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Cloud-Based E-Learning: Using Cloud Computing Platform for an Effective E-

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Cloud-Based E-Learning: Using Cloud
Computing Platform for an Effective
E-Learning

Shams Tabrez Siddiqui, Shadab Alam, Zaki Ahmad Khan

and Ashok Gupta

1 Introduction

In the recent years, cloud computing emerged as an advanced technology that accel-
erated the innovations for computing industry. Cloud computing changed the way;
the applications are developed and accessed on Internet. This technology provides
the services through Internet. Cloud computing is a computing model of networks of
network, and the main task is to corroborate users to use the hardware and software
resources on the demand basis by paying money as per the usage. Clouds can be
joining up of the resources either physical or virtualized on a centralized propagated
data centers. A cloud consists of various types of workloads like batch style backend
jobs and client facing applications [1]. The maintenance of IT infrastructure and
management becomes less due to devise of cloud computing with the convenience
of economy and scalability; it assists enterprise without any oppression. Cloud envi-
ronment requires less software and hardware infrastructure [2].
E-learning is an Internet-based learning system. Due to the emergence and bene-
fits of cloud computing, the use of this platform in education especially for e-learning
mode gains attention by many software developers and vendors. E-learning has a sig-
nificant impact on teaching and learning environment. E-learning embraces numer-

S. T. Siddiqui (B) · S. Alam · A. Gupta

Department of Computer Science, Jazan University, Jizan, Saudi Arabia
e-mail: [email protected]
S. Alam
e-mail: [email protected]
A. Gupta
e-mail: [email protected]
Z. A. Khan
Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing-Jiangsu, China
e-mail: [email protected]

© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2019 335

S. Tiwari et al. (eds.), Smart Innovations in Communication and Computational
Sciences, Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing 851,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2414-7_31
336 S. T. Siddiqui et al.

ous media activities that deliver text, images, audio, and animation to the student,
getting notes and classes by the instructors or teachers. E-learning system usually
requires many hardware and software resources to establish system with healthy
investments. Education and learning are very crucial part of day in today’s life. No
person is able to survive a better life properly without education [2, 3]. There are
several formats and techniques for getting knowledge. The most providential and pre-
cious modus operandi for education is e-learning. Generally, it entrusts to deliberate
the use of networked information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching,
training, and learning [4, 5]. E-learning components comprise many formats, online
learners community, and content experts and developers. So far pacing the e-learning
system to enhance the latest multimedia and communication technology, we need
cloud computing, which seems to be the best solution. Now several questions arise
in the vein of cloud computing [6]. Cloud computing is an excellent alternative for
the academic organizations and institutions which are having less budget for hosting
and operating their online learning systems.

2 Cloud Computing

Cloud computing can be defined as “a new style of computing in which dynamically

scalable and often virtualized resources are provided as a service over the Internet.”.
The cloud can be seen as a collection of large groups of computers interconnected
to each other [7]. These interconnected computers can be personal computers or
network servers inside public or private organizations. While using cloud computing
platform, you do not need over expense on hardware or software for building or
maintaining IT infrastructure for individuals [4]. The resources of an IT system
offered as services to the users through Internet [8]. To utilize the computing resources
like application software, you have to admit the facility of third-party organization,
via the Internet. However, cloud-based learning systems require high speed and
reliable Internet access. Assorted service providers, like Google, Amazon, Microsoft,
Yahoo, etc., are there to support educational systems [9, 10]. Currently, from the
cloud service providers, the users of cloud computing expect the following types of
services;

Anything-as-a-Service (XAAS): Collective term refers to the delivery of anything

anywhere as a service.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS): IaaS is at the foundational level of cloud com-
puting and it provides computing infrastructure in the vein of operating systems,
networks, and virtual machines, e.g., Google Compute Engine, Amazon EC2, and
Rackspace.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): In the cloud computing, PaaS is an established model
for running applications without any annoy of maintaining the hardware as well as
software infrastructure at the user side, e.g., Google App Engine, Windows Azure,
and Force.com.
Cloud-Based E-Learning … 337

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): These application software facilities are provided to

the users on demand. Users need not worry about its installation, setup, and running
of the application because service provider will take care of it, e.g., Google Apps,
WhatsApp, and Microsoft Office 365.
Storage-as-a-Service (SaaS): In cloud computing, most of the cloud service providers
include storage so that applications can store structured and nonstructured data in
their cloud, e.g., Mozy, Google Drive, and Dropbox.
Network-as-a-Service (NaaS): In the cloud computing, this delivers the network
services virtually over the Internet to the users or organizations on the basis of pay-
per-use or on a monthly subscription.

