The education sector has come a long way over the years. Teaching and learning are no longer limited to textbooks and classrooms but are now accessible on computers and mobile devices. Today’s students are always connected, whether they are on or off-campus. Simultaneously, the correct technologies provide kids with real-world and career-ready abilities. Technology is playing a significant part in this disruptive development.
This is due to the rapid adoption of the internet in Indian institutions and households, According to The Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) Kantar ‘ICUBE 2020’ report, while urban India’s internet users increased by 4% to 67.5% of the urban population in 2020, rural India’s digital adoption increased by 13% to 31% of the rural population in the over the last 2 years. Who would have thought that students would be able to study at any institution in the world. Cloud computing is one of the technologies driving innovation in this field. In essence, cloud computing is a complicated technology that moves the emphasis from physical to virtual resources. If you want to know its influence on the educational environment, you must first understand what cloud computing is and how it works.
How does cloud computing bring innovation to the education sector?
Cloud computing refers to a set-up of computer resources that may be shared from anywhere, regardless of the user’s location. Cloud now enables us to bring students and teachers on a single platform. Educational institutions, such as schools, colleges, and universities, are not required to own and operate their servers and data centers. Instead, they may use cloud computing to get processing power, databases, storage, and other services as needed. The institutions need not worry about online protection; their resources are protected in the cloud. Let us go through the numerous advantages of cloud computing in the realm of education, and how Institutions can leverage it to save money and increase profits.
- Online spaces/classrooms
It is now feasible for institutions to provide virtual spaces/classrooms for their students using cloud- technologies. Virtual classrooms cut the cost of infrastructure. Institutions can even save money on the costs of hiring regular professors. Rather, they can corporate professional trainers who work remotely and are cost-effective, this way Institutions can decrease their overall staff spending. At the same time, these professors may design and offer online courses to students from anywhere in the world.
- Extensive money conservation.
Another significant advantage of cloud computing is significant cost reductions. In this environment, both professors and students can reap good benefits. Students do not need to buy pricey books or software because these learning tools are available on the cloud. Providers can also reduce administrative expenses by streamlining operations like enrollment and assignment monitoring. One only needs to pay for what they use; this is one of the best aspects of the cloud, making it very cost-effective.
- E-Libraries
Brick-and-mortar libraries are still in use and are supported by educational institutions. But students no longer get enthusiastic about going to the library to look for a book, It only takes an online search to find the information they need.
Data suggests,the public library users fell by 73% worldwide over the last 20 years, this has led to the rise of E-libraries and paved the way for providers like Google Books, Universal Digital Library and McGraw Hill to thrive.
In today’s school system, when eBooks have become a norm, it is only practical that students have a digital eBook library right on their learning platform. Unlike traditional libraries, online libraries can be accessed from anywhere in the world by anyone who owns a computer or a smartphone. Students don’t need to be restricted to a set geographical area, they only need Internet access to take advantage of the many offerings. It is not only handy for students to hunt for books and information, but it is also advantageous to educational institutions and publishers.
- Innovation and agility
Cloud computing might aid Institutions through its agility and innovation. It enables institutions to test new course designs and education patterns more quickly. As a result, institutions can provide better learning experiences for students. This is very convenient as institutions can develop new features and tools, and with quick testing also improve them.
- Not confined to a set geographical area.
Cloud computing in education provides students with the possibility to broaden their horizons. Students who are bored with traditional learning methods and systems may now explore the new concept of online education; this might enable them to broaden their academic perspectives. This is extremely beneficial for students who desire to study courses remotely or even abroad. Working professionals who are unable to attend physical lectures/classes but wish to improve their competencies might enroll in online courses.
- No special requirements for expensive hardware.
The hardware resources required for cloud apps are very minimal. These programmes can run on almost any internet browser on both desktop and mobile devices. Students can learn using their smartphones. There is no longer any need to purchase an expensive computer to take any course online. It doesn’t get much easier than this for learning!
Conclusion
The advantages and possibilities of the cloud in the education industry are endless. It should come as no surprise that almost every industry is quickly adopting cloud technology to improve the services they provide. At the same time, the cloud is emerging as the ideal alternative for students. Nothing beats the ease of having learning at your fingertips, and cloud technology makes it possible. Whether a huge institution, a small school, or a student, everyone in the sector is benefiting from the cloud, and things are only going to become larger and better in the future.
