The changes and challenges in supporting learners whatever their devices

– an experience of migrating to cloud computing

Dr. Kathy Maitland Academic Lead SAS

The reason for changing to cloud computing:• There was limited access to the software which

was only available in one lab and one hot spot in the Open Access computer area.

• Students could not practice or work on their assignment at weekends or late into the evenings.

• Students need to work when they wanted and on their own computers.

The opportunity arose to introduce the software On Demand through the cloud.Anticipated problems:- we had problems loading the base software onto lab computers, so expected problems with software access through the Cloud.- cloud interface looked different to base software used in the labs – different icons and layoutit was half way through the semester with Easter approaching.

Students had different technical abilities and types of computers:

-Different processors-Different operating systems-Different Internet access at home (including firewalls, etc)-Laptops, netbooks, desktops

I trialled the On Demand system on my own computers. I have three computers and an iPad.

- a university desk top- a laptop - a netbook- an iPad

All my computers are quad cores running Window 7.All my computers have the usual base software of Microsoft Office, Adobe reader, etc.

The cloud computing software ran a thin client/server architecture. This required registering with the company to download the client software. I started the trial with my desk top at university.The downloaded software should have then autorun on the client computer.As expected the software downloaded OK but unpacked with errors.

I knew from experience that the base software that we currently used required an up to date Java Environment.The log showed that there was problems with the Java Environment (JRE) and a 3-D java component missing.Having located this on the Internet I downloaded it and added it to my JRE – first problem solved.

I worked my way through many software updates until the thin client software had loaded successfully.The next problem was connecting to the client server through the cloud.It did not work and contacted the helpline.

The company was pleased that I had the software working on Windows 7 as they were still experiencing problems and I shared my knowledge with them. There was still network problems.As it was a Friday we the problems could not be sorted out, but they suggested that I tried at home as I had more control over that network.

• Thin client software downloaded Ok on my computer and netbook.

• Connect to the client server and it worked!• The software does not work on Apple!

I took my netbook to work and link to the cloud through our WiFi – and it worked.The problem with my desk top was the Ethernet port was locked – unlocked the port and software worked.

Summary of Technical problems:• Windows 7 – On Demand and only worked on XP and Vista• 3-party software components required• network and firewall problems•Did not work on Apple computers

Roll out to student• just before Easter• students needed to register to download client side software• students with laptops carried loaded the software and got it working in seminar

Students working from home had problems• Problems downloading the software – slow

download – timed out• Firewall problems • JRE problems• Most of the problems that the students had

we knew the answer to.

Changes in the Interface:• Perceived to be a problem• Students accepted new interface with no problems• Sometimes running the On Demand software put

another file extension to their data file locator. Students needed to reset where the data files were location

• Students needed to remember to save their work locally.

•Most students managed to use the On Demand software any where they could access the Internet.•It enabled student to work when they wanted and on their own devices.•It enabled me to work any where and at any time and on any of my devices – except my iPad. I would not like to use the software on my Smart Phone

Summary

• this was a major migration from base lab software to On Demand Cloud Computing• different devices, operating systems and internet connection• technical ability of students varied from expert to novice•Change to different interface

Successful transition to Cloud Computing!

Caveat: some of the students had issues with the Quality of Service –problems their ISP, Server down, slow speeds at high load times.