Depending upon the requirements, the users can choose one or more services.
E-learning services with cloud-based platform minimize the setup cost, and easier
to maintain as well as it offers innumerable benefits to the end users in terms of
compatibility [11, 12]. But the issues surrounding the security of the cloud are unclear.

3 Technological Challenges in Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has appeared to be an extremely compelling worldview as indicated

by its features, such as on-demand self-service where the clients can easily facilitate
without any interaction; a deliberate and measured service permitting to pay-per-use
to the organizations; from heterogeneous networks, the clients can facilitate with the
pooling of resources that can serve multiple clients; unlimited capabilities for the
clients and having a elasticity nature [13–15].

Security and Privacy: Security from malicious, spyware, and from other potential
threats to privacy.
Availability: Even with the use of redundant systems, availability means a guarantee
for regular service (24 × 7).
Confidence: Audits and certification of security must be provided to increase the
confidence of the users or clients.
Fault tolerance and recovery: Fault tolerance enables a system to continue operating
properly even after the failure of its some components.
Scalability: Under changing demands of the users, providing an additional resource
to them with an intelligent management.
Energy efficiency: Using microprocessors with a lower energy consumption to reduce
the electric charge and make adaptable for use.
338 S. T. Siddiqui et al.

Fig. 1 Framework of e-learning [26]

4 Methods for Providing Cloud-Based E-Learning System

E-learning is cognitive science principles and excellent solution for learners having
effective multimedia learning using electronic educational technology. E-learning is
a fast, efficient procedure for learning and cost-effective as per the user’s ease as well
as organization’s profitability. Figure 1 shows the framework of e-learning, whereas
Fig. 2 shows how cloud-based e-learning works. E-learning has plentiful direct as
well as positive effects on the learners [16, 17]:
• Learner’s ratio is increased at national as well as global level.
• It simply assists the learners in learning specific program or subject.
• It improved the long-term retention of data and information.
• Traveling cost is not required.
E-learning demand is increasing day by day, and it is not going to vanish in coming
years. Some e-learning trends of 2017 are discussed below [17].

4.1 E-Learning Trends

Mobile Learning Enhancement: In current years, due to the massive increase in

the smartphone users, the quality of mobile learning is improving gradually. Every
day, the users of smartphones are increasing and they want to facilitate themselves.
The users of smartphone do not want to use laptops or desktop PC, to access various
applications. As a result, mobile e-learning trend is increasing more rapidly. Mobile
Cloud-Based E-Learning … 339

Fig. 2 Cloud-based e-learning

e-learning is attracting more and more users and can improve the knowledge of the
learners anywhere anytime. Due to this, the organizations are paying a more attention
toward this learning tool.
YouTube/Video-Based Learning: Nowadays, learning based on videos is one of
the compelling and effective methods of learning. In YouTube or video-based learn-
ing, the academicians, researchers, and practitioners are sharing their recorded video
lectures. The videos help students and employees to improve their understandings,
training, and knowledge of specific course.
Forum-Based Learning: Another proficient technique is forum-based learn-
ing, in which the learners exchange their questions, ideas, and problems on a common
platform. In response to questions, different answers or ideas are shared by an expert
that helps to improve the skills of the learner and boost his confidence.
340 S. T. Siddiqui et al.

Social E-Learning: Social e-learning is a modern tool for effective e-learning

and the latest trend of 2017–2018, for the learners. The learner is having a facility
to participate and share his views and experiences, to discover and explore suitable
learning. Learners find this tool quite rich and dependable for better understanding
and to improve efficiency.

