Cloud computing: Empowering the Higher Education Industry

The higher education industry has evolved a lot over the years. Nowadays, educational and learning activities are not confined to textbooks and classrooms alone. It also involves the use of mobile technology. Today, learners remain connected, whether they are on or off-campus. In addition, the right technology provides them with career-ready skills. It is a technology that drives disruptive change. One would never have thought that a student could pursue a course in a college with thousands of miles between them? Cloud computing drives innovation in this field.

Cloud computing is the sharing of computing resources over the Internet, regardless of the users’ location. With cloud computing, it becomes possible to bring together teachers and learners on one platform. Educational institutions, such as schools, colleges, and universities, need not purchase, own, and maintain their servers and data centers. Instead, they can take advantage of cloud computing to access computing power, databases, storage, and other services when they need them. 

Factor Influencing Growth of Cloud Computing

According to the Astute Analytica report, the global cloud computing in the higher education market is forecast to grow at a (compound annual growth rate) CAGR of 22% during the forecast period from 2021-2027. Due to an increase in the use of SaaS-based solutions within the Education sector. Also, the increasing trend of e-learning and distance learning is estimated to boost the market.

Benefits of Cloud Computing in Higher Education

Cost-Effective: Cloud computing in higher education also offers extensive cost savings, something people cannot ignore. In this context, students and providers can both enjoy significant benefits. Cloud-based learning resources mean that students do not need to purchase expensive books or applications. The providers can lower their management costs too by simplifying processes like enrollment and assignment tracking. It reduces infrastructure costs.   

Easily accessible: Accessibility is one of the greatest benefits of the cloud. Access to course content, applications, and data is easy from anywhere and anytime. Students can enroll in courses and participate in group activities. Cloud technology ensures seamless content delivery regardless of location and time. Furthermore, it even sends content to mobile devices so that students can learn anytime, anywhere. 

Data security: Cloud computing also offers the benefit of secure data storage, in addition to accessibility and cost savings. For organizations delivering learning in the cloud, a VPN can help ensure data security. VPN protocols such as IKEv2 are responsible for automatically encrypting outgoing data and traffic. Thus, learners can easily access learning content without compromising its integrity. While using VPN for cloud-based learning applications, learners can protect their privacy. 

Adaptability: The scalability of an application refers to its ability to accommodate the growing number of users. On this front, cloud computing also covers schools, colleges, and universities. It enables them to scale up learning applications and experiences easily and quickly. Thus, they can handle an ever-increasing number of students. Additionally, scalability allows them to deal with usage traffic spikes and peaks associated with events such as registrations for training and the submission of assignments. Also, they can scale down instantly during low activity periods to avoid wasting resources. 

Greater reach for the students: Cloud computing offers students an opportunity to expand their horizons in the higher education industry. A new concept of online education is now available for those who are unhappy with traditional learning systems. It is ideal for students who wish to engage in remote learning or even pursue courses abroad. In addition to virtual classes, working professionals who want to upgrade their skills but cannot attend conventional courses can take online courses. 

Cloud computing has enormous benefits for higher education. There is no surprise that major providers in the industry are adopting cloud technology in order to enhance their services. At the same time, the cloud is emerging as the best option for students. There is nothing like the convenience of having learning available at your fingertips, and cloud technology makes it possible.