=Paper=
{{Paper
|id=Vol-1844/10000451
|storemode=property
|title=The Implementation of Cloud Services in Ukrainian Pre-School
Educational Institution Management
|pdfUrl=https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-1844/10000451.pdf
|volume=Vol-1844
|authors=Yuliya Nosenko,Viktoriya Bohdan
|dblpUrl=https://dblp.org/rec/conf/icteri/NosenkoB17
}}
==The Implementation of Cloud Services in Ukrainian Pre-School
Educational Institution Management==
https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-1844/10000451.pdf
The Implementation of Cloud Services
in Ukrainian Pre-School Educational Institution
Management
Yuliya Nosenko, Viktoriya Bohdan
Institute of Information Technologies and Learning Tools of NAES of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine,
9 M. Berlynskoho Street, Kyiv, Ukraine
nosenko@iitlt.gov.ua
Abstract. Management of pre-school educational institution (PEI) is a compre-
hensive, multidimensional, resource-demanding process conditioned by the
modern society that is developing dynamically and imposes new requirements
to its subjects: readiness for more productive and creative work, cooperation in
information-saturated environment, constant self-development, and competi-
tiveness support, etc. Broad prospects thus are provided through using new
technologies, including cloud services (CS).
The article represents the results of a survey that involved 227 PEI managers
from eight regions of Ukraine and was aimed at identifying the state of CS use
in their professional activity (awareness, readiness, experience, etc.). Ad-
vantages and possibilities of using Google CS, which are the most appropriate
in modern Ukrainian PEI management realities, are defined. The technique of
PEI managers training for using CS in their professional activity, as the essen-
tial condition for CS effective implementation in practice of PEI management,
is developed and represented.
Keywords: cloud services, Google cloud services, pre-school educational insti-
tution, pre-school management, pre-school manager, survey, ICT-competence.
1 Introduction
The current stage of society development is characterized by dynamic spread of IT:
network tools, cloud services (CS), virtual and mobile technologies et al., which has
impact on all spheres of life, promotes qualitative renewal of ways to work with data,
effective professional interaction. As noted by V. Bykov, the rapid spread of Infor-
mation and Communication Technologies (ICT) creates the conditions for unlimited
(full, fast, accurate, anytime and anywhere, with minimal effort, etc.) access to elec-
tronic resources for all stakeholders [1].
The implementation of modern ICT, including CS, in pre-school education is the
newest topical scientific and educational problem in Ukraine. Using CS offers a num-
ber of possibilities in terms of pre-school educational institution (PEI) management:
optimization of data exchange processes, e-document circulation, making effective
management decisions by establishing effective communication, files of any format
remote storing, documents sharing and use of available high-quality applications re-
gardless of the hardware features of the computer and need to install them, etc.
Different aspects of cloud technologies use at various levels of education in
Ukraine are reflected in studies of V. Bykov [1], S. Lytvynova [3], Yu. Nosenko [4],
Z. Seydametova, S. Semerikov, A. Stryuk, M. Shyshkina, et al. The studies of
H. Yel'nykova, L. Karamushka, K. Krutiy, I. Plish, Ye. Khrykov [2] et al. are devoted
to problems of education management, introduction of innovative technologies in the
management processes. Actual issues of informatization of pre-school education in
Ukraine are revealed in a study of Yu. Nosenko, V. Bogdan, Zh. Matyukh [5].
Ukrainian scientists examined some aspects of foreign experience in using CS in
pre-school education, particularly in teaching children with special needs [4]. Possi-
bilities of implementing virtual educational communities via Google Sites cloud ser-
vice are disclosed by L. Rozhdestvens'ka [6]. Experience of using Office 365 cloud
service in projecting electronic system of registration of children to Kyiv kindergar-
tens (Ukraine) is reflected in S. Lytvynova’s study [3].
However, the implementation of modern ICT, particularly CS, in PEI management
remains among the newest scientific and educational problems in Ukraine, which is
not reflected sufficiently in researches and requires comprehensive study. The prob-
lem is compounded due to a low level of ICT-competence of PEI managers, their poor
preparedness for effective use of new technologies’ potential.
The purpose of the article is to determine the current state, benefits and opportuni-
ties of using CS in PEI management in Ukraine. The purpose achievement involves
solving objectives: 1) to determine the current state of using CS by Ukrainian PEI
managers; 2) to determine the benefits and possibilities of using Google CS in PEI
management; 3) to develop a technique of PEI managers training for using CS in their
professional activity.
2 The Presentation of Main Results
2.1 The Current State of Using Cloud Services by Ukrainian PEI Managers in
Professional Activity
The main method that we chose to determine the current state of CS use by Ukrainian
PEI managers in their professional activity was a survey, which lasted during 2015-
2016. The survey involved 227 PEI managers from eight regions of Ukraine. Among
them 48% work in cities, 52% – in rural areas.
