Google has already began to influence the core paradigms by which individuals compose, share, and consume digital content. Via the creation of "cloud-based" web applications such as the Google suite of composition tools (e.g., Google Docs), as well as multi-modal content distribution systems (e.g., Picasa, YouTube, and so on), Google has changed, and continues to change, the "rules" by which creators create and consumers consume. To continue pushing their paradigm of having ALL processing and storing power done via the "cloud" (aka secured remote servers), Google is hard at work developing and building a buzz around their upcoming operating system titled "Chrome OS." To make a very long and complicated explanation short, Chrome OS stands to challenge a number of traditional computer usage paradigms including, but of course not limited to, the following:
-computers utilizing Chrome OS will have NO local storage! Zero! Zilch! Nada! Instead, EVERYTHING will be stored on remote servers (aka the "cloud"). In other words, EVERY document, photo, video, and so on created will be stored on company-housed servers vs. personal machines.
-computers utilizing Chrome OS will be REQUIRE a constant connection to the internet in order to access various "cloud-based" features.
-and perhaps most unique, computers utilizing Chrome OS will be little more than conduits / gateways to online content including the existing Google suite of multi-modal composition and consumption tools.
-and perhaps most interesting... computers utilizing Chrome OS will be INEXPENSIVE!
The educational implications and applications of this sort of "cloud-based" computing are no doubt interesting. Imagine how students' and teachers' roles would change if EVERYONE had access to a computer capable of basic multi-modal composition and consumption! However, there are some TREMENDOUS disadvantages inherent to this paradigm of computing that threaten to INCREASE the digital divide vs. close the gap; mainly, the REQUIRED network connection! Until nation-wide internet access becomes more widespread AND affordable, many schools and families risk not possessing the necessary network components to enable core functionality of this device!
Overall, it will be extremely interesting to see how Google Chrome OS plays out, especially for educators. For additional information on Google's Chrome OS, check out the following article:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/the-hub/google-chrome-os-stakes-all-on-cloud-based-low-power-machines/story-fn4k6e9r-1225805697769
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