Cloud Computing in Education

Introduction

Cloud computing is a modern approach to manage business requirements more efficiently. With the breakthrough of the internet and technology, the term has only evolved and become more popular. You can easily find cloud computing applications in several domains. Many software companies are transitioning from an expensive licensed software model to a cheaper, flexible, and efficient cloud subscription model. This article explains how cloud computing has spread like a virus and how it impacts education technology. Before digging deeper, it is crucial to understand the meaning of cloud computing.

 

What is Cloud Computing?

The internet has changed the way companies conduct business and interact with customers. Traditionally, both hardware and software were part of one system. Hence, users could access data available within the system. In today’s competitive environment, business owners prefer an approach that allows them to access the right services at the right time irrespective of the device (laptop/smartphone/tablet).

Cloud computing allows you to access the services (resources, applications, databases, emails, or file services) or data that resides at some other location in another server. You can access the data if you have an active internet connection and an electronic device. You do not need to purchase a license to utilise the services. You only pay for the services you use.

 

How Does Cloud Computing Work?

Cloud computing is the sharing of resources, applications, storage, and information over a network. Cloud computing consists of two parts; front-end and back-end. The front-end section consists of the user interface, and the back-end section consists of the application, platform, and infrastructure that make up the cloud environment.

The front-end interface allows users to access applications, resources, and data stored in the cloud environment. For example, log in to your Google account to access the email or Dropbox account to access the files shared by other users. However, the back-end interface is the backbone of cloud computing technology responsible for securing the information. The back-end is the interface where all the servers, computers, databases reside. The central server follows a few protocols (set of instructions) to facilitate operations. 

Cloud computing operates by shifting a significant workload between resources. Local computers do not have to use many resources when it comes to running applications. The network of servers in the cloud environment handles the work instead. Hence, a decrease in the user’s side software and hardware resources.