Cloud-Based Learning Tools: Supporting the Invisible Learner (Silent Sufferers) with Socioeconomic Challenges

Lynita A. Robinson1 and Jimmy H. Johnson, Jr.2

Co-Founders, Innovative Segue

“My plan has been to place in the sky, as it were, a great sign-board calling the attention of the world to the fact that the endpoint of education is a matter of serious, solemn and immediate concern for every civilization on the globe.” -James Harold Doy

It currently takes humanity  two days to generate the same amount of data in which it did for the entire year of 2003.   As of 2016, 90% of all data on the internet has been created within the last two years.  School systems are implementing a ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) policy to support online learning in classroom environments.  Student cohorts are extending beyond traditional physical boundaries and leaning towards international cross-platform learning opportunities.   Educators find themselves competing with students on use of academic tools and methods of learning as more free online learning tools are becoming available.  Due to fast-paced technology and accelerated curriculums, families are struggling to keep up with the demands of the internet and seeking affordable and secure learning opportunities.  Student-Parents tend to endure the most challenges with case study competitions, team projects and inflexible curriculums.  Innovative Segue student-family portals will support, mentor, revitalize and develop students with academic and social challenges.

Cloud-Based Student Learning Networks

The “cloud-based classroom” presents opportunities for advanced learning, assessment, cultural diversity and critical thinking.   Cloud-based technologies serve as gateways for bridging the gap between social and economic development within disadvantaged communities.  The revitalization of communities, support of ‘silent sufferers’, and first generation students can be pioneered through four key programs- education, skill-set training, therapy and character development.

Silent Sufferers

Silent Sufferers are invisible people to themselves and others.  Utilizing cloud-based technologies, these students can be reached indirectly to offer support in a non-threatening manner.  Silent Sufferers are students who have experienced trauma and are in need of therapy.  Using Innovative Segue’s concept will engage and provide academic, therapeutic and social support to build confidence and transform silent sufferers to actively engaged learners who are simultaneously increasing their knowledge and improving their identity of self.

Key Programs

Therapy is the process of pinpointing and resolving the issues that ail traumatized people. An assessment of students will provide information for guided learning activities optimizing students learning capabilities.  Skill-set training and character development work closely to help students transition learning into positive action.  Supporting community-based initiatives will help provide healthy outlets to provide intern opportunities where students will be able to actively engage in changing the perception of the community. By utilizing students to alter its functionality- changing the components within it, we effectively begin the process.

References

Beach, Martha. (2012). How Schools Are Implementing ‘Bring Your Own Device’. Teach Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.teachmag.com/archives/7706

Byrum, Greta. (2015). How has technology changed America’s families?. World Economic Forum. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/05/how-has-technology-changed-americas-families

Fleming, Laura. (2014). Classroom in the Cloud: Technology as a Learning Environment. Edutopia. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/classroom-in-cloud-learning-environment-laura-fleming

SINTEF. (2013). Big Data, for better or worse: 90% of world's data generated over last two years. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130522085217.htm