Issues In Grid Computing In The Context Of Education

Abstract

Grid computing and e-Education are areas that are separately, attracting interest of several researchers. Grid computing is concerned with provision of computing and data storage services to a wide group of users backed up by facilities that are transparently shared. EEducation on the other hand is a paradigm that encompasses e-Learning, and is concerned with meeting learning objectives via electronic communication technologies such as the Internet. We note that the Internet is among electronic technological communication advances that has been a point of focus by educators as a possible means of advancing learning objectives. We also note that, although Grid computing is a recent paradigm, only dated to early 1990’s, some researchers see it as a development that will extend the Internet capabilities. We therefore argue that Grid computing will open far reaching possibilities that will affect education and in particular e-Learning. We also highlight issues in Grid computing research that attract our interests. Most important, we demonstrate the relevance of grid computing to education and argue that it will enhance its operations especially in the online dimension.