Cloud computing. A potential paradigm for practising the scholarship of teaching and learning
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471111125177 |
| Published date | 12 April 2011 |
| Date | 12 April 2011 |
| Pages | 214-224 |
| Author | P.Y. Thomas |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Cloud computing
A potential paradigm for practising the
scholarship of teaching and learning
P.Y. Thomas
Educational Technology Unit, Centre for Academic Development,
University of Botswana, Gabarone, Botswana
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to explore the educational potential of “cloud computing” (CC), and how it
could be exploited in enhancing engagement among educational researchers and educators to better
understand and improve their practice, in increasing the quality of their students’ learning outcomes,
and, thus, in advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) in a higher education context.
Design/methodology/approach – Adoption of the ideals of SoTL is considered an important
approachfor salvaging the higher educationlandscape around the world that is currently in a state of flux
and evolution as a result of rapid advances in information and communications technology, and the
subsequent changing needs of the digital natives. The study is based on ideas conceptualised from
readingseveral editorials and articles on server virtualisation technology and cloud computing in several
journals, with the eSchool News as the most important one. The paper identifies two cloud computing
tools, their salient features and describes how cloud computing can be used to achieve the ideals of SoTL.
Findings – The study reports that the cloud as a ubiquitous computing tool and a powerful platform
can enable educators to practise the ideals of SoTL. Two of the most useful free “cloud computing”
applications are the Google Apps for Education which is a free online suite of tools that includes Gmail
for e-mail and Google Docs for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, and Microsoft’s cloud
service (Live@edu) including the SkyDrive. Using the cloud approach, everybody can work on the
same document at the same time to make corrections as well as improve it dynamically in a
collaborative manner.
Practical implications – Cloud computing has a significant place in higher education in that the
appropriate use of cloud computing tools can enhance engagement among students, educators, and
researchers in a cost effective manner. There are security concerns but they do not overshadow the
benefits.
Originality/value – The paper provides insights into the possibility of using cloud computing
delivery for originating a new instructional paradigm that makes a shift possible from the traditional
practice of teaching as a private affair to a peer-reviewed transparent process, and makes it known
how student learning can be improved generally, not only in one’s own classroom but also beyond it.
Keywords Botswana, Teaching,Educational development,Digital storage, Search engines,
Virtual learningenvironments
Paper type General review
The road to success is always under construction (Author unknown).
Introduction
Many advances in learning technologies are taking place throughout the world; these
advances offer a range of tools and new opportunities to enhance teaching and learning
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
EL
29,2
214
Received 14 December 2010
Accepted 19 December 2010
The Electronic Library
Vol. 29 No. 2, 2011
pp. 214-224
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640471111125177
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