Cloud Computing and Digital Storage
What is Cloud Computing; Cloud Storage Services; How Files Synchronise; Benefits and Risks of Cloud Storage; Offline Storage versus Cloud Storage; Cloud Service Models
On this page9 sections
- 01Learning Objectives
- 02What is Cloud Computing
- 03Cloud Storage Services
- 04How Files Synchronise
- 05Benefits and Risks of Cloud Storage
- 06Offline Storage versus Cloud Storage
- 07Cloud Service Models
- 08Practical Work
- 09Scenario-Based Questions
Learning Objectives
- Define cloud computing and cloud storage.
- Name common cloud storage services.
- Explain how files synchronise.
- Compare cloud storage with offline storage.
What is Cloud Computing
Cloud computing means using the internet to store data and use programs instead of keeping everything on your own computer. The cloud is not a cloud in the sky. It is a network of powerful computers called servers, kept in data centres around the world.
When you save a file in the cloud, it is sent over the internet to a server, and you can open it later from any device that has a connection. Checking email, watching a video and storing photos online are everyday uses of the cloud.
Cloud Storage Services
Google Drive is made by Google and gives about fifteen gigabytes of free storage. OneDrive is made by Microsoft and gives about five gigabytes, and it works well with Windows and Office. iCloud is made by Apple and works with iPhone, iPad and Mac. Dropbox gives about two gigabytes and works on any device.
These services store the same file for you on their servers and let you download or share it from any device.
How Files Synchronise
Synchronisation, or syncing, means keeping files updated across several devices automatically. When you change a file on one device, the cloud service sends the new version to its server, and the same change appears on your other devices.
For example, if Amina writes a note on her phone, the note is already on her laptop when she opens it, without sending the file by email or copying it to a flash drive. Syncing works in the background as long as the devices are online and signed in to the same account.
Benefits and Risks of Cloud Storage
Cloud storage has many benefits. Files can be opened from any device, they are backed up automatically so they survive a broken device, they can be shared with a link, they free up space on your device, and several people can work on the same document at once.
It also has risks. It needs an internet connection, so files cannot be reached offline. Free storage is limited, and accounts can be stolen if passwords are weak. Files are kept on someone else's servers, so users must trust the provider, use strong passwords and turn on two factor authentication.
Offline Storage versus Cloud Storage
Offline storage, such as a USB flash drive, external hard disk, CD or DVD, does not need the internet. It is fast to reach and gives direct physical access, but it can be lost, damaged or stolen.
Cloud storage needs the internet but gives automatic backup and access from anywhere. The best approach is to use both: keep everyday files in the cloud and keep a backup of important files on a flash drive or hard disk.
Cloud Service Models
Cloud services are delivered in three main ways. Infrastructure as a Service, or IaaS, rents out basic resources such as servers and storage. Platform as a Service, or PaaS, gives developers a ready made place to build and run programs. Software as a Service, or SaaS, delivers ready to use programs over the internet, such as Google Drive, OneDrive and Google Classroom.
| Service | Made by | Free storage | Best with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | About 15 GB | Android, Chromebooks | |
| OneDrive | Microsoft | About 5 GB | Windows, Microsoft Office |
| iCloud | Apple | About 5 GB | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Dropbox | Dropbox Inc. | About 2 GB | Any device |
| Feature | Offline storage | Cloud storage |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | USB, hard disk, CD, DVD | Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud |
| Internet needed | No | Yes |
| Access from anywhere | No | Yes |
| Risk of physical loss | High | Low |
| Automatic backup | No | Yes |
Practical Work
- Open a cloud storage service and upload one document, then open it again from another device if available.
- List three cloud storage services and state the free storage each one gives.
- Make a table comparing cloud storage and offline storage with three features.
- Explain in two sentences how file synchronisation works.
Scenario-Based Questions
- Amina keeps her project only on her laptop. The laptop breaks and she loses all her work. What backup method could she have used, and how would cloud storage have helped?
- Tunde uploads a photo to Google Drive at school and sees the same photo on his phone at home. Explain how synchronisation makes this possible.
