Innovation

Google Cloud Learning has been integrated into higher education, as a disruptive innovation by embedding cloud-based education, professional certifications, and hands-on labs to university students around the world. Through relationships with colleges and universities, students gain access to modern, workforce-relevant content and credentials in areas such as cloud computing, data science, cybersecurity, and more. The effort allows students to enter the workforce with work-ready technical skills - closing the gap between what's learned in the classroom and what is needed on the job.

The solution has arisen from the massive shortage of cloud-skilled people around the world. Google responded by developing specialized educational programs that focus on training students with real-world, job training skills. The growth of Google Cloud Learning, increased further as universities faced challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the demand for digital tools that make learning more accessible and resilient. Whether through established programs, hands-on labs or a platform partnership – such as Qwiklabs – students can now even get cloud experience and credentialing prior to entering the workforce. This feature was created by Google Cloud's Education and Workforce Development teams in partnership with university faculty, administrators and curriculum designers. Faculty were also supported in integrating cloud assignments into their syllabi, with students getting free or discounted cloud training and certifications.

By connecting what is learned to what is in the market, Google Cloud Learning provides access to future-focused learning to a broader group of people. It also has a direct tie to the United Nations SDG 4: Quality Education by enabling a wider segment of the student population to access advanced professional training. “One of our main priorities at Google Cloud is to democratize industry-level cloud training for all students, regardless of their background. We want to solve the opportunity gap through education."

Inspiration

The inspiration for using Caroline D’Ascoli as our interviewee was founded from the importance of using technology and education systems together. Caroline works at Google, specifically implementing Google cloud into higher education to improve production and effectiveness. Giving them access to the google cloud learning platform is incredibly beneficial for their education, and inspiring to us. This directly relates to SDG #4, quality education. We wanted to find a business innovation that aligned with this topic because as students, we know how important quality education is for everyone. Unfortunately, only a small minority of the world has access to higher education, so Caroline’s efforts to improve it showed our group that this was the right choice for our project. Caroline emphasized during the interview, “Education has to keep pace with technology if we want to create opportunities. Embedding cloud learning into universities ensures students graduate with the skills they actually need.” This quote shows Caroline’s passion and desire for education, which is what we wanted to delve into during this project.

Overall impact

From the business perspective, implementing Google Cloud platforms into higher education allows businesses to lead in the digital education sector. We believe that in the long term, companies that offer cloud-based solutions will experience higher demand as universities seek to improve their infrastructure. The interviewee specifically mentioned that once students acquire skills in cloud technologies, it not only helps create a stronger future workforce but also benefits businesses that are looking for digitally skilled employees. So, it is expected that it will strengthen the collaboration between industry and educational institutions and create a steadier flow of innovation and opportunities.

From the social standpoint, Google Cloud integration promotes access to high-quality education. The interviewee mentioned how students will have more flexible access to the Google cloud learning platform, which will improve their education experience and outcome. So in the long term, society will benefit from a more skilled and innovative workforce as more students receive education in cloud learning. We believe that higher education will become more inclusive by utilizing cloud learning to provide opportunities for more people, including historically underserved communities such as low-income families, minorities and disabilities.

From the environmental aspect, shifting to cloud computing reduces the need for on-campus physical data centers. There’s no doubt that this will reduce operating expenses and energy consumption in educational institutions. The use of cloud services will reduce carbon emissions over time because cloud-based data centers are much more energy-efficient than traditional IT infrastructure, and it will help institutions to fulfill their sustainability objectives.

There is concrete evidence that suggests the impact of implementing google cloud into higher education: Google’s Cloud Career Readiness Program reports higher student certification and employment rates in tech-related fields for schools using Google Cloud. Furthermore, universities such as Arizona State University and UC Davis have also documented improved student engagement and lower operational costs.

Business benefit

By partnering with higher education institutions across the world, Google is able to use their infrastructure and technological advantage as a force for good. By implementing its cloud in education, students will become accustomed to the Google ecosphere, fostering a sense of comfort with the many products Google has to offer. When a student joins Google Cloud through their educational institution, it is more likely than not that they will be a Google user for life.

Social and environmental benefit

Google Cloud’s affordability and ease of use adds value to the many educational communities across the world by offering an accessible product aimed at making each student more productive with their time. Google Cloud’s infrastructure has successfully helped and continues to aid the world in the transition to cloud computing. Overall, Google Cloud continues to serve students around the world and helps narrow the digital divide across the world. 

Interview

Caroline D'ascoli, Global Lead - Google Cloud Learning, Programs and Partnerships