Managing Laboratory Data Using Cloud Computing as an Organizational Tool

Abstract

One of the most significant difficulties encountered when directing undergraduate research and developing new laboratory experiments is how to efficiently manage the data generated by a number of students. Cloud computing, where both software and computer files reside online, offers a solution to this data-management problem and allows researchers to coordinate their efforts just as easily whether they are working in the same laboratory or laboratories halfway around the world. This article discusses the use of Google Docs, a free cloud suite of office programs, for the management of a research project and in the development of a new experiment for the undergraduate organic laboratory.

Jigsaw teaching method for collaboration on cloud platforms

“…Cloud computing tools (e.g. Google Docs) also provide a solution to data-management problems and enable users to coordinate efforts (Bennett & Pence, 2011).…”

“…G suite for Education, Google Drive, Docs, Slides, and Sheets) are particularly useful. Studies on the use of Google applications have indicated that students prefer discussion and collaboration, have positive attitudes towards collaborative platforms, and interact effectively in group projects and that these platforms positively influence intention (Bennett & Pence, 2011;Deton, 2012;Huang, 2017). Studies showed that the application of technology (Al-Samarraie & Saeed, 2018) and the jigsaw method (van…”

Exploring Cloud Computing Tools to Enhance Team-Based Problem Solving for Challenging Behavior

“…There is growing consensus that cloud computing tools offer more cost-effective options for educators who are able to gain expanded access to research and collaborative opportunities that leverage high-performing technology infrastructure, despite limited resources (Gonzalez-Martinez et al, 2015; Sabi et al, 2016). This consensus is reinforced by findings that the specific cloud computing tools that form the foundation of the KMS-BI (Google Forms, Google Sheets, and Microsoft OneDrive) are already used broadly in education settings (Gonzalez-Martinez et al, 2015) for a variety of applications (e.g., see Bennett & Pence, 2011; Bonham, 2011; Herrick, 2009; Nevin, 2009; Sultan, 2010).…”

How Should Chemistry Educators Respond to the Next Generation of Technology Change?

“…Cloud computing allows students to work on individual projects independently but report their results in a way that makes it easier for an instructor to keep track of them. Bennett and Pence have used the cloud in this way to manage the data from an undergraduate laboratory or research [6].…”