Virtualization of IT applications in schools

This page has been automatically translated from French into English by a translation software. Automatic translations are not as accurate as translations made by professional human translators. Nevertheless these pages can help you understand information published by the City of Brussels.

   

The City of Brussels has 2.600 computing stations in 85 schools. Virtualization of the applications in education allows to avoid movements and interruptions of courses in case of a software problem. The virtualization makes quick updates of the software possible, without the teacher, the student or the pupil being interrupted.

The IT security is strengthened because the security updates are made as often as necessary. The data and their saving is being centralized.

A catalog of applications

This operation of virtualization started in October 2010. It was first done in an experimental group of 3 schools. In September 2011, the catalog already counted 65 applications. It should propose 200 applications by the end of 2013.

The current virtualization focused on the educational applications. This software is listed, classified (office automation, accounting, development, editing, graphics, computing, mathematics, multiple choice query, concept) and given to all the teachers via a catalog accessible at the intranet of the Public education of the City of Brussels. This system allows a better management of acquisitions, installations, maintenance and updates of the applications.

A user forum allows the users to announce suggestions to a committee.

The implementation of the system was tested in 8 schools of any sizes and levels. In September 2011, 550 computers were thus equipped in 30 rooms.

For pupils and teachers

When a pupil logs in to his computer he sees the applications to which he is entitled, for example according to the level of study or the options. Each time he connects, the pupil finds his desktop and his menu in his language. The teacher has access to a wider range of applications according to his classes and needs.