Το υπολογιστικό νέφος στην εκπαίδευση
Cloud computing in education
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Keywords
Υπολογιστικό νέφος ; Cloud computing ; Εκπαίδευση ; Διδασκαλία πληροφορικής ; SaaS ; Software as a Service ; Εκπαιδευτικά περιβάλλοντα ; LMS ; Εποικοδομισμός ; Συνεργατική μάθηση ; Πλαίσιο αξιοποίησης ; Μελέτη περίπτωσηςAbstract
This thesis aims to investigate, analyze, and frame the potential for the systematic utilization of Cloud Computing within the contemporary educational environment, with a particular focus on teaching the subject of Informatics.
Initially, the Theoretical Framework deeply analyzes the technological foundations of Cloud Computing, including its definition, fundamental characteristics, and the three main service models: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). The critical advantages (cost reduction, flexibility, mobility) versus the limitations (data security, need for stable connection) that affect adoption by educational organizations are presented. Furthermore, it examines how Cloud-based platforms (such as LMS and Collaborative Environments) reinforce modern pedagogical theories, such as Constructivism and Collaborative Learning, turning students into active protagonists in the knowledge acquisition process.
Subsequently, the practical applications of the Cloud in education are analyzed, with a focus on the academic curricula of leading Greek and international universities that have integrated Cloud Computing as an autonomous course (e.g., PAPEI, MIT), validating its academic significance.
The central focus of the thesis is the Development of a Utilization Framework, which proposes specific strategies for integrating the Cloud into Informatics teaching. This framework is structured around three groups of factors: Technological (using IaaS for virtual laboratories), Pedagogical (adopting Flipped Classroom and Project-Based Learning), and Organizational (need for teacher training and institutional support).
Finally, the theoretical approach is validated through a Case Study evaluating the framework's application in a real educational setting. The findings demonstrate a clear increase in participation and flexibility among learners, confirming that the Cloud acts as a catalytic factor for enhancing the learning process. The thesis concludes with concrete proposals for applying the Cloud within the Greek Educational Curricula and suggests further investigation into its long-term impact on academic performance.