6 Surprising Ways Cloud-Based Technologies Are Changing Education

Cloud computing is quickly evolving into a powerful agent of significant change in the education sector. The overall adoption of cloud computing in education is skyrocketing. And according to studies by the IDC, the global spending on public cloud computing is set to go beyond $162 billion.

Educational institutions are now enthusiastically adopting cloud tech, often investing in cloud-based SaaS services and shifting their systems to the cloud. A recent study by MeriTalk reported that 81% of higher education IT professionals will be increasing their cloud computing spend.

1. Students Are Saving on Expensive and Outdated Textbooks

Tertiary-level textbooks are generally expensive. Over the recent years, textbooks have greatly outpaced the cost of most elements involved in tertiary-level education. And due to the rising costs, most students resolve to avoid them.

Therefore, cloud-based textbooks are now the effective solution to this issue. Basically, digital content is cheaper, thus allowing all students to get access to equal education opportunities.

Presently, expensive textbooks force most students to rely on outdated and second-hand editions. Recent studies show that the average social studies textbooks for junior high schools are more than 11 years old.

In that case, books with basic things as world maps are seldom accurate. But Cloud-based learning material is easy to update in real-time; therefore, students can gain constant access to updated learning resources.

2. Eliminating the Need for Expensive Hardware

Since cloud-based learning applications are web-based and are compatible with almost every mobile device, schools and students can easily access the learning materials.

Typically, even with an entry-level smartphone will allow you to get unlimited access to academic applications. Besides, you don’t need to invest in expensive external storage devices since numerous platforms offer free cloud-based storage services.

3. Reaching Out to More Students

Cloud-based infrastructure in education is opening newer and better opportunities for students. And this applies to those students who are not served well by traditional education approaches. Since the transition of education to online platforms, it has become easier for adult students to complete high-school education. Similarly, alternative forms of education are now easily available, thus making it easy for people to receive specific training in certain areas that could improve employability.

4. Easy Access and Data Security

Among other things, lesson plans, notes, slides, labs are now available on cloud applications, and professors and students can easily access the tools that are used for lessons.

Even in education, your data and personal information should be stored securely. Today, most cloud-based education applications come with strong authentication properties to ensure that all academic material is only available to authorized people. Nevertheless, the IT department at the learning institutions can always modify the security protocols to provide more security and accessibility.

5. Changing the Classroom Environment

With the rapid advancement of technology, education is now shifting towards virtualization. Classrooms across the globe are now equipped with computers, digital boards, and other tools that enhance the transfer of information.

And as we transition to distance education, cloud-based technologies make it possible to shift visualization learning tools to online mode.

For instance, teachers can use Google as a resource to create virtual classrooms using the Google Classroom service.

The cloud-based service combines Google Meet, Google Hangouts, and Google Drive for assignment sharing and Google Calendar for class scheduling.

And after the pandemic, Google Classroom downloads are now above 50 million across the world, and the demand is still growing.

According to studies on the Journal of Educational Technology, students participating in virtual classrooms perform better than those who didn’t. Similarly, the students surveyed reported higher motivation levels to study because they could access virtual classroom access at any convenient time.

6. Making the Work of School Management More Efficient

Cloud-based technologies like Cloud Desktop i.e. Virtual Desktop, are great for both students and instructors. School administrators recognize the benefits of implementing cloud computing. Currently, research shows that 90% of K-12 schools are now using cloud platforms for administrative functions.

The report also indicates that cloud-based technologies are helping administrators streamline their workflow since it is now possible to access work from multiple locations simultaneously.

As technology advances, it will become more resourceful for schools to launch better initiatives for the development of distance learning.

Conclusion

In the long run, cloud-based education technology makes it easy for students and teachers to collaborate in an easy and tractable manner. What is more, student groups can work on projects and assignments seamlessly.