Building a network in the cloud sounds like a great idea, less overhead, better structure, easier access, right? The problems lie in making sure that the cloud is accessible for all children, that everyone has access to a device with broadband capability.
Along with access students and their teachers would need training in how to access all the programs needed for learning in their classroom, whether the class is in a physical space or out in the virtual world.
One suggestion I have heard is linking businesses with government programs that provide benefits for children who are living on or below the poverty line. Putting aside the fact that no one is supposed to know who those children are, there is the real possibility of stigmatizing a child when they show up with a new tech toy from a "sponsor" that their friends know this student couldn't possibly buy. Can't you hear the conversation? Where did you get that? Who did you steal that from?
I've talked a bit about the technology divide that we currently experience in our country. Tech gear is to our current generation as Calvin Klein jeans were to mine. The only way to avoid that kind of attention is for schools to provide technology for their students, like businesses provide computers for their workers. If we need to have "sponsors" they should be providing or underwriting gear for the whole district.
Businesses should be looking to partner with schools. This is where their next generation of workers are coming from, don't they want them to be ready to work when they apply? Many point to government saying they should provide for our students. I don't believe that to be true. Public education is a shared cost, it's an investment in our future. Tax-payers, government agencies and businesses should be investing in education technology in equal shares.
My two cents.
-AMA
