Wednesday, 28 March 2012 15:26
What IT Leaders in K-12 Need To Know About Cloud Computing
What IT Leaders in K-12
Need To Know About Cloud Computing
Cloud-based computing solutions
are popping up everywhere,
from online music libraries to
web-based banking. More data
is stored someplace outside of
a computer’s main central hard
drive than ever before.
1
IT leaders in K-12 education environments have a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate how
cloud computing models can provide greater cost efficiency and flexibility in their schools and
districts, and improve learning outcomes at the same time.
Cloud computing comes in many forms. It can mean Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-aService
(PaaS)
or
even
Infrastructure-as-a-Service
(IaaS).
Organizations
can
use
public,
private
or
even
hybrid
cloud
services.
Because
of
the
different
definitions,
the
majority
of
K-12
schools
are
using
some
form
of
cloud
computing
already,
though
they
may
not
know
it,
according
to
research
from
O’Keefe
& Co.
on
behalf
of
CDW-G.
The survey shows nearly 90 percent of K-12 institutions report using one or more cloud applications,
such as Google Docs (57 percent), Gmail (39 percent) or Microsoft web conferencing (9 percent).
More than 30 percent of schools have written plans for cloud computing, and another 37 percent
report being in a “discovery phase.” According to a separate 2009 survey in eSchool News,
roughly half of schools had already adopted one or more cloud-based solutions.
Over the past decade, cloud-based software and data hosting applications have gained considerable
momentum as vendors have largely addressed concerns about performance, security and other
factors. Now, solutions like Amazon Web Services (EC2), Microsoft Windows Azure and Google
Apps are considered viable options—and, in many cases, the best options—for schools seeking a
clear and cost-effective way to implement advanced applications for both the learning environment
and the school back office.
As districts expand broadband access and become more “wired,” they are able to make use of the
rich, robust and multimedia applications that have become available in the cloud. Indeed an array of
educational solution providers has emerged to address everything from curriculum support to learning
management to financial and administrative management.
Analysts urge IT leaders to prepare now, if they aren’t already. “The impact [of the cloud] on our
educational system will be astounding, and many in our educational system don’t see it coming,” says
Tom Bittman, a Gartner analyst. “These trends are moving much faster than our current educational
system can handle.”
Why IT Decision Makers Are Investing in the Cloud
IT decision makers in K-12 education are embracing the cloud for two big-picture reasons: cost and
learning potential. Leaders recognize that cloud-based applications can be rolled out more quickly
and require less support from an IT staff that’s already stretched too thin. Instead of worrying about
servers and hard drives, IT support can focus on dealing with larger issues. This can mean significant
savings
to
a district
or
school
over
time.
One of the most compelling advantages of cloud computing is the fact that schools don’t need to invest in
the implementation, integration and ongoing maintenance fees associated with traditional software
applications. Organizations pay one monthly subscription fee (sometimes paid annually or on a
multi-year basis to derive deeper discounts) to gain access to the functions and capabilities necessary
to upgrade operations or enhance student learning.
Sponsored by Lenovo and Intel
What IT Leaders in K-12
Need To Know About Cloud Computing
From the perspective of improving
K-12 student education, cloud-based
solutions enable schools to adapt
more quickly to frequent changes
in school curricula and standards,
which translates to superior
outcomes.
2
In contrast to costly and complex learning-management systems implemented onsite, schools can
now turn to providers who deliver these learning support, tracking and management capabilities
instantly in the cloud. What’s more, these platforms and their capabilities are perpetually updated,
refined and improved—reflecting a faster pace of product innovation than traditional software
vendors could deliver.
In addition to software applications, another popular approach to cloud computing is server-based
desktop virtualization. Instead of stand-alone full desktops, IT can supply students with less expensive
“virtual” PCs that store data and software on a server instead of centrally. This means schools can
provide more students with computer access at a lower overall cost.
While cloud computing brings higher levels of operational efficiency and productivity to schools,
it also provides the advanced infrastructure for personalized learning. From the perspective of
improving K-12 student education, cloud-based solutions enable schools to adapt more quickly to
frequent changes in school curricula and standards, which translates to superior outcomes.
Where once schools and school districts were fully dependent on print-based textbooks as the
means of delivering content, they now have online options that enable them to present new
courseware and other learning resources that reflect the most up-to-date requirements. Furthermore,
cloud-based solutions enable students and teachers to access information from anywhere at any
time, which facilitates learning outside of the classroom.
Gartner’s Bittman is particularly impressed with the power of cloud computing to 1) deliver low-cost
and free technology for social interaction, publishing, collaborating, editing, content creation,
computing, etc.; 2) increase the amount of content both available to students and created by them;
and 3) enhance communication and collaboration among teachers, students and other parties.
