Navigating the Horizon: A Systematic Review of E-learning in Cloud Computing Environments
K Ramesh Babu Ramesh Babu
Paper Contents
Abstract
The educational landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, propelled by new technologies that are reshaping traditional offline learning into dynamic online experiences. This study investigates the integration of e-learning and cloud computing, aiming to unravel the synergies between these two domains and explore their potential impact on various educational facets. Two primary research questions guide our inquiry: firstly, the examination of how e-learning influences critical factors such as architecture, software, performance, security, hardware, network, and virtual aspects; and secondly, an exploration of cloud computing services and models, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Service-Oriented Architecture (S.O.A). The research seeks to provide valuable insights into the incorporation of e-learning within a cloud computing environment. Motivated by the desire to understand the intricate relationship between e-learning and cloud computing, our study analyzes 154 scientific papers, delving into specific aspects of this integration and highlighting trends and areas that have garnered increased attention. The focus areas include architecture (27%), general topics (21%), software (19%), and performance (18%), shedding light on the diverse dimensions of e-learning in a cloud computing environment.Our findings reveal that virtual environments face fewer security issues, with greater emphasis on storage and network considerations. Cloud computing services are predominantly characterized by a diverse range, encompassing Software as a Service (18%), Infrastructure as a Service (17%), and Platform as a Service (10%). The majority of studies center around public clouds (74%), with limited exploration into other models (11%) and hybrid clouds (3%). Furthermore, the study identifies key limitations in the integration of e-learning in cloud computing, particularly in the contexts of hybrid and private clouds, specialized infrastructure, and a noticeable gap in platforms and infrastructure offerings. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by the intersection of e-learning and cloud computing, offering a foundation for future research and the enhancement of educational practices in the digital era.
Copyright
Copyright © 2024 K Ramesh Babu. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.