As we all know, the world has changed dramatically over the past few years. Devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops are all commonly used in classrooms where paper notebooks, pens, and pencils used to be.

Now that nearly everything is going virtual, especially since the COVID-19 global pandemic, it’s necessary to find other ways to connect with students and teachers, and to collaborate on projects while maintaining safety and security.

According to a recent report, the market value of cloud computing for education reached $8 billion in 2016. By 2021, the market climbed to more than $25 billion.

The overall market for online education as a whole is projected to reach around $350 billion by 2025. The numbers don’t lie: There are ample benefits for students, educators, and educational institutions for using cloud storage.

Students have a great opportunity when it comes to utilizing free cloud storage. Take a look at how cloud storage works and the key benefits for each of the major stakeholders.

What Is Cloud Storage?

Cloud storage is a secure way to store and access your data digitally. Everything is kept on an off-site server and delivered to any of your desired devices at any time.

Whenever you wish to gain access to information, open the application and type in your login and password credentials. As long as you have the authority to read the data based on your level of administration, you may enjoy access to it from anywhere in the world, any time you want.

Several types of documents can be placed in the cloud, which is useful for companies who have worked primarily with hard copies of printed materials in the past. Such physical documents are more susceptible to damage or loss than digital copies that are properly stored.

Cloud migration may entail a substantial process, depending on how much data your institution handles, but the benefits are typically worth it.

Cloud Storage for Students

Students have the most to gain among all the major stakeholders in higher education through the use of free cloud storage. From collaborating on projects with other scholars to conducting research, student activities have previously been significantly more time-consuming. 

Given access to cloud storage, a student may easily locate the necessary research data for their academic work, collaborate with others from virtually anywhere, and enjoy full access to their online classroom materials remotely.

Cloud Storage for Educators

Student records contain sensitive information. Educators may now feel more secure and at ease while obtaining access to necessary student information from anywhere around the world.

Administrators and instructors should understand the dynamic for learning has shifted. Many are able and willing to transform their traditional classroom into a virtual one. This provides more access for both the teachers and students.

Cloud Storage for Educational Institutions

Many institutions suffered a major reduction in enrollment during the pandemic. Some lost more than 20%, according to a survey conducted by SimpsonScarborough, a research and marketing company that specializes in higher education matters.

SimpsonScarborough surveyed more than 2,000 high school seniors and current college students. Why the decrease?

Aside from obvious financial situations due to the pandemic, there was also a concern for safety. Students desired ways to take classes online.

Secure data is essential for every line of work, but it’s even more critical for educational institutions. Students’ medical, educational, and financial records are collected by the school during enrollment.

Many colleges and universities didn’t have the capability or bandwidth to be able to collect or safely store such information. Now cloud computing has made it a cost-effective approach for every school.

Summary

Cloud computing is only going to expand. Creating a safer, more affordable, and easier way to obtain an education is vital to our nation and economy. Free cloud storage options can provide both students and educators with opportunities they didn’t have before.

For institutions, working with a cloud computing provider can completely revitalize the organization, increase enrollment, and help to make the educational facility run smoother over the long run.