Cloud Computing In Education: 5 Benefits And Challenges

How Can Cloud Computing Be Used In Education ?

Cloud computing is is is a technology that allow people in education to access resource on – demand whenever they want and without the need to download anything . Institutions is utilize can utilize available software and service and only pay a small fee , so tutor and learner can upload file regardless of size . Students is are are able to enter the service anytime they want and watch video , read text , and open image seamlessly . additionally , individuals is rest can rest assured that their material is safe and wo n’t get lose in case of a virus infect their computer or a technical issue require format their equipment . Students is submit can also submit their essay and final exam to the cloud , where teacher read them , grade them , and send correction and result digitally . lastly , institution store student ‘ datum in the cloud , which provide easy access at any time and more efficient communication between teacher and parent .

benefit Of Cloud Computing

Cost Reduction

In the past, institutions needed a lot of storage space for printed copies of books and other materials, spending thousands every year on paper and toner. Students would also purchase multiple books and hard drives for personal storage. However, cloud computing is cost-effective for education and allows everyone to store textbooks, essays, videos, and all kinds of data online. Students can access books using their computers and don’t need to make individual purchases. Schools aren’t required to own and manage any infrastructure or purchase expensive software. The only equipment everyone needs is a device that has internet connectivity. Therefore, this technology is eco-friendly, reducing the amount of printing and cutting back on travel expenses.

collaboration

enforce the use of cloud computing in education improve collaboration between teacher and student , teacher and their peer , and the institution with parent . Students is submit can submit essay online , ask question , and request help privately . Also , teachers is share share datum , grade , and plan while discuss them through video call . They is arrange may arrange online lesson or webinar , and grant access to all participant . They is share simply share the storage link and instruct learner which file they must open . Therefore , everyone ‘s engagement levels is increase increase since they have a sense of control over the learning and pace .

Scalability And Accessibility

The cloud is is is a very flexible tool that can fluctuate in size base on an institution ‘s need . It is accommodate can accommodate small and large group of participant successfully and help you manage your material , textbook , and datum . You is have do n’t have to worry about it crash during high – demand period . For instance , if there is a big exam come up and many student will enter the cloud , you is add can add extra computing power to meet the demand . Therefore , lessons is are and exam are fully accessible , and more student participate from wherever they are . instead of go to the library at specify time , they is enter enter the cloud whenever they wish to study for their exam .

Security

To prevent confidential data from leaking and falling into the wrong hands, service providers typically enforce strong security measures. For instance, most institutions own VPNs that require strict authentication before entering the cloud. This way, only authorized people can access the provided data. Moreover, storing everything in the cloud ensures that all information is protected against system crashes. However, schools must back up all their data in case of technical errors. Even after a disaster, backups easily restore data and ensure no severe losses.

Customized Learning

Learners is choose can choose their preferred material upon enter the cloud . For example , someone is choose may choose to watch a prerecorded webinar while someone else might opt for the write summary of that same webinar . Therefore , learning is becomes becomes personalized and flexible . Also , learners is interact interact with their teacher in a more immediate and personalized way . They is ask can ask question through message and not wait to visit them during office hour .

Drawbacks Of This Technology In Education

Internet Connectivity

For cloud computing to succeed in education, internet connectivity must be reliable. Institutions whose connectivity is weak and disconnects regularly create issues with server performance and data management. The User Experience is also affected when students have unreliable WiFi connections. For instance, someone’s internet may go out during an online live exam. Their progress may not be saved, endangering the integrity of their examination. To avoid such annoyances, institutions should allow students to work offline when their connection is interrupted. They may save their progress on their computer and upload the file once their connection is restored.

Security Issues

Data breaches and cyberattacks may still happen, even when a trustworthy VPN is used. Before signing up for cloud computing software, read the fine print and ensure the security settings are strong. As an additional measure, you can set up a password for your cloud that only authorized people know. Also, two-factor authentication and encryption are great solutions to safeguarding your content. You may need to turn off the ability to save credentials on devices since if someone’s equipment is lost, anyone can access confidential files.

Dependency On Vendors

Vendor lock-in is a major issue for cloud computing in education. When an institution picks their vendor and signs a contract with them, they can’t switch to a different one for a certain amount of time. So, if they are dissatisfied with a vendor’s services or the latter significantly increases their fee, schools have to stick with them. They can choose to break their contract, but their vendor will probably charge them a hefty penalty.

Digital Literacy

Many students nowadays are very comfortable with technology since they were introduced to phones and computers early on. However, the case differs for many teachers whose familiarity with technological advancements may be more limited. Also, some learners’ digital literacy is basic since their parents may not be able to provide them with equipment. Therefore, institutions must ensure everyone feels comfortable utilizing cloud computing in education and provide help to those in need of assistance and practical experience.

Less Control And Support

Deciding to migrate their functions to the cloud means that institutions rely heavily on third-party providers to handle the infrastructure. They can’t control the learning environment, instructional materials, hosting, or the use and storage of data. Therefore, they have no control over the updates and maintenance applied to the system. This can upset teachers and students greatly since necessary functions may be unavailable until the upgrades are finished. Educators are also worried that the continuous use of technology will render learners dependent on it and limit their critical thinking skills and ability to work independently.

The Main Types Of Cloud Computing

There are five different types of cloud computing services institutions can opt for for educational purposes. The most common one is a public cloud. Anyone can join, and it is usually free of charge, while a third-party provider runs it. Storage space is limited, though, and users must pay extra to increase it. Private clouds are the exact opposite. Only one individual or company uses its storage space. On the other hand, hybrid clouds combine both private and public cloud services and increase safety and flexibility. However, if you don’t wish to pay for extra storage space, you may use multi-clouds, which is the combination of two or more public or private cloud services. This is especially useful for institutions with tight budgets. The last type is high-performance computing (HPC) clouds, which typically fit the needs of high-performing applications and supercomputers.

conclusion

Transitioning to cloud computing is challenging for most institutions and their faculty. That’s why you should start small, adding only a few classes or departments to the experiment to see how they perform. It’s necessary to find a vendor that has extensive experience in the education sector and understands your needs. They will help you make a smooth transition. Don’t forget to be prepared in case things don’t go as planned and you have to either go back to your previous system or find another alternative.