Using cloud computing to support higher education in networks and systems

Abstract

Virtual machine (VM) technology is widely used in higher education to support pedagogy and research. However, without a standard platform for managing VM technology, VM-based infrastructure is likely to be acquired and deployed in an ad-hoc manner. The virtual computing lab (VCL) system is an open source cloud computing platform developed specifically to support higher education. The main goal of VCL is to make available dedicated, custom compute environments to users. We built a small VCL cloud and trialed its use to support several networking courses offered in the School of Computing at Clemson University during the 2013/2014 academic year. In this paper, we summarise the trial and provide results and conclusions. We found that well provisioned PCs might support up to ten VMs however when subject to peak loads, the system is not able to support accurate and reproducible network experiments.

To determine the critical factors for the adoption of cloud computing in the educational sector in developing countries – a fuzzy DEMATEL approach

“…The user's data is also susceptible to malicious activities since it takes place over the Internet. In an education system, learning through the cloud does not guarantee total understanding of topic as well as the authenticity of the student doing a taskLiu et al (2016),Morze et al (2015),Chao et al (2015),Naveed et al (2019), Due to the large storage capacity provided, the cloud can be a hub of several links and resources. Thus, one can reuse a tool or resources, avoid wastage of time and reduce errors.…”