Cloud-Based Learning Environment to Leverage Software Engineering Education

摘要

Cloud computing is already being used successfully in several sectors including education. In the education sector, the learning environment plays a vital role in enabling students to achieve successful outcomes during their programme of study. The scope of each learning environment depends greatly on the requirements of the particular study programme. This study looks at the advantages that cloud computing can bring to education generally and specifically to the practical provisions of the learning environment for software engineering. One of the key elements of that learning environment is the computing laboratory (lab) as this is where students hone their practical skills so that they are ready for the next step after graduation. The setup, configuration and use of the computing lab is very important for software engineering students, so finding a way to make lab facilities readily available to students would undoubtedly enhance their learning experience. In this regard, cloud computing can provide effective technological support to overcome the limitations of existing lab facilities for software engineering courses, particularly in developing countries. For instance, the requisite tools for lab courses can be hosted in the cloud and via a suitable networked system, students can access them to practise, build, develop and deploy applications. These tools can be distributed and managed across sites and also shared with more remote satellite institutions, thereby improving the quality of resources available to all students regardless of location.