Benefits and Challenges of Using Cloud Computing in Higher Education

Higher education is one of the pillars of development and prosperity of any society. Its role has become even more critical in the contemporary era, characterized by a globalized economy and an increasingly mobile workforce driven by rapid technological advancements. Consequently, the integration of modern information technologies-such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and big data-into higher education is no longer optional but a necessity. One of the models that allows universities to access large amounts of information resources is Cloud Computing. This is particularly significant for developing countries, where cloud-based solutions facilitate quick and affordable access to modern educational tools. Built upon innovations such as virtualization and Internet technologies, cloud computing provides higher education institutions with enhanced opportunities for teaching, learning, and research. The main goal of this paper is, on the one hand, to highlight the benefits of using Cloud tools in higher education, and on the other hand, to identify the problems and risks that arise when using these tools. To achieve this goal will be used data from a survey conducted across the majority of universities in the Republic of North Macedonia. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses will be presented, focusing on the advantages, problems, and risks of adopting cloud computing in higher education. A Likert scale was used to assess the benefits and challenges, while the analysis of these issues will provide an answer to the effect of using Cloud computing tools in higher education. The findings of this analysis contribute to a better understanding of the overall impact of cloud computing tools on higher education in the Republic of North Macedonia.