Abstract:

There are still many educational institutions that are not aware about the identity and services of cloud computing and so they are not willing to adapt this technology in education. Thus, this study conducted to explore the current situation of employing Cloud Computing in public schools, and to what extent the computer teachers knowledge and application of Cloud Computing with their students. For the purpose of this study the descriptive analytical methodology was applied. The study sample included (32) computer teachers from the public schools in Northern Riyadh. They were selected randomly during the second semester in (2012). The researcher depended on questionnaire as a tool for data collection regarding teachers’ realization for Cloud Computing and its effectiveness in education in addition to learning about cons and obstacles; and to gather their opinion regarding establishing Cloud Computing by the Ministry of Education.

The study concluded with many results, most important of them:
1) Sample of the study strongly agreed on using Cloud Computing is effective in education as it will increase the technical skills of students and let them keep pace with the needs of contemporary life and labor market. In addition, it improves the chance for students’ self-learning. In addition, Cloud Computing improves the skills of cooperation in learning and increases their incentives for education and facilitates the process of direction between the teacher and the student.
2) One of the most important cons of Cloud Computing is that the speed of cloud depends of the internet speed and that it requires internet connection. In addition, the user may be worried about passing confidential data through the cloud. It is also difficult for the user to move among service providers and the cloud cannot serve all applications.
3) Key obstacles of using Clouding Computing are infrastructure required such as internet connection, safety and security of data in addition to administrative and financial handicaps.
4) Suggestions include establishing special cloud for the Ministry of Education and conduct training courses for teachers to be able to deal with Cloud Computing tools.

Keywords:

Cloud Computing, higher education, educational technology.