'Cloud' Entering the Classroom

Expansion of ICT Education in Schools
Comfortable Environment Created by Additional Space
Need for Systematic Government Guidelines

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The transition to cloud computing is accelerating even in school information and communication technology (ICT) education. Cloud computing is an internet service that allows users to perform various tasks by connecting to the internet without having their own computer or server. Amid increased demands for safe educational environments due to COVID-19, frontline educational sites are rushing to introduce cloud PC-based computer labs (photo), but some regions still prefer traditional desktop PC projects, causing some confusion. There are also calls for the Ministry of Education to systematically refine policies reflecting field demands.

According to education and industry sources on the 26th, the project to improve next-generation computer lab environments based on cloud PCs is resuming. The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education has confirmed introduction in 73 schools, and the Gyeongbuk Provincial Office of Education has completed introduction in 13 schools and is considering full implementation. The status of cloud PC adoption by region includes ▲Gyeongnam Office of Education (1,2600 units in 529 schools) ▲Busan Office of Education (7,479 units in 245 schools) ▲Ulsan Office of Education (382 units in 15 schools) ▲Chungbuk Office of Education (926 units in 26 schools) ▲Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education (996 units in 41 schools). Additionally, Seoul, Daegu, Incheon, Daejeon, Chungnam, Jeonnam, and Jeonbuk Offices of Education have partially introduced or are conducting pilot projects.

There are also voices calling for the government to establish systematic guidelines for building cloud-based computer labs. When computer labs are converted to cloud-based systems, high-quality software tailored to various needs can be utilized, and connecting via the cloud without a main unit frees up space in the computer lab, allowing for a more comfortable environment suitable for quarantine measures. However, some frontline sites are still simply replacing desktop PCs or considering foreign cloud PC products that have not proven their technical capabilities.

Currently, the computer lab environment improvement projects are being promoted based on decisions by each Office of Education. Rather than building different environments by region, there are calls for the government to prepare guidelines to reduce inefficiencies. An industry official said, "If the cloud PC replacement project proceeds normally from 2020 to 2031, it could save a budget of up to 600 billion won. It is possible to minimize duplicate investments and trial and error by first referring to demand surveys conducted for schools that have already built cloud-based computer labs in the respective Offices of Education."

As of October 2020, among the 17 metropolitan and provincial Offices of Education nationwide, schools that have introduced cloud PCs amount to 876 schools with 22,746 units out of a total of 11,906 schools (668,677 units).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.