Improving K-12 pedagogy via a Cloud designed for education

Cloud computing offers an opportunity to improve K-12 pedagogy with services tailored to teachers’ needs in individual classrooms. The Cloud can deliver services such as remote access to learning tools in a cost effective manner to school systems struggling with reductions in local and state funding. This article explores the distinct ways that a Cloud designed specifically for education can be applied to K-12 education's academic mission. It uses observations from a case study in North Carolina rural high schools using an educational Cloud called the Virtual Computing Lab to access dynamic geometry and algebra software.

► We present a case study of an educational Cloud in rural North Carolina, USA. ► We address the intersection of K-12 school culture and policy with Cloud computing. ► We offer insight into improvements in pedagogy and increased IT workflow efficiency with the Cloud.