Cloud computing has eliminated barriers to the learning environment, students have the ability to access their online learning environment from any device anywhere there is an internet connection. Learning is no longer restricted to a physical school building but rather accessible from any device connected to Web 2.0, removing geographic and socioeconomic barriers (O’Brien et al. 2017).

Web 2.0 also provides benefits for teachers, through the use of online learning spaces instructors post and collect assignments, share digital resources and provide real-time feedback to students. Online learning platforms, such as Google Classroom, allow students to work at their own pace and interact with peers online. Learners are able to participate in new conversations, formulate ideas and share higher-order thinking through online interfaces and multimedia platforms (Gogan & Marcus, 2013). Google enables students to collaborate and share resources (Console, 2012). Online discussion can be facilitated through Google Hangouts, co-learning and collaboration of projects can be accomplished through Google Slides and Google Docs.

Cloud computing has influenced society to demand unlimited data storage and demand instant access to data (Wing, 2008). What students may not understand is that participation in Web 2.0 enables personal information to be collected, used or stored. It is the responsibility of those in care and custody of students education to teach and inform them how to participate responsibly in the digital world. There are risks associated with cloud-based computing and connected learning environments, therefore students need to be taught to operate as responsible digital citizens (Goldstein, 2014).

Cloud Computing