E-Learning has been around for a long time and has revolutionised the way we teach and learn. With advancement in technology, E-Learning itself is evolving at a rapid pace. One of the latest technologies to be leveraged in E-Learning is cloud computing. Let’s understand the concept in detail.
Cloud computing basically means hosting the information or system on a server (cloud platform) and the users accessing the information or system directly from the server without having anything locally. For example, a software provider may host its software on a cloud platform and then the user can use the software from the cloud without installing it on the local machine.
So how is cloud-based E-Learning different from traditional E-Learning?
Traditional E-Learning resources are hosted on separate servers – these include both learning material and supporting infrastructure such as learning management system, supporting software, supporting environment as well as E-Learning authoring tools. On the other hand, cloud-based E-Learning approach uses an integrated infrastructure of content, authoring tools, learning management systems, content, database, etc.
Let’s consider an example.
Suppose ABC limited wants a comprehensive E-Learning program its employees. So, what all does it need? It needs a platform to host its learning management system, server space to upload content and store user data, an authoring tool for content creators to be installed on each machine they use, supporting environment for all users, and so on.
What if they migrate to a cloud-based E-Learning approach?
All ABC limited needs is to subscribe to a cloud-based E-Learning service provider and just log in to enjoy all the benefits without needing any specialised hardware or software.
Here is a comparison of traditional E-Learning and cloud-based E-Learning:
| Service | Traditional E-Learning | Cloud E-Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition Model | Buy Assets | Build Technical Architecture | Buy Service | Architecture Included |
| Business Model | Pay For Assets | Large administrative Overhead | Pay for Use | Reduced Admin. Function |
| Access Model | Internal Networks | Corporate Desktop | Over the Internet | Any device |
| Technical Model | Single-tenant, non-shared | Static | Multi-tenant. Scalable. Elastic. | Dynamic |
| Delivery Model | Costly, Lengthy deployments | Land and expand staffing | Reduced deployments time | Fast ROI |
So, what are the advantages of cloud-based E-Learning?
There are several advantages of E-Learning implementation of Cloud computing technology, which include:
• Low cost: E-Learning computer users need not configure up for E-Learning applications. They can cloud applications via PC, mobile phone, tablet PC with an internet connection to run with minimal configuration. Since the data generated in the cloud, the users do not need to spend more money for large memory for storing data on a local machine. The organization must also pay per use, so it is cheaper to pay only for the space they need.
• Improved performance: Since the cloud based E-Learning applications have most of the applications and processes in the cloud, client machines do not create problems on performance when they are working.
• Instant Update of software: Since cloud-based applications for E-Learning runs with super strength, super-source software is automatically updated. So, always E- learners receive updates easily and instantly.
• Improved compatibility with document formats: Since some file formats and fonts do not open properly in some PCs/mobile phones, the cloud powered E-Learning applications do not have to worry about those kinds of problems. As the cloud based E-Learning applications open the file from the cloud.
• Benefits for learners: Learners get more benefits from the cloud-based E-Learning. They can take online courses, take the exam online, received feedback about the coaches, and post projects and assignments online through their teachers.
• Benefits for instructors: Instructor also get numerous benefits of cloud-based E-Learning. They can prepare for online tests for students, interaction and better resources for students through content management, assessment tests, etc. undertaken by learners, feedback and communication with the learners through the forum online.
• Information Security: A very big concern is related to the data security because both the software and the data are located on remote servers that can crash or disappear without any additional warnings. Even if it seems not very reasonable, the Cloud computing provides some major security benefits for individuals and companies that are using/developing E-Learning solutions.
In short, cloud-based E-Learning holds the key for future of learning technology with its many advantages. With advancement in cloud computing, and ever increasing Internet speed, cloud-based E-Learning will definitely come as a game changer.