The survey allowed clarifying a number of issues, including: a) The availability of
computer and Internet in Ukrainian PEIs; b) PEI managers’ level of skills in using
computer technology and Internet; c) The frequency and purpose of using Internet in
PEI; d) PEI managers’ awareness of the term ‘cloud services’, and their usage in pro-
fessional activity; e) PEI managers’ readiness to deepen knowledge and skills in using
CS in their professional activity.
It was found out that the vast majority of PEI (89%), managers of which participat-
ed in the survey, is equipped with computers (PC and/or laptop) and Internet connec-
tion (81%). The majority of PEI staff uses computer and Internet for professional
purposes, including: a) Only a computer (without a network connection): managers
(95%), pre-school teachers (72%), methodologists (56%), medical staff (40%), store-
keepers (33%), bookkeepers (18%), psychologists and music educators (9%), catering
staff (4%); b) Both computer and Internet: managers (82%), methodologists (57%),
pre-school teachers (60%), medical staff (30%), storekeepers (21%), bookkeepers
(20%), psychologists and music educators (10%), catering staff (5%). Thus, it was
found that all subjects (managing and administrative staff, educators, and serving
personnel) use computer and Internet as the tools to support professional activity. But
the most active users are managers, methodologists and pre-school teachers.
As it turned out, the frequency of computer use in PEI managers’ professional ac-
tivity is as follows: every day (64%), several times a week (16%), several times a
month (12%), do not use at all (8%). As for the frequency of Internet use, it is some-
what lower: it is used every day by 54% of respondents, several times a week – 21%,
several times a month – 15%, is not used at all – 10%.
The PEI managers use Internet for professional communication, particularly with
colleagues (64%), authorities (63%), subordinates (41%) and parents (37%). Yet, the
potential of communication via Internet tools and CS is insufficiently involved in PEI
managers’ professional interaction. The reason for this we consider in their non-
acquaintance with potential opportunities and advantages of such interaction.
The respondents identified that the main problems that arise when using Internet
are: lack of skills (40%), poor quality of Internet connection (43%), high cost of In-
ternet services along with low funding of PEI (22%), lack of Internet access (14%),
especially in rural areas, lack of desire or need in networking (2%).
As for the term “cloud services”, our study showed that the majority of respondents
(64%) have never heard it before. Among the remaining respondents (36%) who have
heard this term before, only 30% could choose the correct definition. Despite that
most PEI managers are not acquainted with “cloud services”, the survey showed that
they, however, use various CS in practice. Specifically, 76% of respondents use e-
mail in professional activity, 56% – search services, 51% – social networks, 47% –
communication services, 30% – electronic data storages. Herewith, 9% of respondents
do not use any of these services.
Respondents were asked to indicate the service (-s) that they use in professional ac-
tivity (to choose from the list of proposed or to add one’s own version). Thus, the
variety of services used by PEI managers was distributed as it is shown in Table 1.
As we can see, the most prevalent tools applicable by Ukrainian PEI managers are
e-mail services and social networks, and the least popular are electronic data storages.
In our opinion, the reason for such distribution lies in managers’ non-acquaintance
with potential opportunities and advantages of various services use in professional
activity. The survey showed that the purpose of CS use by Ukrainian PEI managers
distributed as follows: information search (74%), communication (63%), data storage
(34%), data sharing (34%), and files collaborative usage (20%). Herewith, 10% of
respondents do not use any CS.
We consider being positive that the majority of PEI managers expressed a desire to
improve their ICT-competence. Thus, 100% answered that they would like to learn
about how to use CS in professional activity and to raise CS awareness for further
implementation in managerial work.
Table 1. Services used by Ukrainian PEI managers in professional activity
Synchronous
E-mail services Search services Social networks communication E-data storages
services
Ukr.net – 16% Google – 22% Google+ - 18% Viber – 14% Яндекс.Диск – 12%
Gmail.com – 14% Yandex – 3% OK – 10% Skype – 9% Google Drive – 6%
Mail.ru – 11% E-Disk (ukr.net) – 2%
Yandex.ru – 11% Yahoo – 1% Facebook – 9% ICQ – 2%
Meta.ua – 4% Meta – 1% Vkontakte – 9% MSN Mes-
Rambler.ua – 2% Rambler – 0,8% Twitter – 2% senger – 1%
Bigmir.net – 0,4%
2.2 The Possibilities of Using Google Cloud Services as a Tool of PEI
Management Support
In Ukraine, the introduction of CS in education began rather recently and particularly
in pre-school education is still at an early stage. After a preliminary analysis of vari-
ous CS, we have chosen Google services which have a number of advantages signifi-
cant in conditions of Ukrainian PEI: free of charge; ease of use; availability of multi-
purpose account that provides access to all services; usability on different platforms
(Windows, Android, iOS); availability of functionality required in PEI management;
availability from any digital device connected to the Internet; no need to deploy
“cloud” (Ukrainian PEI don’t have technical staff to execute this), etc.
