Cloud computing academic resource support via the web using Mobile devices

Abstract

Mobile cloud computing is the convergence of two computing domains that of mobile and cloud. Both are promising technologies for the near future. Cloud computing becomes mobile when a mobile device is used to access the shared pool of computing resources termed as backend while the mobile forms the front end which acts as an interface for the mobile user who accesses the resources from the cloud. The main objective of this study was to get student perception on a web-based resource access from cloud in order to increase access to learning materials using cloud computing tools. The research developed and implemented a prototype which enabled resource access in cloud using mobile devices. This cloud was deployed using openQRM on CentOS 6.2. A survey was conducted to access the perceived impact on student experiences in accessing study materials from the cloud and how this can increase the volume and quality of IT support to teaching staff in the faculty if cloud computing was to be implemented. The study measured the positive notion on adoption cloud computing architecture in education. Questionnaires and interviews where used as research tools. Finally future research directions on Mobile Cloud Computing were discussed.