As cloud technology begins to evolve the modern classroom, what considerations do schools need to keep in mind as they build an effective tech strategy?
Cloud technology can benefit schools in several ways; from supporting students as they move to fill learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, to supporting staff as they navigate a challenging work landscape, often encountering burnout.
To reap these benefits, schools must ensure they have a strong framework to support the integration of cloud technology into their learning environment; this can come in the form of an accessible learning strategy. So, what are the considerations schools should ensure make up the core of their accessible tech strategy? Here are three to think about.
Catering for individual student requirements
‘Accessible’ means available for all – so, to build an accessible tech strategy, you must consider how to make technology available for all students.
Firstly, consider the individual requirements of each of your student groups. How do they learn? What ways do they prefer to use to communicate? Next, consider how a tech strategy can support these individual requirements.
‘Gamification’ can provide tailored learning programmes for different abilities through online games, and cloud servers can provide easy-to-access resources both at school and from home; virtual learning environments allow children to engage with discussions digitally, as opposed to in person.
To have a truly accessible tech strategy, the individual need of each student must be catered for with solutions to improve their learning and encourage engagement.
Training for all
When developing an accessible tech strategy you should consider who you are doing it for. Those who will most benefit from an accessible tech strategy include parents, staff and students. So, what measures can your school implement to make sure they all reap the benefits?
Providing parents, staff and students with training on the cloud technology adopted by your school is the first step to accessibility; it will minimise the risk of lost time from technical difficulties in classes, as well as building trust with your target groups. The more they know about how to use the technology, the more comfortable they will be with it.
Also, having a ‘tech expert’ at your school is a great way to promote new technology, especially when you are building a new culture around it.
Smart investments
One element you must consider in your tech strategy is spending. Cloud technology is a great way to save costs while still receiving the best tech products for your school. For example, software is often offered on a subscription basis, free to upgrade, and doesn’t require hardware upgrades as regularly as other technologies.
Implementing measures such as staff and student taster sessions can be a useful way to test the suitability of the software you are thinking about investing in.
Cloud technology has the potential to transform the modern classroom by transforming the learning landscape into a more accessible and enjoyable place for students to learn and staff to work.
However, in order to do this, schools must have a strong tech strategy to support them as they make the transition to the cloud.
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