Last updated 5 hours 3 minutes ago
When appropriately implemented, cloud computing enables the creation and delivery of a ‘virtual desktop’ for each user. This ‘virtual desktop’ can be tuned to the unique needs of each user (teacher, student, administrator) based on the users’ unique information and computing needs and the ‘credentials’ for this user as established by school system IT personnel.
Conversely, in a typical implementation of computing infrastructure, end-user files and applications are stored and accessed from the local hard drive (or solid state flash drive) of an end user computer and thus the end-user (or an IT support person) is tasked with managing and maintaining, and keeping current, the suite of files and applications stored on the local computer.
In K-12 education, this support of end-user devices is an extraordinary challenge given often limited availability of IT support personnel. In an education cloud implementation, these same applications and files are delivered to the computer (via a public or private network connection) from the cloud. The end user desktop is now ‘virtualized’ and rendered visible to the client computer (whether laptop, tablet, traditional desktop, thin-client, netbook, or mobile smartphone) unique to each user profile.
This effectively lowers administration costs of computing (particularly in one-to-one computing environments) and provides a centralized environment from which services can be provisioned and managed. Using a virtual desktop an end-user student, for example, can access their files, applications, and learning tools, from any machine, anywhere, so long as this device has access to the public or private network infrastructure.
ClassLink offers this cloud-based educational environment in the form of LaunchPad. LaunchPad provides a cloud-based virtual desktop that allows students and teachers to access the same files, applications, and collaboration tools from any device. To learn more about BYO, LaunchPad, or any of ClassLink’s other products, call us at (888) 963-7550 or visit us online.
Last updated 7 days ago
Collaboration is an excellent tool for engaging students in classroom activities. Research shows that working together promotes learning by, among other things, tuning in to the desire for socialization. In a physical environment, a teacher would move desks together; in a virtual environment, the solution is less obvious. With ClassLink’s LaunchPad, it's easy if you follow these quick tips:
- With cloud-based desktops, developing a Bring Your Own technology (BYO) strategy will enable collaboration. By making documents and software accessible from anywhere, students don't have to be in the same classroom, or even the same zip code, to interact. Any device that can access the internet is supported by LaunchPad, including Mac and Windows laptops, iPads, Android tablets, and other portable devices.
- Using the built-in document editing suite, students (and teachers!) can work together in real-time on the same document. This allows collaborative writing assignments to be accomplished easier and faster than exchanging emails or handwritten sheets. These documents can also be shared with teachers in order to get quick feedback on a draft or help with editing.
- Screen sharing makes hand-waving descriptions of software displays obsolete. With this capability, students and teachers can instruct one another on the usage of educational software, or demonstrate unique outcomes of virtual experiments. Screen sharing can also be used to troubleshoot problems students are having with assignments.
- Real-time text, audio, and video chat means that students and instructors can interact 24/7. If students have questions they need answered quickly, they no longer have to wait until the next class.
Collaboration in a traditional classroom with different computer devices can be tricky, but with LaunchPad from ClassLink, it has never been easier. No matter where students are located, LaunchPad will allow them to get work done. To find out more about LaunchPad's collaborative or other features, please visit our website or call us at (888) 963-7550.
Last updated 12 days ago
Success Continues for ClassMate by ClassLink.
Use of ClassMate by NY BOCES has More Than Doubled in One Year!
CLIFTON, NJ, February 10, 2012 — ClassLink ClassMate, the only comprehensive student information solution designed especially for unique schooling environments, has experienced remarkable success this past year. ClassMate has seen a 225% growth from New York State BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services), and now manages the data for 33% of the total BOCES enrollment.
BOCES across New York, which administer career and technical education, special education, adult education and alternative education, are choosing ClassMate to improve student outcomes and ease state and federal reporting requirements.
“Our work with ClassMate has been one of the most transformative processes I’ve ever experienced,” said Gene Silverman, Executive Director, Regional Schools and Instructional Programming, Nassau BOCES. “It was a profound game changer for our BOCES that is continuing today. We now have a very thoughtful process between teachers, administrators and staff that is entirely focused on students’ needs and the outcomes we want. ClassMate has shifted the thinking of our group of educators.”
ClassLink ClassMate is a customizable student administration solution that gathers and reports all student data. ClassMate provides educators the information they need to adjust their curriculum plans to meet student needs and improve learning. ClassMate also streamlines the previously time-consuming job of compiling reports and submitting state required data.
“The professionalism, expertise and caring of the staff at ClassLink is as important to me as the product itself,” continued Silverman. “Our work is often difficult and challenging, requiring a unique framework and close working relationships. ClassLink listens to our needs, values them, and includes them in our future ClassMate upgrades.”
“ClassLink service specialists work closely with our clients to ensure a smooth and effective transition to ClassMate. They then continue to walk alongside to provide additional customization to meet their specific needs,” added Berj Akian, CEO, ClassLink. “ClassMate is the only management solution available that can provide this level of customization. I have to say that I am most proud of the longstanding partnerships we have created with our clients.”
To read the full press release, please visit ClassLink online.
Last updated 14 days ago
In this session you will learn insights on change management and how other schools have implemented their own BYO programs. Hear from industry experts on how they navigated change in their districts and got started with their own crawl, walk, run with BYO.
Our panelists for this session include:
- Leslie Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, One-to-One Institute
- Jay McPhail, Director of Instructional Technology & CTE at Riverside USD
- Berj Akian, ClassLink Founder and CEO
To help school districts with their BYO initiatives, ClassLink offers LaunchPad which is your personalized cloud desktop giving access to schools from anywhere. Accessible from any device, LaunchPad is ideal for BYO initiatives. LaunchPad's multiple views include a surprisingly simple virtual desktop and an empowering instructional desktop.
With many different devices showing up in the classrooms today, everyone expecting 24/7 access and schools needing to lower costs, a different approach is needed and quickly. Try LaunchPad.
Click here to visit ClassLink's website for more information on our panelists or click here to register now for this free event!
Last updated 20 days ago
In the current environment of dwindling budgets and increasing demand for technology in all facets of everyday life, the “bring your own device” (BYO) strategy makes sense for educational institutions. Additionally, it is clear that students desire to bring their own devices (e.g. smartphones, laptops, tablets) from home; and this can be leveraged to provide not a distraction, but a more robust educational experience.
Streamlined Access to Information
Currently, the usage of these devices has largely been restricted to writing reports on laptops or emailing a teacher using a smartphone. These limitations are not inherent to the devices, which can play a more significant role in education using cloud computing. With cloud computing educational software, students can interact with instructional software, their teachers and classmates, and files from inside the classroom and out. Wherever students or teachers can take their devices, they can interact just as if they were in a computer lab at school.
Reduced Equipment Costs
A BYO strategy can also provide some much-needed relief to strained budgets. Besides the inherent cost savings of using a cloud computing educational environment, the BYO method can also help cut costs in equipment. For each student who is able to bring in a computing device, one fewer school-owned computer has to be purchased, maintained, and upgraded. By integrating devices already owned and understood by students into the educational environment, schools may streamline both budgets and educational processes.
ClassLink offers this cloud-based educational environment in the form of LaunchPad. LaunchPad provides a cloud-based virtual desktop that allows students and teachers to access the same files, applications, and collaboration tools from any device. If students already have laptops, iPads, tablets, or other mobile devices, they have all that is required to pursue their education from anywhere. If you’d like to learn more about BYO, LaunchPad, or any of ClassLink’s other products, call us at (888) 963-7550 or visit us online.
