connecting minds sustainable technology

Computers for Schools – Virtualization Benefits Schools

With budget cuts affecting schools around the world, school administrators have to do more with less. This is felt the most when it comes to the subject of buying computers for schools. Most are stuck with old, outdated computers that barely keep up with today’s student needs because they cannot afford to buy new ones. Others must limit the number of students who can use the computer lab at one time simply because they cannot afford to add to their inventory. Virtualization offers many benefits to schools that can help them overcome these challenges so they can provide their students with the best education they can.

Virtualization software and components takes one computer CPU and turns it into a machine where multiple students can use it without interfering with each other’s work. This means you can effectively double or triple your computer laboratory without the accompanying outlay of cash. Yet, each student will feel like they have their own individual computer with its own desktop settings, computer program access and even internet browsing sessions. You’ll spend less on equipment and those extra funds can go towards other programs that benefit your student body. Additionally, fewer computers for schools means lower energy costs which also equal more money in the budget.

Many schools around the world have environmental initiatives in place where they are striving to be more eco-friendly. As noted before, fewer computers for schools mean less energy being used to power the computer lab. However, another eco benefit is that fewer computers will end up in the landfills. Although many computer components are recyclable, it is a sad fact that most computers end up at the dump. As the computer parts break down, this leads to toxic chemicals leaching into the ground and oftentimes the water supply. Buying fewer computers means not as many will find a grave spot in a land fill.

Virtualization also means that schools can expand computer usage into the individual classrooms. Computers can enhance the learning experience. Students can take notes, teachers can refer students to internet websites that illustrate the lesson for today, and even testing can be simplified and made more efficient with a computer in the classroom. Although it is cliché to say, technology is the wave of the future and computers are just going to become that much more tightly integrated into daily life. Virtualized computers for schools helps students and administrators keep up with the speed of life.