"Cloud Computing", It's More Than Just a Cool Buzz Word

In the last six months or so I have been hearing a great deal of buzz about "Cloud Computing". Cloud Computing is not a reference to Cirrus, Cumulous, Stratus or the other forms of clouds related to the science of meteorology.  I recently saw an AT&T television commercial professing the benefits of Cloud Computing and how much better life in the cloud is. I must say, I was intrigued by the concept and decided to explore this latest hot tech resource. Being one who uses three different flash drives, numerous documents on my laptop, desktop, and iPhone, Cloud Computing carried some interest for me.

In my research on Cloud Computing I found there is really no universal definition for this concept. Much has been written lately in popular IT magazines and e-books on Cloud Computing, so almost everyone has attempted to garner a definition. The most simplistic, albiet understated definition I could find for Cloud Computing was "on-demand web-based services". I will not attempt to add to the confusion by providing my own definition, instead I will share how I have used this newest form of technology.

For me Cloud Computing has provided a sense of comfort and freedom knowing that I can now save all my written documents and pictures on a secure server that I can access from any computer/smart phone/tablet, anywhere as long as I can access the internet. I no longer need to save files on my flash drive, computer hard drive, or send myself email attachments of documents (Power Point, Word files, Excel, and others). With Cloud Computing I can save ALL my files using FREE "Cloud" based tools, such as Google Docs or Dropbox and access the files anywhere. Through these Cloud providers I can access my files and make changes, my changes are then "synced" across all my devices. If I am working on a project with others, I can give these individuals or groups access to my files and they too can make changes. Any changes to the files are date stamped and the name of the person making the change(s) is recorded.

If you use a computer regularly and need remote access to documents no matter where you are in the world, store multiple files on thumb/flash drives, or work with others on projects requiring that you send/receive e-mail attachments, I would encourage you to consider using cloud based storage solutions.

"Cloud Computing" is more than just a cool buzz word.

An Open Letter (not an email) to Social Work Students

January 16, 2011

Social Work Student
911 School of Social Work Lane
Anytown, USA 11111


Dear Social Work Student:

I hope this letter finds you doing well. I am writing to say how very pleased I am to hear of your interest in the profession. When I began my social work program many, many years ago I had no idea what to expect as a soon-to-be social worker, what I did know was that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others.

I was a social work student during the mid-late 1980s, and as you might imagine life was very different then. I would like to share a few words of wisdom to help guide you on your path to becoming a tremendous social worker. Before you sit in your next social work classroom (whether it is virtually or in real life), think about what our world might be like in the next 20-25 years and how as a social worker you might make a difference.

In order to make an impact in the future you must be knowledgeable about the issues/challenges individuals face. This means you cannot afford to take shortcuts with your education. Please read (yes read) your textbooks and related readings prior to going to class, don't just rely on the professor's lectures, PowerPoint slides, and class discussions because it won't be enough to prepare you for tomorrow's challenges. Please treat your professors and classmates with respect and listen to each other for the purpose of understanding others' views, even if you disagree.

Exercise your critical thinking and problem-solving skills (this means don't avoid research and math based courses)! As you engage in complex problem-solving exercises, you are better preparing yourself to tackle complex issues in the workplace when under stress and pressure. As you sit in your social work classes, please do focus, listen, engage, and try to learn as much as possible from your professors and each other. Fight the desire to check Facebook and send text messages. The professor knows you are not engaged and your classmates, distracted and annoyed by your behaviors may secretly report you to the professor.

I know this has been a long letter, but I hope this information proves helpful. Please know that you can write me back anytime and ask any questions you might have. Take good care, I hope to hear great things from you in the future.

Love,

Cybersocialworker