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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