- A rural school has very slow internet and needs to give students large video files. Should the teacher use cloud storage or flash drives? Give a reason.
- Explain the difference between uploading and downloading a file, with one example of each.
- A company keeps all its files only in the cloud. A manager argues for offline backups as well. Explain why the manager is right.
- A student says cloud storage is free so a flash drive is not needed. Give one advantage and one risk of relying only on cloud storage.
- Explain why a cloud storage account should be protected with a strong password.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON PUPILS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
| Cognitive | i. Define cloud computing and cloud storage. ii. Name common cloud storage services. iii. Explain how files synchronise. iv. Compare cloud storage with offline storage. |
| Affective | i. Appreciate the value of Cloud Computing and Digital Storage in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly. |
| Psychomotor | i. Open a cloud storage service and upload one document, then open it again from another device if available. ii. List three cloud storage services and state the free storage each one gives. iii. Make a table comparing cloud storage and offline storage with three features. iv. Explain in two sentences how file synchronisation works. |
Rationale: Cloud computing means using the internet to store data and use programs instead of keeping everything on your own computer. Understanding what is Cloud Computing, cloud Storage Services, how Files Synchronise, benefits and Risks of Cloud Storage helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.
Pre-requisite Knowledge: In Week 6, learners studied Internet, Web and Online Services, including what is the Internet, the World Wide Web, search Engines. The knowledge from that week is used again in this lesson.
Learning Material/Teaching Aid: Whiteboard, markers, computer or laptop where available, printed notes and charts on Cloud Computing and Digital Storage, practical task sheets, learners' notebooks and pens.
Reference Materials: Digital Technology for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS 2); NERDC Digital Technology Curriculum; Digital Technology JSS 2 First Term Notes (Week 7); First Term examination and Continuous Assessment question papers.
LESSON DEVELOPMENT
| Stage/Step (Time) | Teacher's Activities | Student's Activities | Learning Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction 5 MINUTES | Welcomes learners, revises Week 6 (Internet, Web and Online Services) with two quick oral questions, and asks what they already know about Cloud Computing and Digital Storage. Elicits responses and writes the topic on the board. | Recall the previous lesson and share what they already know about Cloud Computing and Digital Storage. | Connecting prior knowledge to Cloud Computing and Digital Storage. |
| Step 1 6 MINUTES | Covers What is Cloud Computing: Cloud computing means using the internet to store data and use programs instead of keeping everything on your own computer. The cloud is not a cloud in the sky. Covers Cloud Storage Services: Google Drive is made by Google and gives about fifteen gigabytes of free storage. OneDrive is made by Microsoft and gives about five gigabytes, and it works well with Windows and Office. | Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "What is Cloud Computing" and related points. | Understanding: What is Cloud Computing; Cloud Storage Services. |
| Step 2 6 MINUTES | Covers How Files Synchronise: Synchronisation, or syncing, means keeping files updated across several devices automatically. When you change a file on one device, the cloud service sends the new version to its server, and the same change appears on your other devices. Covers Benefits and Risks of Cloud Storage: Cloud storage has many benefits. Files can be opened from any device, they are backed up automatically so they survive a broken device, they can be shared with a link, they free up space on your device, and several people can work on the same document at once. | Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "How Files Synchronise" and related points. | Understanding: How Files Synchronise; Benefits and Risks of Cloud Storage. |
| Step 3 6 MINUTES | Covers Offline Storage versus Cloud Storage: Offline storage, such as a USB flash drive, external hard disk, CD or DVD, does not need the internet. It is fast to reach and gives direct physical access, but it can be lost, damaged or stolen. | Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Offline Storage versus Cloud Storage" to the class. | Understanding: Offline Storage versus Cloud Storage. |
| Step 4 6 MINUTES | Covers Cloud Service Models: Cloud services are delivered in three main ways. Infrastructure as a Service, or IaaS, rents out basic resources such as servers and storage. Platform as a Service, or PaaS, gives developers a ready made place to build and run programs. | Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "Cloud Service Models". | Understanding: Cloud Service Models. |
