Cloud computing is a model that enables on-demand access to a shared pool of computing resources like servers, storage, databases, and applications over the internet. There are three types of cloud computing models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Clouds can be public, private, community, or hybrid and provide advantages of lower costs and flexibility but also security risks. Cloud computing can benefit education through virtual classrooms, collaborative assignments, and enabling cooperation between colleges.

1. Cloud Computing

2. Definition (according to the U.S.
government's National Institute of
Standards and Technology):a model for
enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-
demand network access to a shared
pool of configurable computing
resources
(e.g., networks, servers, storage, applica
tions, and services) that can be rapidly
provisioned and released with minimal
management effort or service provider

3. In other words:
Cloud computing is a term that
is used for anything that involves
delivering hosted services over the
Internet.

4. Three Types of Cloud Computing
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) – users rent the use of servers. They can be
provided by more than one cloud provider.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) – users rent the use of not only the servers, but also
the system software needed to use them
Software as a Service (SaaS) – the users also rent application software and
databases.

5. Applications on the Cloud can be
accessed by:
Cell Phones
Tablets
Laptops
Servers
Desktops

6. A cloud can be either
public, private, community or hybrid.
.
Public Cloud – available to the general public
Cost: free or pay as you use it
Private Cloud – is only available to single organizations
Cost: covered by private users
Community cloud – shared with several organizations
Cost: less that private cloud, because it’s spread
out over more users.
Hybrid cloud – two or clouds together that keep their ‘
Unique properties.

7. Advantages: it is efficient and can
Lower costs and save time
Disadvantages: there is a major
concern about security risks with
cloud computing

8. How can cloud computing be used in education?
Virtual classrooms that can be accessed from home – this can
benefit schools that have overcrowded classrooms or small
schools that don’t have the staff to offer certain classes.
Assignments – they can be done cooperatively with other students
On the cloud and homework can be done from anywhere.
College – enable collaboration between different colleges.

9. References
http://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/definition/cloud-
computing
http://www.technologyreview.com/news/425618/cloud-
computing-defined/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing
http://www.cloudtweaks.com/2011/02/how-can-cloud-
computing-help-in-education/