1 - Welcome
Warm-up (30 seconds): Think about your Digital Portfolio folder from previous lessons. Where is it saved right now? On the computer's hard drive or already in the cloud?
Today you'll learn how cloud storage keeps your school work safe and accessible from any computer — essential for sharing your Something Real project with teachers and classmates.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Sign into your school OneDrive or Google Drive account
- Upload files and understand how cloud syncing works
- Use version history to recover older versions of your work
- Sign out safely from shared school computers
2 - Key Concepts
Cloud Storage Basics
- Cloud storage = files saved on internet servers, not just your computer
- Syncing = automatic copying between your computer and the cloud
- Version history = cloud keeps all previous versions of your files if you make a mistake
- School accounts = your school email provides access to cloud storage with limits managed at the school/tenant level (often 100GB–1TB per user depending on Microsoft 365/Google Workspace license type and pooled allocation). Check with your teacher for your specific quota.
Why This Matters for Your Portfolio
Your Something Real project lives in the Digital Portfolio folder. Cloud storage means:
- Access from home, library, or any school computer
- Automatic backups — no lost work
- Easy sharing with teachers and classmates (Lessons 8-10)
- Safe sign-out from shared classroom computers
3 - Step-by-step Task
Follow these instructions to sign into your school cloud storage and create a test file. Stay signed in for the next activities (Portfolio Build and Reflection). This uses your school account (not personal Gmail/Hotmail).
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Students on Devices
- Students complete the Step-by-Step Tutorial activity on their own laptop or tablet.
- Students follow step-by-step instructions on their devices. Instructions are tailored for their platform (Windows/Mac/Chromebook) and application (Microsoft 365/Google Workspace).
- Walk around the room to monitor progress and assist students who need help.
Option 2: Teacher-Led (Whiteboard/Projector)
- Display the activity on your interactive whiteboard or projector.
- Display the tutorial on the whiteboard while students follow along on their devices. Switch between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace tabs as needed for your classroom setup.
- Invite students up to interact with the board, or have them call out answers from their desks.
4 - Portfolio Build
Now move your Digital Portfolio folder to cloud storage. This creates your stable cloud home for all 10 weeks.
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Students on Devices
- Students complete the Step-by-Step Tutorial activity on their own laptop or tablet.
- Students follow step-by-step instructions on their devices. Instructions are tailored for their platform (Windows/Mac/Chromebook) and application (Microsoft 365/Google Workspace).
- Walk around the room to monitor progress and assist students who need help.
Option 2: Teacher-Led (Whiteboard/Projector)
- Display the activity on your interactive whiteboard or projector.
- Display the tutorial on the whiteboard while students follow along on their devices. Switch between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace tabs as needed for your classroom setup.
- Invite students up to interact with the board, or have them call out answers from their desks.
5 - Reflection
Answer these in a new document called {{code:CloudReflection_Lesson8.docx}} or {{code:CloudReflection_Lesson8.txt}} and save to your cloud portfolio:
- Why is cloud storage better than saving only on the school computer?
- What risk does 'Remember me' pose on shared classroom computers?
- How will version history help your Something Real project?
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