According to Ye. Khrykov's study, the main functions of educational management
are: planning, organization, control and regulation [2]. These functions are basic,
fundamental components of management that contribute to all its stages and content.
They promote the improvement of management decisions, identification of shortcom-
ings in staff activity and their timely removal, motivation of personnel to professional
development, establishment of psychologically favorable atmosphere, improving
quality of pre-school educational process and PEI practices in general.
In modern conditions of spreading ICT, democratization of education and govern-
ance, implementation of the principles of openness and transparency, development of
competitive relationship there is a need to upgrade management functions and ap-
proaches to Ukrainian PEI management that consists in follows: a) Qualitative up-
grade of the communication process, introducing tools for synchronous and asynchro-
nous communication (anywhere, anytime); b) Optimization of e-document circula-
tion; acceleration of e-document search and processing; cost savings (reducing the
cost of paper, ink for office equipment, etc.), collaborative work with documents;
c) Optimization of methodical activity, creation of banks of didactical resources, crea-
tion of educators’ e-portfolios as a tool for summarizing and sharing their professional
experience, constant self-development; d) Ensuring feedback and communication
with stakeholders (parents, authorities, local public organizations, etc.); e) Creation of
PEI positive image, which indicates the public confidence, competitiveness in the
educational market, openness to dialogue with the target audience.
Taking into account named functions and the opportunities given by Google ser-
vices, we worked out a scheme for using these services in PEI management (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1. Use of Google cloud services in PEI management
Integrated use of these services will allow optimize the planning, organization, control
and regulation of processes in PEI, providing feedback from stakeholders, e-
document circulation, methodical work and staff professional self-development, crea-
tion of a positive image of PEI.
2.3 The Technique of ICT-Competence Development of PEI Managers in Terms
of Using Google Cloud Services in Their Professional Activity
The essential condition for CS effective implementation in practice of PEI manage-
ment is the development of PEI managers’ ICT-competence, their skills to use these
technologies as a tool for professional activity support. It is worth to mention that in
Ukraine the training of PEI managers is carried out in several ways: 1) For future
professionals – in higher education institutions of Ukraine that have a license for con-
ducting training in appropriate direction; 2) For practicing managers – through train-
ing courses at the regional institutions of postgraduate education. Each Ukrainian pre-
school manager must pass these courses every 5 years. However, analysis of the cur-
ricula of Ukrainian pedagogical universities and postgraduate institutes has shown
that they have no courses aimed at developing managers’ skills in using CS in profes-
sional activity. In this regard it became necessary to develop appropriate technique
that could be recommended for training future and practicing PEI managers.
According to our technique, the purpose of training PEI managers in terms of us-
ing Google CS is the achievement of a high level of ICT-competence, namely their
ability to use these services as a tool for supporting management activity in the fol-
lowing areas: planning and organization, communication, assuring feedback and dia-
log with stakeholders, e-document circulation, methodical work and constant profes-
sional self-development, creation of PEI positive image, et al.
The purpose achievement involves performing a number of tasks: 1) to provide
PEI managers with theoretical knowledge about the sense, advantages and disad-
vantages, functional features and possibilities, purposes, ways to use Google services
in PEI management; 2) to form practical skills and abilities to use these services, and
to choose them according to the exact professional situation; 3) to develop positive
attitudes towards CS; the ability to self-assessment of their own level of mastery of
CS; values aimed at deepen their knowledge and skills on the use of CS.
The authors’ technique is based on andragogical, competency-based, activity, dif-
ferentiated, humanistic, and acmeological approaches.
Among the principles of PEI managers training we define the next ones: principle
of visualization, availability principle, practical-oriented principle, the principle of
systematic and consistency training and self-development, principle of combining
different training forms, principle of individualization, principle of consciousness,
principle of independence and activity, principle of strength of knowledge and skills.
For the development of PEI managers’ ICT-competence it is advisable to use
forms and methods that take into account psychological and didactical features of
adult training: lectures (traditional and online), workshops, training sessions, discus-
sions, consultations (full-time and distance), demonstrations of using CS on specific
examples, practical tasks, individual and group project work, diagnostic measures
(pedagogical and psychological tests, questionnaires, interviews, observation).
The tools necessary for implementing technique are: demonstration tools (multi-
media board), computer-oriented tools connected to the Internet (PC, laptop, tablet,
et al.), Google CS, and training materials.
