Today’s students are used to interacting with everything in their lives online. With such immediate access to the world around us, an array of industries are recognizing the power of cloud-based applications as a way to not only reduce the need for costly infrastructure, but to also expand service offerings to their consumer base. One such industry that is taking advantage of cloud computing solutions is the education sector at large. The cloud offers significant solutions to improve and transform how the education industry works in virtual environments. Here are a couple of interesting approaches the education industry is taking with cloud applications.
Cost Effective for Everyone
One of the most important capabilities of the cloud is its ability to store a lot of information.Educational institutions are inundated with data. Thousands of students enter and exit an institution each year and through the cloud, those school records can be stored on virtual machines (VMs). But it’s not just student records. The cloud provides practically unlimited, secure storage for courses and student data. It allows educators to store all kinds of information, giving students access to lesson plans, assignments, eBooks, music, videos, and more. And while providing improved access, institutions are also lowering costs in terms of having less need to purchase and maintain printers, copiers and other supplies. An educational institution can see an ROI with cloud by eliminating the need to invest in the purchasing, maintaining servers, storage, software and other IT components necessary for an on-premise infrastructure. Not only is the cloud providing cost savings in terms of big purchase and energy consumption, it also offers cost savings for students too. Digital content tends to be less expensive than printed textbooks which means students can save hundreds of dollars each year by not needing to purchase expensive and outdated textbooks.
Increase Enrollment
Cloud-based applications open virtual doors for students to pursue new opportunities outside of a traditional classroom setting. Now more than ever, as education has moved online, academic courses and their resources are available anywhere in the world as long as there is an Internet connection. By offering cloud-based e-learning services, it is possible for adult students to finish a high school education, take continuing education courses or complete a graduate degree. Cloud computing is an opportunity to remove geographical hurdles and time constraints that might otherwise prevent students from pursuing a degree. It is especially ideal for working professionals who may travel or need flexible hours to learn outside business hours or individuals looking to improve their employability.
Cloud enables the education system to combat dropout rates by providing an accessible avenue for those who do not flourish in a traditional learning environment or it simply does not fit into their lifestyle. Cloud applications allow for 24/7 online access and low latency, giving students more flexibility to complete their assessments and turn work in on time. In a more adaptable learning environment, students may be more empowered to stay enrolled and graduate. Through cloud applications, student learning portals make lesson plans, notes, textbooks, tests, and grades easily downloadable and readily accessible for students and professors.
The cloud continues to revolutionize how people access education and how institutions deliver it. As educators continue to welcome cloud computing as an integral component in education, the possibilities are endless. From classroom forums and chat groups to accessible teacher gradebooks and assignment logs, the education system is truly embracing the potential for cloud assessments and turn work in on time. In a more adaptable learning environment, students may be more empowered to stay enrolled and graduate. Through cloud applications, student learning portals make lesson plans, notes, textbooks, tests and grades easily downloadable and readily accessible for students and professors.
The cloud continues to revolutionize how people access education and how institutions deliver it. As educators continue to welcome cloud computing as an integral component in education, the possibilities are endless. From classroom forums and chat groups to accessible teacher gradebooks and assignment logs, the education system is truly embracing the potential for cloud.
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