The Covid-19 pandemic significantly affected educational institutions globally. According to a report from United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the pandemic disrupted education for over 1.6 billion students worldwide. In the United States K-12 schools were forced to move instruction online and students had to learn from home. Due to limited resources and staff, many schools were not able to shift to online education.
In such a scenario, cloud applications, systems and communication require minimal effort and resources for schools to shift to digital learning and administration. Through cloud technology systems and services, communication between students, faculty and staff significantly improve. Cloud technologies are a necessary and essential tool to drive student engagement and optimize the learning experience.
Struggles Adopting Cloud-Based Technologies
Some schools have initiated the process of implementing cloud-based educational technology; however, several schools are not prepared to make this enterprise impacting change. According to CNBC reports, K-12 schools from 33 US states barely have the capacity to implement cloud computing or other technology projects.
Google and Microsoft, technology companies who utilize cloud-based technologies, are experiencing massive revenue hikes. To meet the consumer and business needs, cloud computing is growing fast to shape the future of Education.
Cloud-Based Technologies are Accessible to K-12
- Digital Classroom Environment for Today’s Students
School districts are visualizing how they can move towards a new teaching and learning paradigm. Cloud computing made distance education accessible and usable by providing virtual classrooms. For instance, Google Classroom hosts over 50 million users globally and will continue to grow as technology dependence increases.
For students who are used to online social, healthcare, banking and retail, virtual classrooms are easily adopted and well-liked by students. As per a recent survey, students who attended virtual classes improved their academic performance. Also, researchers found students were highly motivated in learning due to the synchronous and asynchronous aspects of technology-based instruction. Cloud based technologies provide an improved student experience and better student engagement.
- Online Administration and Services
Cloud technology is beneficial for students and teachers since technology empowers the teacher and learner. Integrating cloud computing systems and services into the daily workflow helps administrators accomplish more through automation and easy access. Cloud technology is a step up from office computers or classroom devices because you can increase productivity by securely connecting from anywhere with minimal IT support.
- Access to Enterprise Technology for K-12 Education
According to a report from Center for American Progress, one of the biggest challenges for K-12 school districts in the United States is lack of funds that prevent schools from implementing solutions for online education. These obstacles increase the digital divide between schools who can afford these services and those who cannot. K-12 school districts can access the powerful and affordable features of cloud computing. These features bring many benefits to schools, including minimized data storage costs, eliminating the cost of expensive hardware and providing ease of access and mobility.
Campus Consortium Helps K-12 education Access and Afford Technology
Cloud based technology brings benefits to all education environments when implemented and supported appropriately and when the cost fits into a frugal and limited budget. There are affordable cloud technology solutions available in the market for K-12 and Higher Education. Campus Consortium, a leading non-profit technology association, helps educational institutions access tools, systems and applications to drive student success and enhance the online learning experience. To know more, visit campusconsortiumfoundation.org
