Digital Transformation Strategy (Three Spires – Digital Educator) Cloud Collaboration in Practice

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Cloud Collaboration in Practice

13th November 2025

Cloud-based platforms are transforming how schools plan, communicate and work together. Building confidence in using tools to streamline workflows, reduce duplication and make collaboration effortless are key steps in the success of digital transformation and adoption within schools. By harnessing cloud technology, educators can share resources instantly, co-create lesson plans in real time and maintain clear communication across teams. More importantly, these practices directly support school improvement priorities such as effective planning, robust assessment and inclusive learning experiences. Cloud tools can save time, enhance teamwork and create a more connected school community.

Understanding Cloud-Based Tools

Cloud platforms store files online so that teachers and pupils can access and edit them securely from any device.

Common platforms include:

Google Workspace: Drive, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Classroom, Meet, whiteboards

Google Tools for Teaching and Learning

Google Workspace offers a suite of cloud-based tools that empower educators and learners to collaborate, create, and communicate seamlessly. Each tool serves a unique purpose, but together they transform how schools plan lessons, share resources, and engage students.

Drive
Google Drive is your secure digital filing cabinet. It allows teachers and students to store, organise and share files from any device. Shared folders make it easy for departments to co-create schemes of work, while version history ensures nothing is lost.

Docs
Docs enables real-time collaborative writing. Teachers can co-develop lesson plans and students can work together on group projects, leaving comments and suggestions without endless email chains.

Slides
Slides brings presentations to life. Educators can design interactive lessons and learners can collaborate on multimedia projects, adding images, videos and links to deepen understanding.

Sheets
Sheets is ideal for tracking progress and analysing data. Teachers can maintain assessment records collaboratively, while students can use it for research projects or data-driven tasks.

Classroom
Google Classroom acts as a central hub for assignments, announcements, and feedback. It streamlines communication, reduces paperwork and ensures learners have clear access to resources and deadlines.

Meet
Meet supports virtual lessons and staff meetings, enabling face-to-face interaction even when remote. Breakout rooms encourage small-group discussions and recordings help students revisit key concepts.

These tools don’t just digitise existing practices, they help to transform them. By enabling real-time collaboration, instant feedback and flexible access, Google Workspace helps schools create inclusive, engaging learning environments where every voice can be heard.

Take a look at the flashcards below to explore each of the Google tools. (Tip: click on full screen to complete the activity.)

Microsoft 365: OneDrive, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Forms, OneNote

Microsoft Tools for Teaching and Learning

Microsoft 365 provides a powerful suite of cloud-based tools designed to make teaching and learning more efficient, interactive and collaborative. These tools help educators streamline workflows, share resources securely and create engaging learning experiences for students.

OneDrive

OneDrive is your secure cloud storage solution. Teachers can store lesson plans, assessments and multimedia resources in organised folders, accessible from any device. Shared folders allow departments to collaborate on schemes of work without emailing attachments. For learners, OneDrive ensures they can access homework and project files anytime, supporting independent learning.

Word

Word Online enables real-time collaborative writing and editing. Teachers can co-create documents such as policies or lesson plans, using comments and tracked changes to refine content. Students can work together on essays or reports, receiving instant feedback from peers and teachers.

PowerPoint

PowerPoint Online transforms presentations into collaborative learning tools. Teachers can design interactive lessons with embedded videos and links, while students co-create group projects in real time. Features like Presenter Coach help learners build confidence in delivering presentations.

Teams

Teams acts as a central hub for communication and collaboration. Teachers can create channels for classes or departments, share files and host live lessons or meetings. Students benefit from structured spaces for discussions, assignment submissions and group work. Breakout rooms and chat features encourage active participation and peer support.

Forms

Forms simplifies assessment and feedback. Teachers can create quizzes, surveys and polls to check understanding or gather opinions. Automatic marking saves time and analytics help identify learning gaps. Students can use Forms for peer evaluations or quick feedback on projects.

OneNote

OneNote is a digital notebook that supports organisation and creativity. Teachers can share lesson notes, embed videos, and set tasks in Class Notebook. Students can add reflections, complete assignments and collaborate on shared pages, making learning more interactive and personalised.

Microsoft 365 transforms collaboration within teaching and learning, enabling real-time collaboration and secure resource sharing with flexible communication.