ICT integration in School Education - Article by Prem Mohan

It addresses a few questions: Should it be centralized or state-based? What is the importance of Android Mobile Educational/Game-Based Applications in ICT? How can we use Cloud Technology for hassle-free functioning of applications/software required for school education? How can we minimize the risk of server downs, data corruption/loss or hacking problems? How do you benefit benefits from Social Media for Technology Advancement and Professional Development?
Crowdsourcing of knowledge with a holistic approach can also provide a hand to success. Feasibility of regional language use in Mobile Applications and FOSS tools used like FOSSEE (A joint effort of MHRD and IIT Bombay) etc.
Initial planning is crucial for any successful project; having a centralized Cloud Server instead of a traditional physical giant server will provide a solution for one of the significant ICT integration problems. Google is one of the major cloud service providers; the main feature of its cloud server is that the same database can be used for all applications and software, either website/web applications or android mobile apps/iPhone Apps. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a basic cloud-service model which is useful for cost efficiency, continuous availability, easy backup and recovery options, redundancy, scalability and performance, adaptability of storage according to requirement, easy integration and deployment as no space/setup, AC’s, power backup, server configurations, installation or electricity required for its implementation and the last but not the least Cloud Servers are environment friendly too.
However, big names like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft provide Cloud Services, yet personal Cloud Server can also be developed/used for a more secure and private environment. Google also provides an open-source Android operating system which is very useful for creating and publishing education apps and game-based learning apps. It’s very convenient and cost-efficient with Android OS to develop and publish apps on Play Store that can be further used for a school education or any other related purpose. Android with Cloud Technology became a potent combination to achieve theoretical results from ICT integration in School Education.