An Insight on E-Learning and Cloud Computing Systems

Abstract

In this paper, there is a review of e-learning and its elements according to the international standards. The connection of learners, educational material and open source learning platforms is investigated. Trivial educational activities that can be implemented in a LMS are also presented. A special report on a computational model for e-learning, emphasizing on learning graphs and conditions passing from one node to another, is made. In this framework the benefits of cloud computing as a model for e-learning are presented.Keywords: E-Learning, Cloud Computing, E-Services1 IntroductionThe learning process is almost indefinable [1]. A large volume of each man's knowledge comes from informal processes of learning that is observing, asking, testing (through trial and error) and by applying heuristics (heuristic) methods.Formal education and training tries to convey knowledge and learning techniques using structures, tools, and methods based on different learning theories.Computers and networking tools currently are used to support and to simulate teaching. They tend to incorporate characteristics that approach the learner needs, in the teaching framework.At the same time, because of the nature and potential of these tools, some restrictions that are forced to formal education are lifted. Such restrictions are the space-time constraints, and thus conditions that approach the informal learning are created. In this framework we investigate what e-learning is, why it is developed and why it is used. Moreover we examine the effects of cloud computing in e-leaming.There are many different definitions of elearning. Most of these refer to terms such as learning, knowledge, education, and training. We can formulate a general definition of elearning, focusing on learning processes that take place in formal learning environments.The sets of systems that exist and evolve continuously to support such processes offer useful tools for teachers and also dynamic environments. They also encourage interactive study for learners, as will be discussed below. In secondary and higher education at international level e-learning is used as an auxiliary tool in educational process. Moreover, eleaming is very good for training. Many companies like Cisco or Sun have created high level studies, which are implemented with the use of such tools.But what are the components of learning? What are the key processes taking place during learning and what are the interactions between components of learning?The components of learning are:* The People.On the one hand is the learner who will go through the learning process and will interact with the teacher, the other learners and the learning material. On the other hand is the teacher who will define the learning resources and will give instructions for the execution of the learning process.* The Content.Educational material and resources can be anything from a simple object, such as a stone or a text to a very complex digitized object such as an interactive e-book.The configuration of educational material and how it can be used depends on factors like learners' level, their knowledge, their culture. Figure 1 shows the basic components of learning and the interactions that occur between them. In atypical educational process, the material that will be used, is selected either by the teacher or by specialists that may be not teachers.This depends on the criteria that have been placed, taking into account all necessary data. Also the educational material should be properly arranged, structured and organized in accordance with the learning model (theory) that is chosen, or according to the curriculum which is followed.The learner interacts with the configured educational material, based on directives that have been incorporated appropriately in it. Additionally learner interacts with the teacher, and perhaps with other learners, either directly or indirectly. …