e-Learning Ecologies MOOC’s Updates
Cloud Computing in Ubiquitous Learning
Cloud computing means using online platforms to store, access, and manage information instead of keeping it on personal devices. This technology is very important for ubiquitous learning, which allows students and teachers to learn and communicate anytime and anywhere. It helps remove the limits of traditional classrooms, such as fixed places and schedules.
In education, cloud computing makes real-time collaboration and feedback possible. For example, tools like Google Workspace or Scholar allow students to work together on assignments in the cloud. Teachers can see their progress and give feedback during the process, not just at the end. This kind of ongoing feedback helps students improve their work step by step and makes learning more effective.
Cloud computing also encourages teamwork and peer learning. Students can share their work, give each other feedback, and learn together using tools like shared documents. Platforms like Scholar even provide structured systems for peer reviews and feedback, making learning more interactive and engaging.
Advantages:
Transparency: Teachers can check students’ progress anytime and help them when needed.
Accessibility: Students can access their learning materials and assignments from any device, making it convenient and inclusive.
Collaboration: Cloud tools make group work easier, turning students into active participants who create knowledge together.
Example: In a group project, students use Google Docs to write a report together. The teacher monitors their work, gives suggestions in real time, and tracks how much each student contributes. This kind of interaction would be hard to manage in a traditional classroom.
Challenges: However, cloud computing also has some issues, such as concerns about privacy and the feeling of being constantly monitored, which might make some students uncomfortable.
Conclusion: Cloud computing is an important tool for ubiquitous learning. It makes learning more flexible, collaborative, and personalized. Teachers should use this technology wisely to support students while also addressing privacy concerns. This way, cloud computing can bring out its full potential in education.
reference:
Cope, B., and Kalantzis, M. (2017). Conceptualizing e-learning. In B. Cope and M. Kalantzis (Eds), e-Learning Ecologies. New York: Routledge.