In our digital age, where educational institutions pivot towards more flexible, scalable, and agile solutions, Software as a Service (SaaS) is rapidly becoming the go-to model.
With remote learning, blended classrooms, and the constant evolution of curricula, educators are recognizing the advantages of SaaS. So why is this shift happening, and why does it matter for educators?
What is SaaS?
SaaS, which stands for Software as a Service, is a cloud-based service. This means that you don’t need to download software; instead, you can access it as an application when you have an Internet connection. The software application could be anything from office software to unified communications, among a range of other business apps that are available.
In education specifically, SaaS could be a learning management system (LMS), a digital classroom platform, online assessment tools, or even a system for administrative tasks such as timetabling or student attendance.
How is SaaS being used in education?
In recent years, we've seen an exponential increase in the adoption of SaaS in educational environments. Traditional classrooms are being complemented, and in some cases replaced, by digital platforms that allow for real-time feedback, instant access to resources, and collaborative online workspaces.
Teachers utilize SaaS platforms for lesson planning, delivering content, assessing student performance, and even for professional development.
For students, these platforms become a central hub for their learning, providing them with access to resources, assignments, feedback, and collaboration tools, irrespective of their physical location.
7 benefits of SaaS to educational institutions
By using Software as a Service, educational institutions realize benefits that can revolutionize teaching, learning, and administration, including the following:
- SaaS is cost-effective, reducing the need for in-house IT infrastructure and manpower. Essentially, you only pay for what you use.
- It’s easily adaptable and scalable to increasing student numbers or additional functionalities.
- Ensures that educational tools are always up-to-date with automatic rather than manual interventions.
- Facilitates remote learning, granting students and educators access from any location with internet connectivity.
- Provides tools for real-time collaboration between students and between educators.
- Can be seamlessly integrated with other tools and platforms in use.
- Offers analytics and insights for educators to refine teaching methods and for institutions to make informed decisions.
Why subscription services work
Subscription models, inherent to SaaS, provide a consistent and predictable revenue stream, allowing companies to invest in continuous improvement and updates.
For educational institutions, this means regular access to the latest features and best practices without unexpected costs. Subscription models also often come with support services, ensuring that educators have the necessary backing to use the tools effectively.
Why are education companies moving to this type of service?
Beyond the financial sustainability of the SaaS model, education companies are also recognizing the need for flexible and scalable solutions in the current educational landscape.
Since institutions require tools that can grow with them, adapt to ever-changing curricula, and support diverse teaching methodologies, SaaS makes sense. Additionally, with data security and privacy being paramount, SaaS providers typically invest heavily in ensuring their platforms are secure, often more than an individual institution can.
Arduino Cloud for Schools
A prime example of this shift towards SaaS in education is the Arduino Cloud for Schools. Catering specifically to teachers and students, this revolutionary platform brings together coding, the Internet of Things, and STEAM education in one. With tools tailored for effective teaching and learning, it epitomizes the fusion of technology and education.