Technology continues to advance with time and one of the areas where this is definitely the case is in cloud computing. It has completely revolutionized the exchange of information in the education sector.
But what do we mean by cloud computing?
In a nutshell, this is where computer resources are delivered on demand. Examples of these are Google Docs, Dropbox, and Class Flow.
The Importance of Cloud Computing in Education.
One of the very best ways to enhance the learning process for student is to incorporate technology. By including apps and some interactive displays, education becomes more engaging and fun.
The result is enhanced learning and deeper competencies.
With cloud computing schools are able to best utilize their ICT budget. Education centers access the best of ICT resources at a very low cost. Often only a subscription is needed and there is no need to make annual upgrades which further saves on costs.
There is little need to purchase hardware.
Saving on costs is not the only benefit with cloud computing. Uses can access the resources over different platforms. This means that both students and teachers can interact with each other. Sharing of lessons and content is much simpler.
Since students are allowed to bring their smartphones and tablets to class, there is less financial strain on school resources not to mention it allows students to keep up with the latest in technological advancements.
Future classrooms can be seen with the use of cloud computing. Indeed, the usual physical classrooms may very well get replaced by virtual classrooms where students can join in from different locations around the world creating a more enhanced learning environment.
Keeping up with the “internet of things” is essential in the modern age. Different areas of our lives are information driven and this is definitely true in the education sector. This poses a problem for data storage with so much information. Cloud computing saves schools from having to purchase software and hardware to store all this information.
Granted, people are concerned about cybercrime and unauthorized persons gaining access to sensitive information stored in the cloud. However, with the heavy security that accompanies cloud computing, it’s unlikely that such information will land on the wrong hands. This is good news since schools are able to meet their data protection obligations.
An interesting benefit is that cloud computing will help the school deliver on its strategy. For example, every teacher wants to provide feedback that is useful to students. The cloud allows for instant assessment and teachers can respond in real time. If, for instance, a student needs psychology homework answers, it can be provided too in an instant.
With the high popularity of messaging platforms, location is no longer an issue and feedback becomes much easier to provide.
