Tool Choice #1 - Virtual Storage

I chose to investigate “Virtual Storage” as a means to simplify taking files with me as I move between home and two assigned schools. I am curious about ways I can provide files for student and parent access, especially large audio and video files. Right now, I have a blog where I create password-protected pages for students to practice at home. For an upcoming concert/event, I will be upload music mp3s, sheet music pdfs, etc. If students can remember the password, their parents can help them access these files from home. This has worked relatively well, however I use the same password for all students K-5, so for example a 1st grader could go to the 5th grade page and listen to songs for the 5th grade concert. Yes, I could setup different passwords for every grade level, but it also creates multiple pages on my blog, which increases problems with navigation. About a year ago I heard about a free program called Dropbox and downloaded it to my iPod Touch, but never used it. Yesterday my table colleagues and I spent some time using the tool and uploading files to a shared folder. We were able to see changes to the folder happening in real time. We were able to easily access each other’s files if we have the appropriate file to open them. I can gather emails for parents and sort them by grade level, invite them to access the one specific public folder I have created filled with sheet music and audio tracks. This will be very beneficial for large video files of past concerts that I can provide for parents without burning numerous DVDs. I see all kinds of possibilities!