4.2 Benefits of Cloud Computing for E-Learning Solutions

As we know that many educational institutions do not have resources and infras-
tructure that are needed to run or install e-learning solution. Some of the versions of
base applications of BlackBoard and MOODLE are cloud-oriented for e-Learning
software [18]. Different educational organizations are widely using e-learning at
several levels for continuous education, academic courses, company training, etc.
Implementing e-learning systems with cloud computing has numerous advantages
over other e-learning systems [19].

• Low cost.
• Instant software updates.
• Cloud-based e-learning platforms are safe.
• Increases employee productivity and performance.
• Allows for seamless collaboration in the distributed workforce.
• Improved document format compatibility.
• Internal IT support is not required.
• Improves employee retention.
• Cloud-based e-learning platforms are dependable.
• Benefits for students’ point of view.

(a) Take online course.

(b) Send homework or assignments, projects,
(c) Send feedback, and
(d) Take exams.

• Benefits for teachers or trainers:

(a) Deal with content management,

(b) Communicate with students (forums),
(c) Prepare tests,
(d) Evaluate tests,
(e) Assess students homework or assignments, projects, and
(f) Send feedback.
Cloud-Based E-Learning … 341

5 Comparing Cloud-Based Authoring Tools

E-learning has exploded in recent years and the platforms of e-learning mainly used
for interactivity of human with computers. A vast number of e-learning tools and
platforms are there in the market vying for your attention. The advents of cloud-based
authorizing tools are relatively effective and emerging trend in e-learning [20]. This
emerging trend provides innovative ideas and thinking for multiscreen course editing
and proofreading. While using any one of the feature-rich online learning platforms,
anyone from anywhere having access to the internet and compatible device like
desktop, laptop, or smartphone can create virtually any type of training program.
Before using or sharing any of the existing tools from the market, it is better to
choose and compare the cloud-based e-learning tool with the top existing tools of
cloud-based learning. Some of the existing tools have been explored with its pros
and cons.

5.1 Easy Generator

Easy generator is a complete cloud-based learning software that has a simple tool
to create required or in-demand courses, without having coding expertise. On easy
generator, define objectives and encourage the instructors to measure the learning
success through a strong instructive framework. It does not provide management
features to the students but they can see their performance and result by their name
and email before ending the course [20, 21].
Pros
• User interface scripting and programing is not needed for creating an interactive
course. It is extremely user-friendly.
• Ability to add more co-authors as per the requirement of the courses. Mobile-
friendly responsive courses.
• For learning and training, this next generation authoring tool is an excellent exam-
ple.
• Easily customizable questions and responses for correct and incorrect feedback.
• It is easy to commence without any experience or instructional or design expertise.
• Facilitate with comprehensive sharing options like website embedding, SCORM,
HTML downloads, and private link sharing.
Cons
• Limited interactive elements; however, it is not tested but the “Academy” plan
facilitates you to build and add templates.
• It becomes pricey when multiple authors entail to access the platform.
342 S. T. Siddiqui et al.

Price
• A free trial of easy generator is available with a freemium model of two rudimentary
types.
• Cost is $39 per author per month but for advance feature $59 per month and for
educational institutions 50% off.

5.2 Lectora Online

Recently, Lectora online cloud-based authoring tool released version two with new
features and its interface is easy to get hang of [20, 22].
Pros
• 30 days free trial is available.
• Ability to create learning management system compatible assignments.
• Ability to add Go Animate professional animated videos directly into the Online
Media Library of Lectora.
• Easily download the resources without subscription like SCORM, HTML, and Tin
Can.
Cons
• HTML is not mobile friendly and responsive.
• Privacy not provided.
• Each time when the course is published error checking is required.
• Especially for beginners most interactive elements can result in errors.
Price
• Lectora online price is $159 per month and $1,908 per year.

5.3 eCoach

eCoach is a new arrival authoring tools to the market. eCoach is a multi-device

authoring tools which authorize anyone to create new online courses. Creating online
courses easily and quickly using media as well as resources from around the web
[20, 23].
Pros
• A free 30-day trial of is available.
• There are variety of templates, easy to work with.
• Using a course code to share resources via a private URL.
• Easy to learn user interface.
Cloud-Based E-Learning … 343

• Completely mobile-friendly learning resources.

