Cloud computing improves online teaching and makes higher education students' learning process more efficient. In addition, it aids new recruiting and admissions tactics, emphasizing student engagement.
Digital transformation and cloud computing are contributing to morphing the physical location into something more accessible for online learning. Since most colleges now offer online classes as part of their hybrid education strategy, the physical location of the campus is no longer a limiting factor for students. In other words, with the right strategy, institutions can attract students disregarding their location.
As the global cloud computer market in higher education continues to grow, computing resources and cloud applications rely on a cloud computing infrastructure that offers IT flexibility, scalability, and advantages that are undeniable.
The hybrid cloud — part public and part private — is the most suitable deployment model for universities. However, the public cloud deployment model is the most popular. In a public cloud, the hardware and all the resources are provided by the cloud service provider.
Most smaller institutions with a limited budget can still have access to a cloud-based system in one way or another. Some have software as a service (SaaS) - such as email - and have not gone any further, whereas others have a sophisticated, cloud-based infrastructure used for functions such as admissions, Human Resources, and finance.
Competition among institutions is highly increasing. To remain relevant, schools need to build better options to attract more prospective students and nurture them throughout the enrollment funnel. This means colleges need to differentiate themselves so that prospective students can feel a sense of connection.
Switching from IT-centric to customer/student-centric cloud computing strategy
Today’s generation looks for an engaging digital-first experience. They are connected, mobile, they move fast, they want instant response, and their needs and expectations change quickly. It is paramount to adapt quickly to meet their needs.
With so many cloud solutions specifically for higher education on the market, what characteristics should such a solution include? First of all, it should be an all-in-one complete solution suitable for recruitment, admissions, enrollment, and marketing communications. It should at least include the following:
- Engaging applicant experience portal
- Social applicant portal built for the best online experience
- Admissions chatbot able to provide applicant support 24/7. A study from Georgia State University reveals that when receiving targeted, personalized text messages from an Artificial Intelligence-powered chatbot college students are more likely to complete tasks to stay enrolled
- All prospective students and applications data available in one place without the need to moving data between different systems
- Provide staff with proactive and seamless tools to keep applicants on track
- Ability to update prospect’s file, communicate with financial aid, take application information on-the-spot, and do it all while they are on the go
Cloud computing in higher education is about meeting students' needs and running a powerful campus, including improving the enrollment and admissions process. Keeping up with today's generation's needs means a step forward into their vision of university of the future.