Cloud Computing Applications in Education through E-Governance: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

Cloud computing is the new style of distributed computing that aims to provide computing resources through the Internet, on a pay-per-use-basis, as a variety of services to the cloud consumers. With the emergence of newer technologies, the extensive use of ICT in every field of life is compelling the migration of e-governance services to the cloud environment. In this context, in India, the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) has been introduced which is the flagship e-governance project. This comprises 27 Mission Mode Projects relating to Health, Education, Public Distribution System, etc. By the inclusion of education in the NeGP, the concept of effective governance of education sector is thoroughly innovated in connecting the various state governments for the effective handling of the new challenges confronting the education sector. This chapter attempts to provide a model for e-governance in the education sector using cloud computing. It is suggested that the proposed educational e-governance model can facilitate in improving transparency, providing speedy information dissemination, improving administrative efficiency, and providing public services in all aspects of the provision of education. There is no doubt that the quality of output of the education system will substantially improve if the e-governance in the education is implemented using the cloud technologies.