An important part in the school’s digitization is the use of what are known as cloud services. Cloud services are pre-packaged services where storage, computing capacity or software is delivered over the Internet. The use of cloud services creates opportunities for new approaches, partnerships and easier and more effective communication. Cloud services can for example facilitate the formative approach and make information more accessible.
There are several different cloud services, including Microsoft Office 365 and Google Apps for Education. These are two services that are becoming increasingly common for schools to use. It is important that the services are used in the right way, for example in relation to GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) which provides some strict rules.
Services are partly free, and sometimes they are used without reflection on the challenges and without the readiness of the problems that may arise. SKL (Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions) is therefore working with the support of the local municipalities that use cloud services and has now updated material to clarify what to consider in the introduction and use of cloud services in the school.