| Practical Work 6 MINUTES | Guides learners through the practical work: (i) Open a cloud storage service and upload one document, then open it again from another device if available. (ii) List three cloud storage services and state the free storage each one gives. (iii) Make a table comparing cloud storage and offline storage with three features. Moves round the class to check progress and correct unsafe or careless use. | Carry out the practical tasks individually or in pairs and record what they did in their notebooks. | Applying the lesson through hands-on practice. |
| Evaluation 3 MINUTES | Asks learners to: i. Define cloud computing and cloud storage. ii. Name common cloud storage services. iii. Explain how files synchronise. iv. Compare cloud storage with offline storage. | Respond verbally and in writing to the evaluation questions. | Assessment and consolidation of the lesson content. |
| Conclusion 2 MINUTES | Recaps the main points: what is Cloud Computing, cloud Storage Services, how Files Synchronise, benefits and Risks of Cloud Storage, offline Storage versus Cloud Storage. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 8: Cybersecurity and Online Safety. | Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment. | Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson. |
Assignment: i. Amina keeps her project only on her laptop. The laptop breaks and she loses all her work. What backup method could she have used, and how would cloud storage have helped? ii. Tunde uploads a photo to Google Drive at school and sees the same photo on his phone at home. Explain how synchronisation makes this possible.
On this page9 sections
- 01Lesson objectives
- 02Key vocabulary
- 03Common misconceptions
- 04Teacher activities
- 05Student activities
- 06Practical / learning evidence
- 07Resources and preparation
- 08Assessment for learning
- 09Inclusion and homework
Lesson objectives
By the end of the week, learners should be able to:
- Define cloud computing as remote storage and processing.
- Compare local storage and cloud storage on cost, accessibility and recovery.
- Distinguish public, private and hybrid cloud models.
- Plan a cloud migration from an on-premises storage account.
- State three reasons schools use cloud storage rather than local disks.
Key vocabulary
- Cloud computing: using remote servers for storage and processing.
- On-premises storage: storage kept locally on a school or company machine.
- Recovery: restoring data after loss or failure.
- Public cloud: a provider offering storage to anyone.
- Private cloud: storage reserved for one organisation.
- Hybrid cloud: a mix of public and private storage.
- Migration: moving workloads from one environment to another.
Common misconceptions
- "The cloud means someone else owns my files permanently." Cloud storage retains ownership but needs a connection to restore.
- "Public cloud is always unsafe." Public clouds are safe when providers apply strong access controls.
- "Local storage never fails." Local drives fail and can lose everything at once.
Teacher activities
- Starter: ask whether your photos would survive if your hard drive broke today.
- Define cloud computing by contrasting local storage and remote storage on cost and recovery.
- Compare public, private and hybrid cloud on access and cost.
- Model planning a cloud migration with three migration steps.
- Give learners three statements to classify as cloud computing or storage.
- Close with the exit question about why schools prefer cloud storage.
Student activities
- Answer the starter and state whether local storage would survive.
- Define cloud computing and contrast local and cloud storage on cost, accessibility and recovery.
- Compare public, private and hybrid cloud on access and cost.
- Plan a three-step cloud migration using your school drive as the local source.
- Classify three statements as cloud computing or digital storage.
- Answer the exit question in one sentence about why schools prefer cloud storage.
Practical / learning evidence
A two-column cloud versus local storage comparison, a three-statement classification chart and a three-step migration plan. Submit all three for marking.
Resources and preparation
Printed comparison templates, blank classification chart and a migration planning template. Offline route: paper versions, no device needed. Warn learners not to upload personal files to unknown cloud accounts.
Assessment for learning
Inspect the comparison for equal treatment of both sides. Mark the classification chart for correct buckets. Evaluate the migration plan for three sensible steps and correctness. Flag any learner who confuses cloud computing with storage alone.
Inclusion and homework
Provide the comparison prefilled for learners who need scaffolding and allow oral completion of the classification. Extend confident learners with a four-step migration plan. Homework: compare one local drive and one cloud service on four criteria and write one conclusion.