Abstract:

Cloud computing is now associated with numerous areas of life. It allows for storing data, sharing it, working together with others. It is thus an environment and a tool for cooperation or acquiring valuable skill of sharing knowledge. In fact, it can be very helpful in connection with the didactic process, including the so-called virtual didactics. However, this useful solution shares also actual or potential challenges or dangers that threaten the processes of learning in the network. On the other hand, it is something real, developing, used: hence the need for reflection and research on its use in teaching, and more generally – in forming people.

E-learning uses cloud-based applications and learning platforms from the very emergence of such opportunities. The ability to share knowledge resources encourages holistic treatment of the learning process. It also facilitates the integration of the learning and teaching process. It supports flexibility in choosing the path of individual learning.

The paper presents the results of research on the effectiveness of the use of cloud teaching assessed by experts in the focus study and by users in the questionnaire study. Focus panels were moderated along the guidelines formulated as a result of the operationalization of a set of hypotheses. Hypotheses concerned the expected afirmation of cloud-learning among young learners, high assesment of pedagocical potential of this method by all age groups and users categories, and highly assesed developing potential of cloud-learning. The conclusions from the research partly verified some of the hypotheses, and indicate the potential of this e-learning technology highly evaluated by experts and moderately assessed by recipients.

Keywords:

Cloud computing, virtual didactics, integration environment.