Using G.ho.st Virtual computer

for my Web 2.0 Tools class with Kathy Schrock I created a virtual computer  at G.ho.st.  Creating an account was very easy. I was sent an email to anthenicate my email address with a link to log into my new virtual desktop. After I logged on a new desktop opened.  I upload a few documents and also created a new .doc using the Soho writer that is a shortcut on the desktop. The interface was very “Windowy” and easy to naviagte.  There was a tutorial window open on the desktop for first time users that explained most of the options. 

An application for such a webbased application is that using a virtual computer you don’t need to lug a laptop with you on trips as log as you have access to one when you get there.  With the new Mini computers having access to a virtual computer mat help with no cd drive issue. You set on your virtual desk top with web-based apps and take it from there. G.ho.st also has mobile phone capabilities, so now if your cell phone has a browser you have a computer that fits in your shirt pocket

My concern is that the virtual desktop is suppose to be secure, but I worry about people hacking into my information. For this time I’ll keep my banking info and bill pay, safe behind my firewall and security software.

Professional Learning Communities – Book Study Groups

One of the ways that I could use blogs professionally would be as a platform for discussions with Book Groups.  I would like to have the staff study Susan Watts Taffe and Carolyn B Gwinn’s  Integrating Literacy and Technology (Guilford Press, 2007). This format would work very well because you can create links to many of the websites referenced by the authors.  Another reason to use a blog for a book study group is the ability to make the discussion any where/any place.