Realizing the importance of providing high-quality methodological support of the
development of PEI managers’ ICT-competence, we have developed guidelines
“Google cloud services in PEI managers’ professional activity”, consisting of the
following modules: 1) Basic concepts. 2) Possibilities of using CS in PEI manage-
ment. 3) Google search service. 4) Communication services (Gmail service. Hangouts
messaging and video conferencing service). 5) Office suite (Google Docs. Google
Sheets. Google Slides). 6) Service for planning and organizing (Google Calendar).
7) E-data storage (Google Drive). 8) Services for supporting methodical work and
professional self-development (Google Books, Google Scholar). 9) Services for creat-
ing positive image of PEI and supporting feedback and dialog with public (Google
Forms, Google Sites, Blogger, Google+, YouTube).
The description of each service includes consideration of the following categories:
a) recommendations for the use of this service in managers’ professional activity;
b) usage instructions (interface description, usage algorithms, etc.); c) questions for
self-control; d) practical exercises and tasks for project work.
The structure and content of the authors’ guidelines were developed so as to:
1) Take into account the PEI managers’ main activities, which are expedient to be
supported with using CS; 2) Be used in pedagogical universities and postgraduate
institutes while training future and practicing PEI managers; 3) Be used by PEI man-
agers within informal education and self-development.
The content of the authors’ guidelines was used as the basic framework for the de-
velopment of PEI managers’ training sessions towards using Google CS in profes-
sional activity. Since 2016 we have conducted a series of training sessions (within the
regional training courses, free). Currently, more than 80 PEI managers have been
successfully trained and our work in this direction continues.
The level of PEI managers’ ICT-competence in terms of using Google CS is indi-
cated by levels of its components: a) Motivational (conviction of the benefits of CS;
awareness that their usage has a positive impact on the quality of professional activi-
ty; expression of readiness to use Google CS in professional activity); b) Cognitive
(knowledge of essence, advantages and disadvantages, functional features and possi-
bilities, ways to use Google services in PEI management); c) Operational (the ability
to choose service (-s) adequately to professional situation, perform administrative
functions and solve professional tasks using CS); d) Reflexive (positive attitude to CS;
the capacity for self-assessment; expression of willingness to deepen knowledge and
skills in using CS, and share this experience with colleagues / subordinates).
Among the levels of PEI managers’ ICT-competence in terms of using Google CS
we determine: a) High level (know the essence, advantages and disadvantages, func-
tional features and possibilities, purpose of using Google CS in PEI management; are
able to use CS effectively for a wide range of professional tasks; demonstrate a high
level of readiness to use Google services in professional activity, and to further ICT-
competence improvement); b) Middle level (know some characteristics, features and
possibilities, purpose of using some Google services in PEI management; are able to
use some services to solve specific professional problems; show interest in using
Google services in a professional activity); c) Low level (poorly aware or not aware of
the characteristics, features and possibilities, purpose of using Google services in PEI
management; are not able to use CS effectively in solving professional problems;
show weak interest or lack of interest in using CS in professional activity).
For the diagnostics of PEI managers’ ICT-competence in terms of using Google
CS we consider expedient to use the following methods: a) pedagogical testing to
determine the level of cognitive component; b) observation, surveys, practical tasks to
determine the level of operational component; 3) surveys, psychological testing to
determine the level of motivational and reflexive components.
The result of the author's technique should be the improvement of PEI managers’
ICT-competence in terms of using of Google CS in professional activity.
3 Conclusions
PEI management is a comprehensive, multidimensional process conditioned by the
modern society that is developing dynamically and imposes new requirements to its
subjects: readiness for more productive and creative work, cooperation in infor-
mation-saturated environment, constant self-development, and competitiveness sup-
port. Broad prospects thus are provided through using new technologies, including
cloud services. CS offer broad functionality for effective support of various adminis-
trative processes in PEI. Comparative analysis of CS of various IT companies re-
vealed that Google services have a number of advantages that are significant in condi-
tions of Ukrainian pre-school reality. Using these services in complex will contribute
to creation of a united information environment for effective cooperation and com-
munication between staff and managers of PEI, promote transparency of administra-
tive decisions, establishing relationships with stakeholders, creating and maintaining a
positive image of the institution and its competitiveness in the education market.
For effective implementation of Google CS the prerequisite is to develop PEI man-
agers’ ICT-competence. Our survey, which involved 227 PEI managers from different
regions of Ukraine, has shown the lack of their knowledge and skills in using ad-
vantages of CS. Thus, since 2016 we have conducted a series of trainings using the
authors' technique. Currently, more than 80 PEI managers have been successfully
trained. Implementation of the author's technique of PEI managers’ ICT-competence
development allows forming and improving their knowledge, abilities, skills, atti-
tudes, motivation to use CS as a tool to support professional activity, improving the
quality of IT support of management processes in Ukrainian PEI.
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