Using Cloud Technology and Social Networks in E-Learning

Abstract

Given that cloud computing brings more advantages than disadvantages in every area that they have been implemented, starting with the cost efficiency, going through flexibility and ending with scalability, we will discuss how cloud technologies could be used in combination with e-learning platforms and what these platforms might gain by implementing and using cloud based technologies. Many issues related to the limitations and problems that affect e-learning platforms could be solved with the help of cloud technologies, thus we shall discuss problems like technological limitations or service uptime problems that can be solved by cloud technologies. After addressing the matter of cloud computing in e-learning, we also intend to discuss how cloud based e-learning platforms might be able to interact with social networks so as to contribute to lifelong learning. Our analysis will be based on literature review regarding recent developments in cloud computing in relation to e-learning. E-learning and social networks, in our opinion, will have to work hand in hand so as to enable a faster and more efficient passing of information towards the person that interacts with either the social network, with the e-learning platform or a combination of those two. A efficient e-learning platform, which can be obtained through the implementation of cloud technologies like SaaS (Software as a Service), Iaas (Infrastructure as a Service) or PaaS (Platform as a Service), could be combined with a social network, either well known social networks or more localized and specialized social networks that refer to specific users, for example a social network that can be accessed only by students of a certain college / university.