The 13th International Scientific Conference

eLearning and Software for Education

Bucharest, April 27-28, 2017
10.12753/2066-026X-17-057

THE ADVANTAGES OF USING CLOUD COMPUTING IN EDUCATIONAL

ENVIRONMENT

Marin DRĂMNESCU, Vladimir Aurelian ENĂCHESCU

The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 6 Piata Romana, 1st district, Bucharest, Romania
dr.marinn@gmail.com, vld_enachescu@yahoo.com

Abstract: Cloud services are understood and analyzed more technical perspective, and less in terms of
benefits and changes that can bring them this new model for education. Current technology trends
indicate that the future of the web will be oriented towards Cloud technologies. Cloud will be provided
"as a service" and the Internet of the future will be a tight connection between humans, electronic
devices and services. CWS concept (Cloud-based Web Services) describes a platform that connects
multiple data storage centers and generate new ways to unify distributed web services. For this reason,
the CWS is an essential part of the Cloud environment. In this context, Cloud computing is a modern
computerized infrastructure that facilitates rapid provision of resources required. From this
perspective, the Cloud platform has changed the way of development and execution of applications in
the educational environment. Because the distribution of an application or information or a very fast
course, the environment offered by cloud it is understood as a service provider platform (PaaS -
Platform as a Service). Using services Clod can be created Centre of shared services at the university,
which improves the quality of the educational process (digital content, e-learning, educational hands-
on, on demand, training customized, flexible, knowledge management or management route of
instruction). Cloud computing enables applications to run without having to infrastructure or constant
updates, thus providing effective valid or innovative solutions. The educational environment creates
their own applications using tools and libraries provided by the Cloud provider, setting up their
development and application, while the service provider provides infrastructure and manages the
infrastructure. Cloud computing enables applications to run without having to infrastructure or
constant updates, thus providing effective valid or innovative solutions. The educational environment
creates their own applications using tools and libraries provided by the Cloud provider, setting up their
development and application, while the service provider provides infrastructure and manages the
infrastructure.

Keywords: Cloud-computing; Software as a Service; low cost; e-learning; learning efficiency.

I. CLOUD COMPUTING. CONCEPTUAL CLARIFICATION

Cloud computing functions as a modern processing infrastructure that provides fast access to a
wide range of resources [1]. The concept Cloud-based Web Services (CWS) describes an entity that
interconnects various centers with each data storage finally providing new ways for Web services,
distributed in a unified manner [2]. For this reason, the CWS is an essential part of the Cloud
environment. [3]
Following the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), cloud computing is a
model suitable to allow access to application-based network to a group of computing resources
configurable (ex. networks, servers, storage, applications and services) that can be made available to
the user quickly and with minimal management or interaction with the provider of these services. [1]

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 Cloud computing is a modern concept in computing and informatics, representing an overall
distributed computing services, applications, access to information and data storage without the user
needing to know the location and physical configuration of systems providing these services. [2]
Cloud technology work for users without requiring them to have specialized knowledge and
without being interested in complexity. Cloud services made available to the end user, use large
amounts of data are processed globally and in real time and provides answers to user request becomes
recipient of such.
Users can connect easily and quickly in this environment, with very large and very complex
networks taking advantage of the processing power with minimal investment and no technical skills.
In terms of cost it is found that many cheaper hardware can be grouped to form a data center
network with the same performance as a server costly but with greater processing power. This
approach is supported by many technology companies helping them to become more efficient and
profitable.
The growing use of cloud environment that anticipates the future of the web will be oriented
technologies Cloud. In other words, will prevail a Web provided as a service and the internet of the
future will further enhance the connection between people, electronic devices and services. [3]
For a company or a governmental structure on the type of the Ministry of Education can be
very useful to benefit from the computational capabilities of the cloud because thanks to the high
degree of flexibility, allowing all users to have access to information wherever and whenever it would
need, which prevents the risk of data loss, poor organization of digital files and allow better data
security.
From another perspective, cloud computing has been compared to utility services i.e. services
are paid per consumption, users are billed only for what they consume involves a rationalization of
costs and ultimately save money.

1.1 Models of Cloud Computing technology

Cloud computing is implemented in three models: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a

Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Each model provides separate and distinct
account those who use them.

