Cloud computing has become the backbone of the education industry. It is driving huge advancements that were once only a dream – from AI to the Internet of Things. This shift is making remote learning possible, letting students access knowledge anytime, anywhere, and bridging educational gaps on a global scale. Cloud computing is helping companies cut costs while improving the educational journey on the learners’ side. As remote learning rapidly expands, traditional classrooms are becoming more flexible and open to all. In this blog, we discuss how cloud computing is transforming remote learning.
Role of Cloud Computing in the Education Sector
Cloud computing is here to stay. It is powering the shift towards online learning that came after the pandemic. Teachers are turning to the cloud for blended and remote learning settings. Cloud is helping institutions centralize their platforms for educators and students. It enables resource-sharing without high investments in physical infrastructure. Here are the benefits of cloud computing in eLearning:
- Boosting Productivity
Switching to cloud-based education platforms helps students and teachers access resources anytime, anywhere. A centralized cloud platform is essential for educators to store and share important materials with ease. It takes away the added stress of managing time and commuting to in-person classes. Cloud supports round-the-clock access which is a huge plus point for edtech startups.
- Better Collaboration
Cloud platforms facilitate collaboration in real-time. It creates a unified space for educators, students, and even parents to engage together no matter where they are physically located. Features like instant messaging and video calls make this possible to give an integrated learning experience.
- Increased Scalability
For EdTech startups, scalability is a huge concern as business grows. They need to make sure their platforms are ready to store increasing volumes of data. They also need to make arrangements to support increasing student batch sizes on their platforms as they grow. This is a huge advantage of cloud computing for eLearning companies. It is extremely easy to scale resources with the cloud as the need arises.
During peak times, such as registration periods, schools can quickly ramp up their cloud capabilities to meet demand and then scale down later to keep costs manageable.
- Securing Data and Information
Schools can protect sensitive information as data is stored on remote, secure cloud servers. Many cloud providers invest heavily in security protocols like firewalls, MFA, and VPN encryption. This is a huge aspect of the EdTech industry where payment is also made online. This makes it necessary to protect data against unauthorized access. Cloud allows students and staff to access resources securely, even if a device is compromised.
If you are thinking about a cloud-based setup, you will need to invest in in-house cloud engineers and an IT team to handle the backend. Hiring cloud engineering talent often comes at a higher price and most companies prefer investing in training their own workforce. If you are looking for similar training programs to build your in-house teams, look no further than EducationNest’s cloud computing training program for corporates. They have expert-designed courses for corporates that are also customizable to suit your needs.
- Cost-Efficiency Through Pay-As-You-Go
With a pay-as-you-go model in cloud computing, schools only pay for the resources they use. Thus cloud computing is a cost-effective alternative to traditional IT infrastructure. By eliminating the need for on-campus servers and dedicated hardware, institutions can reinvest in expanding their online offerings to reach a wider student base.
- Virtual Classrooms
Cloud computing supports remote learning through virtual classrooms. This is not only beneficial in reducing costs behind physical classrooms but also supports larger student batch sizes within a single class. Virtual classrooms also allow schools to hire remote educators and deliver online courses from anywhere.
- AI and ML Integration
Many institutes are now integrating AI and machine learning into cloud-powered remote classes. These techs are particularly being used by educators to personalize learning experiences and conduct research. AI applications in education enable adaptive learning systems that respond to individual student needs, making sure everyone feels ‘heard’.
- Affordable Access
With cloud-based tools, students and teachers can access industry-standard resources without high licensing fees. Subscription-based cloud tools like Adobe Creative Cloud or Autodesk allow users to access such applications economically. Some are even free for educational purposes, helping prepare students with real-world skills.
- Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
One key advantage of cloud computing is sustainability. Cloud reduces carbon footprints in all aspects. It is truly an eco-friendly initiative in education. It completely eliminates the need for physical materials and transportation. Fewer students need to commute, and the demand for paper-based resources is minimized.
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Cloud Computing in the EdTech Industry
In 2023, the global edTech market was valued at approximately $144.64 billion. To tap into this market, many new startups rose offering cloud platforms for remote learning. Among the top names, we also have giants like Microsoft and Google. Here are some commonly used cloud tools popular among students and educators:
Microsoft
Microsoft offers a productivity suite specifically tailored for students and educators called Office 365 Education. This cloud-based eLearning platform allows users to set up an account and save all documents to the cloud, making them accessible anytime, anywhere. Office 365 Education includes all the standard apps, along with added tools designed for classroom use. Best of all, it is free for students and educators, while other users can subscribe starting at $70 per year.
Google’s cloud-based productivity suite called Google Workspace is already popular among all. These are tools we all use every day like Gmail, Hangouts, Calendar, Drive, and Docs. However, for educators, there is a specialized version known as Google Workspace for Education. It offers additional tools for academic use across Google Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail, and more. Google Classroom is another popular cloud-based educational tool that integrates these cloud applications to create a centralized hub for managing assignments and schedules seamlessly.
Coursera
Gained its popularity during the pandemic, Coursera is another cloud-based tool for fully remote learning that houses a vast selection of online courses from renowned universities and expert instructors across the globe. It offers not only career-focused lessons but also recognized degrees from respected institutions. You will find names like Stanford University, University of London, University of Michigan, Yale, and more. Even Google, IBM, etc. offer some of their most sought-after courses on Coursera. Students can pursue an online master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania via Coursera and gain the same credentials as on-campus learners.
Conclusion
Cloud computing is not just a convenience. In India where the edtech industry is valued at billions, cloud integration into eLearning solutions is transforming the way education is delivered. It is making learning more accessible, cost-effective, and sustainable for all parties involved. For the edtech industry, the cloud offers a flexible, powerful foundation for the future of learning.
EducationNest, India’s top corporate training provider, offers the best cloud computing training programs for corporate to help companies train their in-house teams. The best part about their courses is that they offer lifetime access and their courses are also customizable to suit your team’s learning needs.
