A Survey on Students' Perception of Grid and Cloud Computing Applications

International Journal of Computer Techniques – IJCT Volume 12 Issue 5, October 2025 Open Access and Peer Review Journal ISSN 2394-2231 https://ijctjournal.org/ ISSN :2394-2231 http://www.ijctjournal.org Page 865 A Survey on Students’ Perception of Grid and Cloud Computing Applications 1 S. E. Adepoju1,*, G. F. Ologunagba2 2 3 1Department of Computer Science, Achievers University Owo, Nigeria.4 2Department of Computer Science, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Nigeria. 5 1[email protected],2grac[email protected]6 * corresponding author (Email: [email protected]. Phone: +234-816-298-5441) 7 8 ABSTRACT 9 This study investigates the perception, awareness, and practical engagement with grid and cloud10 computing technologies among computer science students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. 11 Utilizing a structured online survey, data were collected from 585 respondents across a12 university and a polytechnic. Results indicate that while a majority of students are theoretically 13 knowledgeable and highly aware, primarily through classroom instruction, there remains a14 significant gap between this knowledge and practical application. Key findings show that female 15 university students aged 15–20 represent the most active users of cloud services. Despite general16 satisfaction and trust in cloud technologies, students report limited opportunities for real-world 17 practice, citing infrastructural deficits and minimal hands-on exposure. The study underscores18 the need for curriculum enhancements, institutional support, and experiential learning strategies 19 to bridge the theory-practice divide, thereby equipping students for future cloud-enabled careers20 in the digital economy. 21 22 Keywords: Tertiary Education, Practical Application, Cloud Computing, Theoretical knowledge, 23 Digital Awareness.24 25 1.0 INTRODUCTION26 1.1 Background of the study 27 In the digital age, the growth of data, devices, and distributed systems has increased the need for28 efficient computing paradigms. Grid and cloud computing are foundational, offering 29 transformative potential across sectors. Grid harnesses dispersed resources for complex problems, 30 International Journal of Computer Techniques – IJCT Volume 12 Issue 5, October 2025 Open Access and Peer Review Journal ISSN 2394-2231 https://ijctjournal.org/ ISSN :2394-2231 http://www.ijctjournal.org Page 866 while cloud provides scalable, on-demand infrastructure, supporting flexibility, cost efficiency,31 and innovation. These technologies are linked, with grid serving as a precursor to cloud. Cloud32 evolved through virtualization, becoming user-friendly and viable for various applications, from 33 data backups to AI. Grid remains crucial for scientific simulations and federated data processing.34 35 1.2 Problem Statement36 Despite their importance worldwide and their frequent use in developed countries, grid and cloud 37 computing are still not yet commonly adopted or effectively used in some developing nations,38 especially in schools and universities. Many students learn about these ideas in textbooks but do 39 not get enough chance to use real-world tools or platforms. This gap between what students learn40 and their hands-on experience makes it harder for graduates to be fully ready for digital 41 transformation jobs.42 43 1.3 Objectives and Scope of the Study44 This study aims to address this gap, concentrating on tertiary students in Nigeria. It investigates 45 students' awareness, theoretical understanding, and practical engagement with grid and cloud46 computing technologies. The research specifically examines how age, computer literacy, and 47 institutional exposure influence their perception and use of these technologies.48 49 1.4 Significance of the study50 This study employs a structured survey to gather data-driven insights into how well students can 51 apply their knowledge outside classroom settings. It also aims to identify systemic barriers such52 as inadequate infrastructure, poor curriculum integration, and limited institutional support that 53 hinder full utilization of these technologies. By analyzing these factors, the research intends to54 offer practical recommendations for educators, policymakers, and technology stakeholders to 55 close the gap between theory and practice, ultimately enhancing ICT education and preparing56 students for careers in cloud computing. As digital fluency increasingly correlates with job 57 readiness and innovation, understanding and improving the transition from learning to58 application in grid and cloud computing is both critical and urgent. 59 60 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW61 International Journal of Computer Techniques – IJCT Volume 12 Issue 5, October 2025 Open Access and Peer Review Journal ISSN 2394-2231 https://ijctjournal.org/ ISSN :2394-2231 http://www.ijctjournal.org Page 867 2.1 Related Works62 The rise of grid and cloud computing has transformed how computational resources are delivered63 and consumed. Grid computing allows geographically distributed resources to operate as a 64 unified system. [1] described it as a framework for coordinated resource sharing and problem-65 solving in dynamic, multi-institutional virtual organizations. Its influence spans research areas 66 such as weather modeling, molecular simulations, and data-intensive scientific experiments.67 Cloud computing evolved from grid computing and virtualization, offering better accessibility, 68 elasticity, and resource provisioning. [2] define it as a model for on-demand access to shared69 configurable resources. Its service models, IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, are widely adopted in business and 70 consumer markets. Recent studies show cloud computing boosts organizational agility, reduces71 costs, and fosters innovation. A Survey