Technology and Trend from EDUCAUSE

 I will discuss how key technologies can improve the information security challenges that universities face. I listened to the webinar “Exploring the 2021 Information Security Horizon Report” to do this. I also read the transcript EDUCAUSE provided on its website.

The panelists identified various technologies for higher education but emphasized cloud vendor management systems. Due to universities' reliance on cloud-based services, they must manage relationships with vendors to ensure satisfactory results (Webinar | Exploring the 2021 Information Security Horizon Report | EDUCAUSE, n.d.). Cloud vendor management systems could be applications or software that find, monitor, engage, and manage relationships with external vendors. It allows firms to centralize interaction with service providers. The cloud-based vendor management system has various benefits; they include;

• Improved Decision Making, Adequate information improved knowledge and choices. Firms can gather insights into a cloud-based service and its vendor. The data they have collected.

• Efficient Operations; Efficient communication and management would improve operations and productivity.

• Reduced Cost, Fraud, or Bad Services; With proper monitoring, firms can lower unnecessary expenses by vendors and monitor them to avoid fraud and ensure quality services. If the current vendor isn’t meeting a firm’s expectations, they can easily swap him out.

 

The Webinar also included increased remote working and learning across the globe. Remote working involves employees of an organization working at locations other than the central office. They mostly use computers for tasks and have virtual meetings when necessary. It also applies to remote learning. 

Remote Learning

Remote learning, also known as distance learning, involves students learning and engaging in classes from various locations using a computer (Daniela & Visvizi, 2021). 

The students are located in multiple places and could have lessons from the comfort of their homes. After Covid 19, more organizations and schools became open to remote learning and working. Cloud computing and cloud-based services play essential roles in distant learning. 

Therefore, schools need cloud vendor management systems to oversee things. 

Two Forces that Impact the Trend and Technology I Discussed Above.

Finances affect remote learning and an organization's decision to use cloud vendor management systems. Most educational institutions charge higher for remote learning. Although students find it comfortable, they may be discouraged due to the cost of the option. Since they are relatively new, cloud vendor management systems are also expensive. Institutions may boycott such systems and go for traditional methods due to cost.

Government policies promote remote learning. For example, during the pandemic, governments of various countries demanded that institutions put things in place to accommodate remote learning. They also provided certain institutions with funds and equipment to make remote learning possible.