Abstract:

This speech will present the current Cloud technological revolution and the consequent migration to advanced cloud-based E-Learning platforms, delivered “As a Service”.

1. From cloud to E-Learning
In relation to E-Learning, we want to: outline the in-progress scenario’s evolution, highlight the practical applications, identify the benefits for the end users. In particular, we want to focus on the importance of training as an “added-value” element in organizations’ growth strategy, made simpler and more accessible thanks to the new SaaS (Software as a Service) E-Learning solutions.

1a. New opportunities
Small and medium organizations are now able to empower their human resources optimizing training time and costs. Such optimization is achieved through the leverage of professional tools delivered “as a service”. These tools are easy to be implemented and adopted, and enable technological solutions which were geared mostly towards Large Corporations.

2. The Cloud E-Learning revolution
The Cloud revolution takes place in the physical relocation of software applications and in-house hardware resources. The architecture of cloud-based technology solutions fits perfectly with the technical needs of the typical E-Learning software. At a purely technical level, the scalability guaranteed by cloud platforms allows flexibility when managing the workload of the server. Cloud computing enables open a new frontier and opportunity for E-learning, which is using the computing power in a modular, scalable and distributed way.

3. The SaaS E-Learning revolution
New SaaS E-Learning products - like Docebo Cloud - enable the readiness of the training platforms, eliminating the distance between the “customer” and the “service”. Self-provisioning E-Learning projects “on the Cloud” represent the new generation of training: such professional Learning Management Systems (LMSs) can be accessed “As a Service”, with no local installation required and no software updates needed. This is how the “set-up” of a training project becomes an easy and quick operation, accessible to every small and medium school and organization, also with low-profile technical skills (i.e.: no domain registration, nor server configuration are required).

4. Research and Outlooks: the adoption of an E-Learning platform and new trends
In collaboration with the Bicocca University of Milan (Computer Science Lab for Pedagogical Experimentation) we present the whitepaper “Adoption of e-learning solution: selection criteria and recent trends”. This paper is intended to assess and streamline how specific factors can influence the world of online learning by analyzing the most important changes that are occurring in the space. The research also provides insights and focus on the “top five” E-Learning trends of 2012 : Cloud, SaaS, Talent Management oriented solutions, Mobile Learning and Social Learning. While introducing current and future trends, the research aims at assessing how market players (E-learning vendors) are capable to adapt, in order to comply with these emerging trends.

Keywords:

Learning management system, saas, software as a service, cloud e-learning, cloud computing benefits for e-learning, learning trends of 2012.