on Cloud Computing. [3] conducted research on a 72 survey on cloud computing security: issues, threats, and solutions. In the research, the survey73 presented a comprehensive overview of the security issues for different factors affecting cloud 74 computing. The researchers emphasised a detailed discussion on several key topics regarding75 embedded systems, applications, storage systems, clustering-related issues and many more. The 76 paper worked on public cloud and private cloud authorities as well as related security concerns.77 Additionally, it encompassed the requirements for better security management and suggested a 78 3-tier security architecture.79 [4], in a review on cloud computing, described the basic concepts of cloud computing in a 80 nutshell so that the readers can get an essence of this newly emerging technology.81 In education, cloud computing has transformed digital learning with e-learning, resource sharing, 82 collaboration, and virtual labs. While developed nations successfully adopt cloud services,83 developing countries like Nigeria face a gap between theory and practice. A Survey of Cloud 84 Computing Awareness, Security Implication and Adoption in Nigeria IT-Based Enterprises by [5]85 found that the trend of awareness and adoption was very minimal, with many being sceptical, 86 although few businesses were aware of the cloud technology. [6] investigated the impact of87 cloud computing technology on record management of secondary schools in Agbani Education 88 Zone of Enugu State. The findings of the study showed that Software-as-a-Service and Platform-89 as-a-Service have significant impact on record management in secondary schools in Agbani 90 Education zone of Enugu State. Based on the study's findings, it was recommended that91 secondary schools in the Agbani Education zone of Enugu State consider adopting Software-as-92 International Journal of Computer Techniques – IJCT Volume 12 Issue 5, October 2025 Open Access and Peer Review Journal ISSN 2394-2231 https://ijctjournal.org/ ISSN :2394-2231 http://www.ijctjournal.org Page 868 a-Service (SaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions for their record management93 systems. [7] note that Nigerian institutions see benefits but are hindered by infrastructure and94 exposure challenges. Research shows that students often feel disconnected from real-world 95 applications of classroom knowledge. Many learn about grid and cloud tech theoretically but96 lack hands-on experience with platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Many educational 97 institutions also join the effort to incorporate cloud technologies into their operations. The use98 and adoption of cloud-delivered services are spreading everywhere, and the education sector is 99 no exception. However, rates and magnitudes vary by region and regional currency positions [8].100 Cloud computing is becoming an increasingly essential part of the education industry, and this is 101 due to increasing competition in the higher education market and pressure on performance,102 student success, and revenue [9]. This gap challenges the development of a digitally proficient 103 workforce. Literature suggests integrating grids' decentralized capabilities with cloud elasticity104 and AI orchestration for dynamic workload management, hinting at a future where these 105 technologies coexist and improve smart infrastructures, IoT, and edge computing. This review106 emphasizes the urgent need for empirical studies on how students in developing countries 107 perceive and use these technologies. It sets the stage for a study with data from a case in108 Nigerian tertiary institutions. 109 110 2.2 Research Questions 111 1. Which demographics show the highest level of cloud service usage?112 2. What is the relationship between students' theoretical knowledge and their real-life 113 experience with grid and cloud computing?114 3. What are the barriers preventing students from transitioning theory into practice? 115 4. What is the level of satisfaction and trust in cloud computing among young users?116 117 3.0 METHODOLOGY118 3.1 Research Design 119 This study adopted a quantitative survey approach to assess students’ awareness, theoretical120 understanding, and practical application of grid and cloud computing technologies. A descriptive 121 research design was used to collect data that reflects participants' knowledge levels, experiences,122 and perceptions.123 International Journal of Computer Techniques – IJCT Volume 12 Issue 5, October 2025 Open Access and Peer Review Journal ISSN 2394-2231 https://ijctjournal.org/ ISSN :2394-2231 http://www.ijctjournal.org Page 869 124 3.2 Population and Sampling125 The target population comprises students from tertiary institutions in Nigeria, specifically 126 universities and polytechnics. The selection aimed to ensure diversity in academic exposure and127 technological literacy. A non-probability sampling method (convenience sampling) was used, 128 relying on voluntary student participation through online survey links.129 130 3.3 Data Collection131 Data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms. The 132 questionnaire consisted of both closed-ended questions (Likert scale, multiple choice) and133 multiple-choice items across several sections 134 In this study, the survey was conducted to analyze the perception and experience towards the use135 of grid and cloud computing applications among computer science students only. Data was 136 collected using a structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms (a cloud computing137 application provided by Google). 