Making the Case for Cloud Technology in K-12
So what are the key factors that will continue to make cloud computing essential to the advancement
of K-12 education? Here are several ways for to IT to make its business case:
Increased efficiency. Schools that have adopted cloud-based applications are experiencing
considerable gains in terms of time to implementation and overall impact relative to what they
could expect through conventional on-premise solutions. Given their limited IT staff resources, they
are able to accomplish more with less. IT can devote more time, resources and attention to integrating
technology into the educational experience and far less merely ensuring it’s up and running. In the
O’Keefe study, respondents said they expect to see a 15 percent savings from cloud adoption in
two years and as much as 25 percent in five years.
Greater flexibility. Schools now have the ability to add licenses incrementally as needed and
as budgets will allow. They can modify their subscriptions as appropriate and as they go. They
are no longer forced into making huge upfront investments in money and resources without a clear
sense of how technology adoption will play out. Such options are particularly valuable for schools
with constrained budgets. They gain access to advanced capabilities without huge capital outlays.
Sponsored by Lenovo and Intel
What IT Leaders in K-12
Need To Know About Cloud Computing
3
Enhanced customer service. Because cloud-based solution providers depend on customer
loyalty to grow their businesses, their interests are fully aligned with what their clients need. That’s
why cloud-based providers have proven more responsive in terms of customer care than traditional
software providers who didn’t rely on ongoing subscriptions.
Ongoing Innovation. Given the centralized and shared infrastructure associated with cloud
technology, application providers are in a far greater position to deliver ongoing updates, refinements
and innovations than traditional software companies. Every time they add a new function or
capability to their platform, it becomes immediately available to all customers—on-demand and
in real-time.
Conclusion
The opportunities for introducing advanced technology capabilities into the K-12 education have
been increased by the emergence of the cloud movement. IT decision makers now have options
that can enable them to improve productivity and flexibility, reduce total costs, and most importantly
to school leaders, result in better quality of learning for the students they serve.
Sources:
Bittman, Tom (2008). Cloud Computing and K-12 Education, Gartner, November 2008.
Brekhus, Todd (2008). “Education Outside the Box: Building a Software as a Service Business Model,” Experts’ Guide to the
K12 Market, SIIA.com.
Flanagan, Andrew (2008). “What You Need to Know about Software as a Service,” Experts’ Guide to the K12 Market,
page 81, SIIA.com.
Kaplan, Jeffrey Kaplan (2010).”How SaaS and Cloud Computing are Transforming Education,” Internet.com, October 2010.
Nagel, David (2011). “K-12 Budget Begins to Move to the Cloud.” T-H- E Journal, Retrieved December 2011 from
Sponsored by Lenovo and Intel
This is a great article I discovered on http://www.eschoolnews.com.IT leaders in K-12 education environments have a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate how cloud computing models can provide greater cost efficiency and flexibility in their schools and districts, and improve learning outcomes at the same time.
Cloud-based computing solutions are popping up everywhere, from online music libraries to web-based banking. More data is stored someplace outside of a computer’s main central hard drive than ever before.Cloud computing comes in many forms. It can mean Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-aService (PaaS) or even Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). Organizations can us epublic, private or
even hybrid cloud services. Because of the different definitions, the majority of K-12 schools are using some form of cloud computing already, though they may not know it, according to research from O’Keefe& Co. on behalf of CDW-G.
Published in
Technology in Education
Tagged under
Tuesday, 03 January 2012 14:39
Thumbnails of Favorite Links
Sycamore Education is not a finished product...and that's a good thing! We are constantly adding new features and enhancements in response to feedback from clients and in response to new and changing technology. If you haven't already, check out the mobile web app, and the learning management system.
The latest enhancement doesn't add any additional functionality to the system, but it definitely adds to the aesthetic appeal.
Users of Sycamore Education already had the ability to display a list of links to their favorite websites on the homepage, and on every classroom homepage. Now users can display not only the names of the sites, but also a thumbnail of the web page, as well.
Sycamore Education has over 200 completely integrated features in one great looking package. You really need to see this system to appreciate just how attractive and user-friendly it is. And we've made it easy to do this: just contact us, and we'll get you started on your free trial right away.
The latest enhancement doesn't add any additional functionality to the system, but it definitely adds to the aesthetic appeal.
Users of Sycamore Education already had the ability to display a list of links to their favorite websites on the homepage, and on every classroom homepage. Now users can display not only the names of the sites, but also a thumbnail of the web page, as well.
