The Google Apps Virtual Desktop

Since migrating most staff technology operations to Google Apps, I have been contemplating the next step for student technology services. With the launch of Google Apps Marketplace, there are now a plethora of web-based apps that integrate with Google Apps Education (GAE). For example, Aviary is an online photo/graphics image editor with web template capabilities. Adding services to my student GAE domain is as simple as adding an app for iPhone. GAE already has resourceful tools for student collaboration, data storage, and portfolio management. And with the addition of more tools from Marketplace, I want to create the ideal GAE virtual desktop. From a district IT perspective, moving these software services to the cloud will ultimately free up time for more educational technology integration. Enabling software services through the cloud will keep me from having to manage software on every student desktop and laptop.

I will have a part 2 to this post when I finally create the virtual desktop for the GAE student domain. What Marketplace Apps are you using with your students?

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