Service delivery

Software as a Service (SaaS) Platform as a Service (PaaS) Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

E-mail, Virtual Desktop, Execution runtime, web Virtual machines, Storage,
Communication server, development tools, Load balances
database

Service implementation

Public Private Hybrid

Processing power

Analysis, Finance Web Other

Cloud Client
Web browser, mobile apps, terminal emulator

Figure 1. Models of Cloud Computing technology

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 Software as a Service (SaaS) - offers business applications used individually or
simultaneously by several companies such as Microsoft (Hotmail), Google (Gmail) or Yahoo! (Yahoo
Mail). Each email service is based on the following principle: vendor (Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, etc.)
houses all programs and data in one location and provide end user access to them via the Internet.
Under this model the customer does not buy software but hires and pays only as uses. Usually the
service is fully including the hardware, software and support and the user accessing the service by any
means authorized. [1]
Platform as a Service (PaaS) - offers and provides a development environment for application
developers. This model is made to the developer’s provisions packages of tools, standards
development and distribution channels and payment. This allows rapid application type software
running, given the low cost and distribution channels effectively pre-attracting customers.
Development platforms are hosted in the cloud and accessed through a browser. [1]
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Provides online processing or data storage capacity. This
service is useful for large companies or government structures that need processing power or storage
capacity highly large for a specific project. This model has the ability to provide processing power,
storage, networks and other fundamental computing resources, enabling customers to deploy and run
different software, which can include operating systems. [1]

1.2 Model of implementation

Users benefit from cloud computing services of implementation in three ways: private, public
and hybrid.
Model of internal private cloud or as a user can have a company or a public organization that
includes several departments thereof. This model uses existing virtualization servers within the
organization thereby optimizing the use of workstations.
The most important technique behind cloud computing is virtualization. Putting multiple
virtual servers on one physical server, companies reduce their expenses they would have through the
purchase of hardware and maintenance costs and energy.
Public or external cloud model makes its resources available to multiple users via the Internet,
in a simultaneous manner. Thus, the beneficiaries are sharing applications, processing power and
storage capacity.
The model of hybrid cloud is a combination of private and public models. According to this
model, organizations can run applications in the public cloud while private data and applications are
stored in the private cloud. [1]

Costs Ease of installation Training Trust Do not use the Cloud

47% 47% 37% 29% 20%
Table 1. Reasons for switching to Cloud Computing

The main reason that stimulate migration to cloud is given by the lower costs involved this. A
total of 47% of survey respondents rated it in their intentions related to adopting cloud's so stating in
their migration to cloud reason is given low costs and adjustments budget to pay monthly bills.
Another reason is the ease of installation (47%), this being linked to customize relatively easy, simple
integration and ease of installation services. In terms of employee training, cloud becomes useful
facilitating remote advice (37%). The level of confidence is also quoted at a significant level (29%).
Some 20% of respondents do not intend to use cloud services.

Administration Costs Partnership Data

60% 49% 45% 44%
Table 2. Advantages of using Cloud Computing

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 The main advantages of using cloud's general represented manner of administration
which means easier access to software, a faster recovery of data in case of problems, reduced
system management and rapid implementation (60%).
The necessary costs are also significant advantages and concerns: a minimal financial
investment, reduced staff required, converting capital expenditure into costs of operations and
minimum installation expenses (49%). A 45% appreciated the partnership advantage resulting
from the use of cloud services. Thus, the cloud fosters increased collaboration and the ability
to achieve partnerships with other organizations. In terms of data security 44% of respondents
believe that the cloud services increase data security, ensure better organization of these and
how are controlled by the organization.

Lack of Lack External Do not use

Costs Data security
knowledge of trust limitations the cloud
60% 49% 45% 44% 34% 17%
Table 3. Limitations in adopting cloud computing

The main limitations of using cloud site are the lack of knowledge about this type of
service that insufficient training, lack of support from management and lack support from the
donor (60%). Another limitation is related to costs (49%). Although they are smaller
compared to maintaining its own infrastructure they aim monthly expenses, costs of
installation, migration, cost of internet. On the other hand, a significant percentage (45%) are
worried about security and loss of data stored in the cloud. The fact that the technology is
relatively new organizations are not yet ready to depend entirely on the Cloud is quite general
show a lack of confidence (44%). Adopting cloud site is subject to limitations on the type of
external government regulations on data security and storage, electricity grid instability or
almost complete dependence of the internet and not least problems of exchange rate
fluctuations.

