Empowering Education with Cloud Hosting: Unlocking Digital Equity

In today’s technology-driven world, providing students with reliable infrastructure, high-speed internet, and access to internet-enabled devices is essential for their success. Superintendents, administrators, and other education leaders can turn to the Future Ready Schools: Building Technology Infrastructure for Learning framework, published by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology, for guidance on navigating technology decisions. This guide offers research-based information to support budget conversations and rally support for technology investments.

A 2010 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) survey revealed that nearly half of respondents had lower speed connectivity than the average American home. A 2011 FCC survey further indicated that 80% of respondents felt their broadband connections did not meet their needs, and over 50% of teachers reported that slow or unreliable internet access hindered effective technology use in classrooms.

High-speed internet access in schools is crucial because slow and unreliable services can prevent students from benefiting from advanced educational technologies, exacerbating existing educational inequities. According to the Future Ready Schools guide, schools in rural and under-resourced communities are disproportionately affected by slow internet connections, which can widen existing gaps and inequalities in education.

Before investing in infrastructure and technology, it’s essential to develop an implementation strategy and consider existing resources. Evaluate local high-speed internet provider options, assess current internet-enabled devices with an asset management tool, and consider switching to cloud hosting to reduce infrastructure costs, scale resources, and protect valuable data. Pilot programs and phased implementation approaches may be more successful than large-scale rollouts. Testing strategies with small user groups before district-wide implementation can also be beneficial.

Unlocking digital equity and inclusive learning in education depends on the knowledge, passion, and commitment of superintendents and other district leaders. Identify a project owner to coordinate efforts, recruit a high-level leadership team to develop and execute strategies, and seek feedback and support from knowledgeable community members and colleagues in other districts.

Achieving technology-enabled opportunities and digital equity in your district is no longer optional but essential. To help students thrive in a globally connected world, superintendents and district leaders must provide cutting-edge resources and opportunities. Join the national dialogue on reliable, high-speed internet and technology for learning by downloading the free Future Ready Schools infrastructure guide and sharing it with your colleagues.

A New Era of Learning

The Digital Equity Education Roundtables (DEER) initiative is breaking barriers and closing the digital divide for all learners, from K-12 to higher education and adult education. Led by the Office of Educational Technology, the DEER initiative aims to:

• Provide equitable access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet.
• Ensure access to internet-enabled devices.
• Offer digital literacy training and quality technical support.
• Facilitate access to applications and online content for self-sufficiency and collaboration.

Every learner deserves the support, information, and skills to access reliable, affordable high-speed internet service, internet-enabled devices, digital literacy training, quality technical support, and applications designed to facilitate self-sufficiency and collaboration.

If you’re ready to elevate the educational experience for all students and staff in your district by driving equitable access, fostering collaboration, and optimizing budgets, consider migrating to cloud hosting.

How Cloud Hosting Can Help 

One way to propel your district towards a digitally inclusive future is by embracing cloud hosting for K-12 software solutions. Cloud hosting makes applications, websites, and other resources available on-demand by leveraging a network of virtual and physical servers instead of on-site servers.

Cloud hosting can help you:

• Ensure 24/7 accessibility to educational resources for all staff and students.
• Foster collaboration and remote learning opportunities.
• Enhance data security and disaster recovery measures.
• Reduce infrastructure costs.
• Streamline IT management.
• Scale resources to meet evolving educational needs.
• Eliminate the need for extensive on-site infrastructure.
• Encourage teamwork and engagement.

Cloud hosting is the gateway to educational equity and advancement. If your school or district has not yet embraced cloud hosting, initiate that conversation today. It’s the perfect time to unlock technology-enabled opportunities for learning and participation in our digital society.

Choosing a Cloud Hosting Solution

When evaluating cloud hosting options for K-12, consider Follett Destiny® Cloud. Every year, hundreds of schools and districts migrate to our exclusive hosting service for the simplicity and peace of mind it provides, saving time and resources.

Destiny Cloud can help you:

• Save budget dollars on hardware and tech labor costs.
• Access Destiny anytime, anywhere, from a secure internet connection or mobile device.
• Protect your valuable information on our secure network.
• Receive the latest, most advanced software releases.
• Relax with stress-free updates – we do the work.

Are you ready to take the leap towards a tech-enabled future and digital equity for your students and staff? Discover why thousands of schools and districts across the country trust Destiny Cloud for effortless and secure hosting.

Learn more about our cloud hosting solutions and how they can transform your district. Learn more.