CUSD has made a strategic decision to work within two spaces with specific purpose for file storage. The Google environment is the teaching and learning platform, while the Microsoft Office 365 environment is the business platform. Read below for more information!
Business Environment
Learning Environment
Pros:
Work emails in secure environment
Companies that the school sites and district conduct business with use Microsoft Office. CUSD business documents will remain compatible with other companies, such as Excel spreadsheets
Excel functions for high level formula use in budget workbooks
Can be managed by technology staff via an online management system
Cloud based file storage allows staff to access files from any location with an internet connection AND a copy of the Office 2016 software installed
Pros:
Work on almost any device with internet connection, allowing students a large variety of personal choice for the use of home devices to complete work on
Collaboration tools are excellent for student learning
Allows district to use Chromebooks for student use cutting hundreds of thousands of dollars from the district budget
Can be managed by technology staff via an online management system
Chromebooks can be placed in test mode for students within minutes. Compared to testing on PC computers, this saves 800 man hours (and hourly rate expense) in preparing for the SBAC test alone.
Cons:
Requires the use of Personal Computers (PCs) with Microsoft software that must be installed. Installing and regular updates to software cost the district in hourly rate of technical staff
PC computers are double the price of Chrome devices
Cons:
Functions, especially in the spreadsheet program, are limited. This is why Google spreadsheets are not an option for the business work done in the district.
Programs cannot be installed. Courses that require software such as Photoshop or AutoCad for engineering cannot use Chromebooks