II. THE ADVANTAGES OF CLOUD COMPUTING IN EDUCATION

Online education is becoming increasingly relevant due mainly to rises in the Internet services
industry software, cloud services and public perceptions of collaborative learning.
More and more social activities are supplemented by a presentation in electronic format on the
Internet embodied in the Web pages, databases, multimedia or interactive presentations. Training
teachers to make effective use of information technology in teaching activity occurs as major
challenge in coordinating the educational process. Access to the Internet and specifically the cloud
remove geographical and temporal barriers, enabling remote collaboration, which increases the
production and communication of ideas and results. Most major universities have adopted the
requirement that the courses on the Web. They were developed, develop and extend increasingly
specialized program products for creating interactive electronic courses.
A common problem affecting both schools, and universities is the financial element and the
budget pressure. Although he spends more and more on educational technologies, most of the
investment is locked in existing cost structure. Cloud computing technologies will be used to reduce
costs and increase the possibility of access to information. Promising technologies are particularly
video interactive, networking and collaborative software tools and virtual hardware.
New approaches in education represents a paradigm that is focused on e-learning, distance-
learning, or online-learning tele-education. E-learning is nothing else than a new way of looking at
learning, the substantive elements remain the same, only the means of transmitting and acquiring
knowledge is changing. Use of information technologies for this purpose brings freedom to learn in
place and the right moment.
Cloud computing is a relatively new and unexplored industry, which involves covering a
broad set of applications and processes using computer-based learning. Cloud computing facilitates

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determinant E-learning content which means that the distribution of information electronically is more
precisely defined than in distance learning:
Cloud and associated services will enhance the implementation of the main trends in online
education, namely:
1. The transition to open source systems: systems management learning were traditionally
paid services. Newer systems, such as OpenClass can be used without any payment and were very
well received both by students and teachers.
2. More openness from employers: educational degrees obtained online until recently did not
have the same value in the labor market as well as traditional qualifications. As the number of students
who earn a degree online reach critical mass, perception starts to change.
3. The emergence of hybrid courses: Mixed classes that combine online educational aspects of
teaching in the classroom and face to face interaction with professors. Such schools offer students
more options.
4. Increasing enrollments in online courses: entries in online educational programs increased
by 21% compared with only 2% when it comes to higher education in general. This trend will continue
as technological services become more readily available.
5. Collaborative functionalities: collaborative functionalities will facilitate the distribution of
educational materials and promote various methods to work on various projects remotely. Classroom
learning will not be perceived as superior learning remote.
6. Moving from closed circuit text books and digital distribution of content: traditional
textbooks are becoming redundant before the distribution of digital content systems that allow students
to access various educational texts via various mobile devices.
7. Learning systems are social and are based on cloud technology: digital systems distribute
content will be social and be based on cloud technology. OpenClass system, for example, allow
students to Distributive data and collaborate remotely through cloud services that do not require
extensive hardware.
8. Technologies and new peripherals: students have various learning methods online: chat,
multimedia immersion, virtual classrooms and digital classroom boards. These technologies will
advance as the cloud grows and is adopted on a wider scale.
9. Social Media: Social media is increasingly used to facilitate online learning. Various
educational networks can be developed based on the model introduced social sites like Facebook.

III. CONCLUSIONS
While managers are interested in how Cloud Computing will streamline your work,
researchers created new methods for technology as flexible both in terms of services offered and the
price.
Major advantages of Cloud Computing's just emerge from the basic idea of this technology:
regardless of location, personal or company data is accessed via the Internet with absolutely any
equipment that allows web surfing (regardless of its performance hardware). On the other hand, the
so-called Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is fair and reasonable. In return for the investment to create
their own IT infrastructure and purchase licenses for applications used by purchasing them using rental
service.
The disadvantages of using cloud computing are mainly related to total dependence on
Internet service provider.
Cloud can revolutionize education. This is the need of transforming the organization of
learning in a more modern, efficient and flexible and led to the concept of e-learning.
Through cloud access can take place anywhere, anytime and by anyone. A high percentage of
students using computers in their work. Technical obstacles such as access, standards, infrastructure is
not a problem, at least in the near future. Cloud's development, WWW, computer networks and high
capacity enables learning 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Cloud determines lowering costs by eliminating transportation costs. The great benefit is the
elimination of costs and inconveniences which consisted of instructor and student need to be in the
same place.

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 It provides the possibility to update the information disseminated. Web products allow
instructors to update lessons and materials across the network with automatic recovery of business
information and students access to the latest data.
Increase collaboration and interaction between students. Distance learning can be more
stimulating and encouraging than the traditional, as it allows interaction between groups. Students who
use this type of education have more contact with colleagues, spend more time with training materials,
better understand their homework.
Learning controlled technology enables the individual to organize learning module no longer
need to attend classes organized in class.
The high storage capacity. Cloud offering has a much higher storage capacity than hard disk
individual drives. It allows users to access multiple products can see presentations for a range of
courses from which he can choose at least one.
Cloud Computing technology is also environmentally friendly because it uses less energy than
traditional solutions business, and provides greater flexibility.

Reference Text and Citations

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