California's Riverside Unified School District Excels With School Web Lockers Online Storage And Virtual Learning System

As one of California's largest school districts, Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) prides itself in being ahead of the curve when it comes to technology. When initially identifying its requirements for a virtual learning system, technology experts at the district determined they needed to find a way to increase collaboration between teachers and students, while also saving on storage costs and meeting IT budget expectations.

In 2004, RUSD came across School Web Lockers (www.schoolweblockers.com), a leading provider of cost-effective, web-based tools for collaboration, distance learning, one-to-one computing and online storage. Immediately impressed with the breadth and capabilities of the School Web Lockers platform, RUSD embarked upon a pilot virtual learning system that began with teachers speaking directly with programmers to create a system tailored to RUSD's unique needs.

The pilot program was initiated in one classroom in each of the district's nine secondary schools, and then it was ultimately expanded to its current level, in which all 45 schools across the district participate. It now serves as a virtual storage locker – a place for students and teachers to easily access, store and update assignments. At the same time, it also provides a virtual location for the exchange of information. Students can download assignments that the teacher has posted, and also turn in completed assignments without the need to transport hard copies between home and school.