Education Executive - Fall 2011 - (Page 34)
CLOUD COMPUTING changer is bring your own (BYO). Cloud computing is essential for implementing a BYO initiative. BYO refers to schools that let students and teachers to bring in their computer devices and use them in school. Just as students bring in their own notebooks, calculators, pens, and pencils, computer devices are learning tools. Schools will, in greater proportions and subject to rules, let students and teachers bring their own technology into the classroom and sync it with the school’s cloud computing system, giving them easy access to all the necessary materials. Many schools are piloting this approach today. The writing is on the wall for BYO to become the norm. Our industry struggles with the cost to maintain (much 34 | Education-Executive.com FALL 2011 less grow) the 15 million computers we have today serving our 54 million students and teachers. Many households have already made great investments in mobile computing devices. Cloud computing is the technology that makes BYO possible because, with the cloud, schools do not need to install or manage software on that BYO equipment. All that is needed is access to the school’s internet connection (filtered, of course). Welcome to the future of instructional technology! ◆ Berj Akian is the founder and CEO of ClassLink.com. ClassLink’s K-16 education products include LaunchPad, a cloud-based blended learning solution; ClassMate, a student information system; and OnTrack, curriculum management and instruction software.
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