• Great looking and consistent format for learners to work with.
Cons
• Templates are form-based, each time preview before adding new content.
• No SCORM exporting or HTML downloads.
• Some question templates are hard to find.
Price
• For teachers, the cost is $29.95 per month and for other users $49.95 per month.

5.4 Ruzuku

Ruzuku is an authoring tool but it is used more as a learning repository. Students’

data cannot be tracked. It also allows to build a course by uploading information,
files, activities, and then sharing with the learners [20, 24].
Pros
• A free 14-day trial is available.
• Simplest to use. Build courses can be easily sold.
• Ability to track student participation and performance.
• It simply allows to create a signup page including sign-in pages providing the
feature of custom enrollment of the course.
Cons
• Courses are not engaging or interactive.
• Having limited activity options. Limited styling options with no previews.
• During testing, page loading time is not good.
• Blended learning, short courses, seminars, or workshops where the focus of the
training and learning is not purely online.
Price
• For 25 enrollments $49 per month and for unlimited access with full features about
$997 per year.

5.5 iSpring Learn LMS

iSpring Learn LMS cloud-based learning management tool. It is easy-peasy to use,

and it provides the full control over learning solution generally to the organizations
which arrange training and learning. Easily you can check your effectiveness of the
training while monitoring and generating a detailed report. It is completely scalable
344 S. T. Siddiqui et al.

and course authoring tool that powers the complete e-learning process including
learners’ evaluation progress. The LMS facilitate the learners to communicate with
the trainer and give feedback for the instant communication [25].
Pros
• A 30-day trial with full functions, with no limitations and customization.
• Generate a powerful set of a detailed report of the activities and performance of
the learner. Provisions of third-party SCORM courses.
• Advanced gratified security apparatuses.
• The mobile apps are available for Android tablets and iPad.
• The mobile app permits learners to save the obligatory courses as per this need
and complete offline easily without any time boundation.
• An unlimited number of both public and private views.
• There is no limit for the courses, the trainer creates, and upload as many as he
wants.
Cons
• iSpring is PC-compatible desktop authoring tool.
• If there are many courses, you cannot switch from tiles view, you need to scroll a
lot.
• Third-party SCORM quizzes save overall score; it does not save detailed answers
of individuals.
Price
• The Starter Plan is $97.00 and the Pro Plan is $197.00 per month for up to 50 and
250 users.
• For 1,000 users, Enterprise Plan is of $579.00 per month.

6 Conclusion

This paper discusses top five e-learning tools that significantly going to escalate, as
the number of learners is going to increase in the coming years. The proportion of
e-learners is growing at rapid pace with each passing day. The institutes and orga-
nizations are exploring and emphasizing more on e-learning systems to enhance
the learning skills of employees/students. Different organizations and institutes are
promoting the cloud-based e-learning for the authentic and reliable learning experi-
ence. From the growing e-learning solutions, all are taking benefit and advantages
in several ways and exploring the knowledge apart from learning. With the help of
the cloud computing for e-learning, all the essential and valuable data uploaded by
numerous institutions/organization will be easily shared by the users of that network
or cloud. Cloud-based e-learning systems are must faster, cost-effective, and efficient
than traditional e-learning systems. Users do not need high configuration hardware
for cloud-based e-learning; he does not have to install any software on the system
Cloud-Based E-Learning … 345

only he needs an Internet connection to access or share the data and hardware. None
of the cloud-based tools is perfect.
In this paper, we discussed few of the existing tools with their pros and cons,
in which some platforms are too complex. Easy generator is great substitutions for
the learners looking for a great course with a minimum of fuss. Ruzuku is simple
authoring tool that allows embedding or link sharing package. In future work, we
will perform an evaluation of existing cloud-based e-learning tools and proposed the
cloud-based architecture for e-learning that overcomes the shortcomings of existing
cloud-based learning tools.

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