Cloud Computing has been one of the biggest buzzwords over the last few years but surprisingly, it’s likely that we have all been using it for more than 10 years now! Gmail, Office 365, Facebook and Skype are all examples of cloud solutions that we have probably experienced. We may not think about these products in this way but the simple cloud principle behind them gives us easier access to our everyday like school email account, documents and student information. An added benefit to this cloud-based scenario is it is availability on any device, anywhere, at any time which is great for teachers who work in different ways!
Productivity in the cloud is ever-evolving and the latest innovations are making everyday applications that we use in the classroom even more mobile and collaborative. With the combination of training, support and LGfL TV, moving to the cloud can effectively tackle the teacher workload and manage simple tasks like setting assignments for students. It would also allow teachers to work collaboratively, more seamlessly.
As an example, let’s take a Medium term plan. We have all experienced trying to open a document at the same time our partner teacher does during a planning session. Multiple versions get saved onto the staff drive and USB pens, copy and pasting issues…it becomes difficult to work with and plan effectively this way! By using a cloud-based platform, teachers are able to work on a document collaboratively, in real-time! The document is automatically saved to a shared folder and it gives teachers back so much more time to focus on other tasks. This makes using a cloud-based solution as easy as keeping up with your personal life on Facebook.
Moving to the cloud can often feel daunting and knowing where to start, an even greater challenge. LGfL can provide training, best practice and technical support to help you migrate to the cloud seamlessly. Our dedicated Learning Resources Consultant’s not only support you with getting the most out of your cloud platform, but assist on curriculum mapping and building a digital transformation framework to develop your schools cloud journey.
How can the Cloud transform your School?
Flexibility – From a Teaching and Learning perspective, using cloud-based software means you are able to finish that report on the bus into work, provide live feedback to students in class and bring their latest progress data into the school hall for parent consultations. The anywhere, anytime approach really provides teachers with their classroom at their fingertips.
Security – Rest assured that your data in the cloud is much more secure than what’s hosted on a tower under your desk or in your server room. With certain applications within your cloud platform, as a Teacher, you are able to control what the students are able to access to make their experience safe and secure.
Capacity – Even now, schools spend a lot of budget on resourcing and managing infrastructure which may be out of date. With cloud computing, that’s no longer an issue. Now, you can focus on how the solution provides a shift in productivity, collaboration and progressive technologies.
Cost – Using a cloud technology can reduce maintenance fees. No more servers, software, and update fees. Many of the hidden costs typically associated with software implementation, customization, hardware, maintenance, and training are rolled into a transparent subscription fee. LGfL provide training, absolutely free and can be customised to the need of schools, on an individual basis.
It’s open –The Internet and your cloud platform will allow you to connect services to each other with seamless integration. This means that you can centralise your information and access it from anywhere in the world, on any computer or mobile device, at any time.
For more information on using a cloud-based platform and training, click here.