1 Introductory Lesson 1

What you will need

CloudProfessor (CPF)

Temperature Sensor

Arduino Leonardo

Arduino Shield

USB cable

Learning Expectations (how learning / progress will be demonstrated)

All Create a presentation explaining cloud computing.

Most Capture data from a temperature sensor and upload the results to the cloud.

Some Explain the benefit and drawbacks of cloud computing.

Learning Objectives

Define what is meant by the cloud computing.

Know how to collect data from sensors and upload the results to the cloud.

Understand the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing.

Overview

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of cloud computing. Students will use the CloudProfessor to capture

temperature data and store the results in the cloud.

Curriculum Links (Computing PoS)

Recognises that a range of digital devices can be considered a computer. (AB) (GE)

Recognises that digital content can be represented in many forms. (AB) (GE)

Knows that computers collect data from various input devices, including sensors and application software. (AB)

Computational Thinking Concepts: AB = Abstraction; DE = Decomposition; AL = Algorithmic Thinking; EV = Evaluation;

GE = Generalisation.

Introductory Lesson 1 Working in the cloud

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2 Introductory Lesson 1

Teacher’s guide

Background

You may of heard the term cloud used in relation to computing, storage or services but what exactly is the cloud and how

does it work?

Put simply, cloud computing refers to the storing and accessing of data and programs over the Internet. When something

is referred to as being ‘in the cloud’, this means it is stored on servers connected to the internet rather than using your

computer's own storage.

One of the biggest advantages of cloud computing is that we can access our data (calendar, emails, files and more) anytime

and anywhere just as long as we have an Internet connection and a web enabled device.

It’s very likely that you’re already using cloud computing and may not even know it. If you store files online using services

such as Dropbox, One Drive, iCloud, Google Drive, or upload photographs to Flikr or Snapfish, or use webmail services such

as Gmail, Outlook or Yahoo Mail, or even us social networking sites to store your photos and messages, then you are

already using ’cloud computing’. In fact, many businesses are moving over to the cloud, not only to store their data but

also to access programs.

Benefits of cloud computing:

Easy access—Access you data (calendar, emails, files and more) anytime and anywhere you have an

Internet connection.

Reduced costs—Less processing power is needed as well as less storage space (smaller hard disks).

Reduce your carbon footprint—No need for large servers to be stores on site.

Backup and recovery—Since all your data is stored in the cloud, backing up and restoring data is relatively easy.

Drawbacks of cloud computing:

Prone to attack—Storing information in the cloud could make your data vulnerable to hackers.

Privacy—Privacy of data could be a problem, especially if you’re accessing your data from different locations and

several devices.

Not clear who owns the data—It’s not always clear if it is the company that owns the servers where the data is

stored or the company that created the files who owns the data.

Reduced functionality—Some web based versions of popular software applications don’t have the same capabilities

and functions as their desktop equivalent.

Technical issues—Technical problems such as a poor signal or power outages could result in you not being able to

access your data.

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3 Introductory Lesson 1

Teacher’s guide

Overview

In this lesson, students will learn how any device with an Internet connection can access cloud based services anywhere in

the world and explore the multiple uses of the cloud, from storing data to running multiple programs at once. Students will

also explore how cloud computing is changing the way we live and work.

Starter

Instruct students to power up and connect their CloudProfessor. Hand out the step-by-step guide and ask students to

follow the instructions and write down, using their own words, what the program is doing.

Main

Ask students to explain what they think is meant by the term ‘cloud computing’. Draw out answers such as ‘data and

programs stored on the Internet’, ‘access files anywhere on an internet enabled device’ etc.

Explain to students that, put simply, cloud computing refers to the storing and accessing of data and programs over the

Internet. Explain that, instead of using your computer's own storage, data is stored on servers connected to the Internet.

List some examples of cloud computing such as Dropbox, One Drive, Facebook, Flikr etc. and mention some of the

advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing (see background guide).

Instruct students to make a list of all the cloud based services that they use at home and at school. Once the students have

compiled their lists, ask them to identify the benefits and drawbacks of each service. If time allows, ask for volunteers to

present their findings to the rest of the class.

Plenary

Ask students at random to identify the benefits and drawbacks of cloud computing.

Use Pose, Pause, Pounce and Bounce. Example:

Pose a question to the whole class e.g. What are the benefits of cloud computing?

Pause to give students time to digest the question and think of their answer. If the students are engaged, try

holding the pause for a little while longer to build up the tension.

Pounce: Quickly, select a student to answer the question. i.e. Insist the answer to the question comes from student

A and possibly student B, directly and fast! Obviously, plan in your mind who you are going to direct the questions

to before hand.

Bounce the question or student's response on to another student (immediately after the pounce). e.g. Ask them if

they agree with the students previous answer and to explain why.

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4 Introductory Lesson 1

1. Connect the power of CloudProfessor then press and hold the power button for two seconds; it will turn on and the

power indicator will light up.

2. Insert the Arduino Shield into Arduino Leonardo and use the USB cable to connect the CloudProfessor with Arduino

Leonardo. Attach the temperature sensor to port A1.

3. When the CloudProfessor detects the Arduino Leonardo, a notification will appear on your device; click the

notification to launch the Arduino Leonardo APP, and then select the CPF Arduino Blockly app. Click on Lesson 5.

4. Press the execute button to enter the control user interface (UI) and observe as the CloudProfessor uploads the

data from the temperature sensor to the cloud (5).

Step-by-step instructions 2

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CPF Arduino Blockly app

Edit button

Execute button

Control user interface (UI)

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Sensor data 4

5 Introductory Lesson 1

Extension

Students to write an argument for or against cloud computing for a future debate.

Differentiation

To support students, provide specific examples of cloud based services.

To stretch students, ask them to create a podcast, wiki or interactive presentation explaining the benefits and drawbacks of

cloud computing.

Homework

Students to make a list of all the cloud based services used by their family and friends.

Links

What is cloud computing? (BBC WebWise): http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/guides/what-is-cloud-computing

What is cloud computing?: http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/140172-ibytes-support-update-issue-07.pdf

How cloud computing works: https://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing/cloud-computing1.htm

Disclaimer: Use these sites at your own risk. Acer is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. We

recommend that you check the suitability of any recommended websites links before giving them to students.

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