E., & Gruman, G. (2008). What cloud computing really means. InfoWorld. Retrieved November 28, 2012, from http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/04/07/15FE-cloud-computing-reality_1.html

Rouse, M. (2010, December). What is cloud computing? - definition from whatis.com. Retrieved from http://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/definition/cloud-computing

Young, J. (2008). 3 ways that web-based computing will change colleges—and challenge them. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 55(10), A16.

Benedetti, A. (2012). Tech tools help differentiated instruction. Retrieved from http://www.educationalit.com/author.asp?section_id=2116&doc_id=251003

Using social bookmarking for differentiation. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://eport.education.illinois.edu/view/view.php?id=165

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