Sycamore Education has over 200 completely integrated features in one great looking package. You really need to see this system to appreciate just how attractive and user-friendly it is. And we've made it easy to do this: just contact us, and we'll get you started on your free trial right away.
Published in
New Features
Wednesday, 21 December 2011 14:05
New Customizable Alert for Pass-a-Note
Ok...this isn't a brand new feature, but it is a new feature within a feature. The Pass-a-Note just got even better!
If you already use Sycamore Education, you probably love the Pass-a-Note feature (let's call it PAN, for short). The PAN already has a lot of great features built into it. Users can upload a graphic or photo, change the background color, and add a signature. Users can even have their PAN's forwarded as text messages or emails.
Now users can add a custom audio alert, so every time you receive a new PAN you can hear Marlon Brando say "The horror," or Larry the Cable Guy saying "Git-R-Done."
Some advice: pick a sound that's not going to annoy the people who work around you. That means no Celine Dion samples.
If you already use Sycamore Education, you probably love the Pass-a-Note feature (let's call it PAN, for short). The PAN already has a lot of great features built into it. Users can upload a graphic or photo, change the background color, and add a signature. Users can even have their PAN's forwarded as text messages or emails.
Now users can add a custom audio alert, so every time you receive a new PAN you can hear Marlon Brando say "The horror," or Larry the Cable Guy saying "Git-R-Done."
Some advice: pick a sound that's not going to annoy the people who work around you. That means no Celine Dion samples.
Published in
New Features
Monday, 02 January 2012 17:10
Sycamore Adds Learning Management System
You probably already know that Sycamore Education is a great student information system (SIS). It's also a complete school administration system (SAS). And it's a powerful customer relationship manager (CRM).
Now we're adding another acronyn to the mix: LMS. That's right, Sycamore now includes an integrated (and quite nifty) learning management system.
Check out this screen shot:
:
Now teachers have some really nice tools which are integrated into every classroom homepage.
Teachers can set up a syllabus for the class, a schedule, and include class policies. And teachers can easily customize and configure these features to suit the specific needs of the given class.
As I mentioned, these features are seamlessly integrated into the Sycamore Education system. Which will lead to the topic of my next blog post: Don't Even Thank About Purchasing a Stand-Alone SIS.
A little foreshadowing here. I can't tell you how many clients I've talked to who are considering purchasing a stand-alone gradebook, a stand-alone curriculum manager, or a stand alone SIS. Don't do this! The days of stand-alone products are numbered. Why would you want the headache of trying to manage several products, while trying to manage an entire school? I'll elaborate in my next post.
Now we're adding another acronyn to the mix: LMS. That's right, Sycamore now includes an integrated (and quite nifty) learning management system.
Check out this screen shot:
:
Now teachers have some really nice tools which are integrated into every classroom homepage.
Teachers can set up a syllabus for the class, a schedule, and include class policies. And teachers can easily customize and configure these features to suit the specific needs of the given class.
As I mentioned, these features are seamlessly integrated into the Sycamore Education system. Which will lead to the topic of my next blog post: Don't Even Thank About Purchasing a Stand-Alone SIS.
A little foreshadowing here. I can't tell you how many clients I've talked to who are considering purchasing a stand-alone gradebook, a stand-alone curriculum manager, or a stand alone SIS. Don't do this! The days of stand-alone products are numbered. Why would you want the headache of trying to manage several products, while trying to manage an entire school? I'll elaborate in my next post.
Published in
New Features
Wednesday, 07 December 2011 09:54
Pass-a-Note
I'll say it again: Sycamore Education is so much more than just a student information system. The Pass-a-Note feature is just of many communication tools that are integrated into the system. It's also one of the favorite features. When I attend conferences around the country, I spend a lot of time talking to teachers and administrators who use Sycamore Education on a daily basis, and almost without fail, I hear how much they love the Pass-a-Note feature. Let's call it PAN, for short.
The PAN is sort of a cross between an email and an instant message, but it has some extra functionality thrown into the mix. PAN's are configurable so schools can allow parents to communicate with teachers and staff, if they choose, or they can just make it available for the employees of the school. PAN's can be sent to one person, a group of people, or to the entire school with just the click of a button. We've had many school report that they noticed a significant reduction in the number of phone calls from parents to the front dest after they started using PAN's.
One of the great things about PAN's is that - unlike emails or instant messages - users can actually check to see if the message was delivered, read, and deleted.
It's also easy (and fun) to customize your PAN's to suit your own individual tastes. Users can easily add a picture or a funny graphic, choose the color, and add a signature. And now users can even add a customized audio alert.
Published in
Featured Features
