Creativity and learning — now unlimited with DigitalOcean
TSI and DigitalOcean (DO) are making a lasting impact in the education space.
The story so far
Over the past few months Tech in Schools Initiative has been working with DigitalOcean — the cloud for developers, startups, and SMBs — to create a path for students and teachers to get their own piece of a server. Through classroom visits, seminars, and STEM curriculum for the Department of Education, we identified one of the most neglected factors in public education: resources. Textbooks are often outdated and tools are non-existent.
From the start our motto has been:
You cannot teach the WiFi generation using dial-up tools.
First, we rewrote the STEM curriculum, working closely with the UFT and teachers across New York. Then we built applications from the ground up so classrooms have industry-grade tools and the privacy necessary to protect students. Our app directory, My Apps, now contains 80+ first-party apps, constantly updated by our team.
It is time to empower students and teachers by giving them their own slice of the server. With support from DigitalOcean, services that are often behind a paywall are free for students in the TSI program. Each student can manage their own hosting, build infrastructure, and use this development resource. By signing up for EDUCloud, students can start creating.
The launch of EDUCloud
EDUCloud is powered by DigitalOcean. DO supports nonprofits worldwide through Hollie's Hub for Good, providing infrastructure credits so DigitalOcean products are more accessible to changemakers.
Computing resources and insight from the DigitalOcean team helped our development team design EDUCloud with security and convenience in mind.
DigitalOcean's scalability will allow hosting to grow through the pilot at Paier College and The William Lloyd Garrison (M.S. 31). Beyond the initial pilot, DO's resources can help the platform support as many students as possible.
Results of internal testing
Since internal testing began in September, students have built expansive WordPress sites and published professional apps.
Students receive enough computing power and storage to create web applications. For some students, the platform became a launching pad for personal businesses — including building sites for local businesses.
Pilot program timeline
| Phase | When | What |
|---|---|---|
| Internal testing | September 2022 | Paier College |
| Pilot expansion | October 2022 | Paier College Web Apps department |
| M.S. 31 pilot | Nov 2022 – Jan 2023 | The William Lloyd Garrison |
| Summer | June 2023+ | TSI Summer Program |
By the end of October, 40+ new users were expected as the Paier pilot expanded to the entire Web Apps department and incoming cohort.
- Students working on AR/VR projects can use EDUCloud with live data such as 3D models or image markers on their own servers.
- Professors at Paier use the platform to refresh and sharpen web development skills. The pilot continues with new students each semester.
Pilot with M.S. 31 — The William Lloyd Garrison
The second stage began at the end of November, onboarding staff and about 100 students at M.S. 31. The school runs the TSI DIY program: TSI software, lessons, and professional development for teachers.
The DIY curriculum includes web design, cybersecurity, AR/VR/MR development, and entrepreneurship — work that benefits from on-demand cloud infrastructure. Students can participate in experiential cybersecurity lessons with industry-leading defensive tools, and learn essentials of running an online business and server management.
Beyond the pilot
Through the school year (into June 2023), another class of ~30 students was expected. After that, TSI planned the annual summer program (~20 participants from schools across NYC) using cloud resources for real-world solutions, ending in pitch presentations and awards for graduates.
Originally published on getmytsi.org.