19-10-2012, 01:36 PM
An E-learning System Architecture based on Cloud Computing
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Abstract
The massive proliferation of affordable computers,
Internet broadband connectivity and rich education content has
created a global phenomenon in which information and communication
technology (ICT) is being used to transform education.
Therefore, there is a need to redesign the educational system to meet
the needs better. The advent of computers with sophisticated software
has made it possible to solve many complex problems very fast and at
a lower cost. This paper introduces the characteristics of the current
E-Learning and then analyses the concept of cloud computing
and describes the architecture of cloud computing platform by
combining the features of E-Learning. E-learning systems have
emerged as popular training and educational tools in academic as well as
industrial institutions. Subsequently, evaluation becomes a key issue in
investments to e-learning practice. While most investigations have
focused on system features and outcomes, we are interested in the
efficiency of implementing e-learning systems in the Internet and cloud
environments. The authors have tried to introduce cloud computing to
e-learning, build an e-learning cloud, and make an active research and
exploration for it from the following aspects: architecture, construction
method and external interface with the model.
INTRODUCTION
T present, most of the conventional education forms are
becoming not being suitable for requirements of social
progress and educational development and not being able to
catch up with the changes of learning demand in time, thus
computer networks have brought opportunities for it.
However, in traditional web-based e-learning mode, system
construction and maintenance are located in interior of
educational institutions or enterprises, which results in a lot of
problems existed, such as a lot of investment needed, but
without capital gains to return, without development potential
and staying power. Cloud computing is becoming an attractive
technology due to its dynamic scalability and effective usage
of the resources; it can be utilized under circumstances where
the availability of resources is limited.
CLOUD COMPUTING
In recent years, cloud computing as a new kind of
advanced technology accelerates the innovation for the
computer industry. Cloud computing is a computing model
based on networks, especially based on the Internet, whose
task is to ensure that users can simply use the computing
resources on demand and pay money according to their usage
by a metering pattern similar to water and electricity
consumption. Therefore, it brings a new business model,
where the services it provides are becoming computing
resources.
Cloud computing is highly scalable and creates
virtualized resources that can be made available to users.
Users do not require any special knowledge about the
concept of Cloud computing to connect their computers to
the server where applications have been installed and use
them. Users can communicate through Internet with remote
servers. These servers can exchange their computing slots
themselves. Cloud computing is one of the new technology
trends likely to have a significant impact on the teaching and
learning environment.
CLOUD BASED E-LEARNING ARCHITECTURE
The e-learning cannot completely replace teachers; it is only
an updating for technology, concepts and tools, giving new
content, concepts and methods for education, so the roles of
teachers cannot be replaced. The teachers will still play
leading roles and participate in developing and making use of
e-learning cloud. The blended learning strategy should
improve the educational act. Moreover, the interactive content
and virtual collaboration guarantee a high retention factor.
CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK
Cloud computing has recently emerged as a compelling
paradigm for managing and delivering services over the
internet. The rise of cloud computing is rapidly changing
landscape of Information technology and ultimately turning to
the long-held promise of utility computing into a reality. Cloud
computing can help communities and nations, can transform
education. An entire world of knowledge can now be made
available to teachers and students through cloud- based services
that can be accessed anytime, anywhere, from any device. By
helping countries worldwide, lowering the cost and simplifying
the delivery of educational services, cloud computing enables
students across the globe to acquire the 21st-century skills and
training they need to compete and succeed in the global
information society.