FAQ: Learning in the Cloud

Here are some questions we get asked regarding "Learning in the Cloud"

What is cloud computing?

The "cloud" is just another name for the Internet. All you need is a web browser and Internet connection. Applications (e.g. mail, word processing etc) are all "in the cloud" rather than locally installed. Your data/work is also stored in the cloud rather than as a file on a local computer or server, and there's no more cumbersome transferring of files by email or USB drive.

What does our school need for “Learning in the Cloud?”

You already have an Internet connection - preferably broadband, better still, fibre (also known as UFB - ultra fast broadband)  You also have computers (which can include desktops, laptops, tablets, iPads, iPods, smartphones)  The more the merrier. Wireless is ideal for handheld devices.

So, the only thing you need is a helping hand from KiwiSchools to set up "Learning in the Cloud" for your school! (Thinking of DIY?  Read on...)

Can we set up Google ourselves?

Yes, you can.  Some schools have set up individual accounts for teachers and even students.  There's  a downside though.  Each Google account is personally owned quite independently of the school, so there's no way of controlling or monitoring activity in this virtual environment. Many parents will be unhappy with students being given a Google account without their involvement.  Unfortunately, in practical terms, it's not possible to migrate content from personal accounts to a school-managed Google Apps for Education account later so much good work can be lost.

So, we should choose Google Apps for Education?

Absolutely. A school is MUCH better off with Google Apps for Education than individual accounts.

However, busy teachers also need Teacher Dashboard so they can keep an eye on what's happening in their own class.  The setup, management and maintenance of a combined Google Apps / Teacher Dashboard account is complex, and, we believe, best "left to the experts," as you do now for tech support on your school file server or mail server.  

Yes, you can do it yourself (in which case we wish you luck, and point out that we don't offer a troubleshooting service to DIYers!)  We've heard of keen teachers spending several weeks getting under way, only to have to dismantle the whole platform because it wasn't configured correctly in the first place. KiwiSchools is experienced with Google Apps for Education as a school platform. We're also an approved reseller and support partner of Teacher Dashboard.

Will there be any changes to our ICT infrastructure at school?

The first thing to investigate is "How can we get faster broadband?"  Talk to your ISP or technical people to find out what options you have available now (and in the near future)

Once people at your school have become familiar with "Learning in the Cloud", your broadband usage is going to climb!  In time, you should be able to offset the increased cost of this against reduced in-school server requirements.

What about remote access for staff? … students?

"Learning in the Cloud" is anywhere, any time!  There's really no obstacle to every member of staff and every student in your school having 24/7 access.

What are the benefits and downsides of Learning in the Cloud?

We think the biggest benefits are sharing & collaboration plus anywhere/anytime access. There are lots of others though.

I’ve used webmail (Xtra/Yahoo, Hotmail, GMail or similar) before.  Is this different?

Yes and no.  Webmail is just one component of Google Apps for Education.  It's virtually the same as GMail (Google's webmail) but the school controls all email accounts. Users familiar with webmail will find email in Google Apps quite familiar.