138 The survey consists of two parts: the first part includes an introduction and personal information,139 which contains 5 questions: institution type, age classification, gender, computer literacy, and 140 how they heard about grid and cloud computing?. Figure 1 shows the first section of the survey.141 All questions in the first and second were set to compulsory (i.e. must be answered before 142 moving to the next section or submitting).143 International Journal of Computer Techniques – IJCT Volume 12 Issue 5, October 2025 Open Access and Peer Review Journal ISSN 2394-2231 https://ijctjournal.org/ ISSN :2394-2231 http://www.ijctjournal.org Page 870 144 Figure 1: The first section of the survey contains the title and demographics.145 The second section contains the questionnaire regarding individuals' experience with grid and146 cloud computing. Fifteen (15) questions were asked in the second section, making it 20 questions 147 in total for the survey, and they were pivotal to individuals' perceptions of the use of grid and148 cloud computing applications. To view the survey, view_analytics shows how respondents 149 answered each question.150 151 4.0 RESULTS AND ANALYSIS152 4.1 Data Analysis 153 585 responses were recorded from two institutions, the University and the Polytechnic students.154 The collected data was cleaned and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Python for descriptive 155 statistics. The Microsoft Excel format was exported as a Comma-Separated Value (.csv) file156 format and imported into Python (Jupyter). 157 International Journal of Computer Techniques – IJCT Volume 12 Issue 5, October 2025 Open Access and Peer Review Journal ISSN 2394-2231 https://ijctjournal.org/ ISSN :2394-2231 http://www.ijctjournal.org Page 871 158 Figure 2: Image showing the description of the data, total responses, and number of questions 159 administered using Python language (Jupyter)160 161 4.1.1 Demographics and Background Data (Categorical variables)162 Each respondent was asked, “Are you computer-literate?”. Background information about 163 respondents' technological skills or familiarity. This helps to know whether respondents are164 capable of using computers or digital tools. 537 (91.6%) students answered “Yes” and 48 (8.4%) 165 students answered “No” to being Computer literate.166 4.1.1.1 Demographics by Institution 167 Of the 585 respondents, 576 (98.5%) are University students, 8 (1.4%) are Polytechnic students,168 and 1 (0.1%) is from the College of Education. This suggests that a significant number of 169 respondents who completed the survey are university students.170 171 4.1.1.2 Demographics by Age Classification172 There exist 4 classifications in the Age variations: below 15 with no students, 15 - 20 with 512 173 students, 21 - 25 with 54 students, and above 25 with 19 students. Figure 3 shows the percentage174 and the age classification of the total respondents. 175 176 International Journal of Computer Techniques – IJCT Volume 12 Issue 5, October 2025 Open Access and Peer Review Journal ISSN 2394-2231 https://ijctjournal.org/ ISSN :2394-2231 http://www.ijctjournal.org Page 872 177 Figure 3: Age demographics of the sample population 178 179 4.1.1.3 Demographics by Gender 180 This study adopts binary gender classification, with 179 (30.6%) male students and 406 (69.4%)181 female students, for the total respondents. 182 183 4.1.2 Theoretical Knowledge (Categorical variables) 184 4.1.2.1 Awareness on grid & cloud computing185 The question was asked in order to gather insight into information sources and awareness 186 pathways. It also helps to assess how widespread knowledge of the topic is. Figure 4 is a chart187 showing the frequency of different sources through which people became aware of the topic 188 “How did you know about grid and cloud computing?”.189 190 Figure 4: Sources of awareness about grid and cloud computing among students191 192 International Journal of Computer Techniques – IJCT Volume 12 Issue 5, October 2025 Open Access and Peer Review Journal ISSN 2394-2231 https://ijctjournal.org/ ISSN :2394-2231 http://www.ijctjournal.org Page 873 This implies that a good number of students are aware of grid and cloud computing applications193 through the following media: 52.7% from the classroom, 20.5% from social media, 9.2% from194 research, 5.5% from IT training, 2.4% from colleagues, and 9.6% from other media. 195 196 4.1.2.2 Knowledge about grid computing service providers 197 Respondents were asked which grid computing service providers they are familiar with and were198 told to select all that apply. Figure 5 gives the total number of times various students selected the 199 particular grid computing service provider and does not account for the total respondents, being a200 multiple-response question. 201 202 203 Figure 5: Selection of grid computing service providers among students 204 205 This may imply that most students are not familiar with the listed grid computing service 206 providers or do not know them. Figure 7 illustrates students' selection of grid computing service207 providers. 208 209 4.1.2.3 Perception about cloud computing service providers 210 Respondents were asked which cloud computing service providers they are familiar with and211 were told to select all that apply. Figure 6 illustrates that most students are conversant with the 212 listed cloud computing service providers.213 International Journal of Computer Techniques – IJCT Volume 12 Issue 5, October 2025 Open Access and Peer Review Journal ISSN 2394-2231 https://ijctjournal.org/ ISSN :2394-2231 http://www.ijctjournal.org Page 880 REFERENCES308 [1] I. Foster, C. Kesselman, and S. Tuecke, “The anatomy of the grid: Enabling scalable309 virtual organizations,” International Journal of High Performance Computing 310 Applications, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 200–222, 2001, doi: 10.1177/109434200101500302.311 [2] P. Mell and T. Grance, The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing (NIST Special 312 Publication 800-145). Gaithersburg, MD, USA: National Institute of Standards and313 Technology, 2011, doi: 10.6028/NIST.SP.800-145. 314 [3] S. Singh, Y. S. Jeong, and J. H. 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