Use of Cloud Computing In Higher Education of Pakistan

Abstract

Cloud computing is an internet-based service of delivering technology to users and an important technological facility where mutual resources are delivered on demand. Usage of cloud computing in educational Institutions provides students as well as administrative staff an opportunity to access various applications and knowledge swiftly. Its simplicity, upfront-cost, reduced downtime and less management effort make this service acceptable for all fragments of society particularly students and teachers. Despite the fact that the cloud computing technology is very useful, such as ease of access, cost effective. It has various issues like security violations, data confidentiality, data integrity, regional and geographical restrictions over the data. Safe cloud services are required to protect its users from different external threats such as disclosure or loss of data and compromising of users’ accounts. Users’ understanding about the cloud computing’s advantages, disadvantages and security issues can protect them from potential threats while ensuring its optimal usage in education. In this paper, a survey has been conducted to identify students understanding about the advantages, disadvantages and security issues regarding cloud computing in the educational sector. A sample of 212 respondents from graduate and undergraduate programs was taken to obtain required information. The findings reveal a lack of awareness about the use of cloud computing, its benefits, and security concerns and the implications of this deficiency are critical as multiple issues like outflow of personal data and its loss is faced by its users which may have adverse social, emotional and professional effects on student’s life. Considering the usefulness as well as the sensitivity of cloud computing in educational institutions, Authors propose maximum utilization of cloud computing in educational sector while ensuring the security of its users.